NEW - REAL IDs

Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 or older will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport, to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities. The REAL ID Act sets national security standards for state-issued IDs but does not impact their use for non-federal purposes.

Learn about the REAL ID

Driving in the U.S.

If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP), you may be allowed to drive in the U.S. for a limited time. However, each state has different rules about how long and under what conditions you can use a foreign license or IDP. Because of these differences—and because not all police officers may recognize international documents—OGS strongly recommends that you apply for a U.S. driver’s license in your state of residence if you plan to drive while living in the U.S.

Generally, the following documents are required to apply for U.S. Driver’s Licenses:

  • Valid Passport, Valid signed I-20 or DS-2019, Most recent I-94, Proof of Legal Presence, Proof of Residence, Proof of SSN (or RMV Affidavit), Completed Application, Fee Payment 

Learn more about applying for a Driver’s License in:

If your driver’s license is not a REAL ID, you may not use it as an identification document to board a domestic flight in the U.S.; you must use your passport.

 

State Issued ID Cards

These cards resemble driver’s licenses but are for identification purposes only and do not authorize driving. ID cards can be a convenient alternative to carrying a passport for everyday identification needs. Validity periods vary by state, but many standard ID cards are valid for several years before renewal is required.

There are multiple options to apply for a Driver’s License or Identification Card in the Arlington Metropolitan area. It is best to submit an application based on where you currently reside, whether this is in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. Please be sure to check for what is needed in each state/region to obtain a Driver’s License or Identification Card. 

Virginia State Issued IDs

  • Virginia offers three main types of state issued IDs: Driver’s Licenses, ID Cards, and Driver Privilege Card. When applying for one of these IDS, you can choose a REAL ID that can be used to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. A Virginia REAL ID has a star on the top right corner. 
  • Visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to start the online application to apply for a Virginia Driver’s License, Driver Privilege Card, or State ID. New Virginia residents must obtain a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of moving to the state.  

Maryland State Issued IDs

  • Maryland offers two main types of state issued IDs: Driver’s Licenses and Non-Driver Identification (ID) Cards. Real ID and Federally Non-Compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards are available. When applying for one of these IDS, you can choose a REAL ID that can be used to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. A Maryland REAL ID has a star on the top right corner. 
  • The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) encourages applicants to begin their applications online through the Pre-Application tool. Appointments to submit in person are also available. New Maryland residents must obtain a Maryland Driver’s License within 60 days of moving to the state.  

Washington D.C. (District of Columbia) State IDs

  • The District of Columbia offers two main types of Licenses and IDs for District residents: REAL ID Driver’s Licenses, Limited Purpose Identification Cards, and Non-Driver Identification Cards (ID). When applying for one of these IDS, you can choose a REAL ID that can be used to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. A District of Columbia REAL ID has a star on the top right corner.
  • The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) issues Driver’s Licenses, Limited Purpose IDs, and Non-Driver IDs. The DC DMV Verification Guide assists with determining which documents are required to upload and/or bring in-person to the DMV to apply for a license or ID. New District of Columbia residents must obtain a DC DMV driver’s license if the resident lives in the District and operates a motor vehicle in a public space for 60 days or more.  

If your state ID is not a REAL ID, you may not use it as an identification document to board a domestic flight in the U.S.; you must use your passport.

  • California offers two main types of state issued IDs: Driver’s License and Identification Card. California offers driver’s licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status. When applying for one of these IDS, you can choose a REAL ID that can be used to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. A California REAL ID has a star on the top right corner.
  • The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues both Driver’s License and Identification (ID) cards. There is varying application requirements based on your individual situation. New California residents must obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days of establishing California residency. See the “How to Apply for a Driver’s License (DL) if You’re Under/Over 18 Years Old” dropdown boxes to see your application requirements at this page. 

If your state ID is not a REAL ID, you may not use it as an identification document to board a domestic flight in the U.S.; you must use your passport.

  • Florida offers two main types of State Issued ID cards: Driver’s License and Identification Cards. Florida began issuing REAL ID compliant state identification cards after January 1, 2010. Florida is a REAL ID compliant state.
  • The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issues both driver’s licenses and ID cards. To obtain a Florida driver’s license or ID card, you must go in person to any local office offering driver’s license services. When applying for a driver license, you will be given a vision test, however you may be eligible to receive a license without taking a written or road test. Depending on the location, the office may offer services on a walk-in basis or by appointment–only. New Florida residents must obtain a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency to drive on Florida roads.  

If your state ID is not a REAL ID, you may not use it as an identification document to board a domestic flight in the U.S.; you must use your passport.

  • Maine offers two different types of State Issued ID cards: A Driver’s license and a Non-driver identification card. When applying for one of these IDS, you can choose a REAL ID that can be used to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. A Maine REAL ID has a star on the top right corner. 
  • The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues Driver’s Licenses and Non-Driver Identification Card. To obtain a Maine driver’s license or state identification you must make an appointment online prior to visiting a branch office to apply in person. In Maine, there are different permitting and licensing requirements and restrictions based on your age group. Therefore, please visit the Maine BMV website to understand the permitting and license process based on your age at the time of your application. New Maine residents must obtain a new Maine driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a resident of the State of Maine. 

If your state ID is not a REAL ID, you may not use it as an identification document to board a domestic flight in the U.S.; you must use your passport.

  • Massachusetts offers three different types of State Issued ID cards: Driver’s License, Massachusetts ID Card, or a Liquor ID Card. When applying for one of these IDs, you can choose a REAL ID that can be used to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. A Massachusetts REAL ID has a star in the top right corner.
  • All information regarding applications for the different state issued ID cards can be found on the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website.

If your state ID is not a REAL ID, you may not use it as an identification document to board a domestic flight in the U.S.; you must use your passport.

  • Washington offers two main types of State Issued ID cards: Standard Driver’s License and ID Cards and Enhanced Driver’s License and ID (Real ID) Cards. When applying for one of these IDS, you can choose a REAL ID that can be used to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. A Washington REAL ID has a star on the top right corner. 
  • To obtain a Washington driver’s license you must make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office to apply in person. If you are 18 years of age or older, you may be eligible to obtain your first driver’s license by passing the knowledge and driving test without taking a driver training course or getting a learner permit. New Washington residents must obtain a Washington driver’s license within 30 days of moving to the state.
  • There is no minimum age to obtain a State ID card. Standard State ID cards cannot be used to cross borders. An Enhanced ID (EID) has different requirements. Prepare your personal documents by reviewing the enhanced document checklist.    

If your driver’s license is not a REAL ID, you may not use it as an identification document to board a domestic flight in the U.S.; you must use your passport.