How to get an ID (identification) card in New York

If you live in New York City, you can get a government ID card that proves your identity. The NYC ID card also gets you into museums for free. You do not have to prove your immigration status to get a NYC ID. To learn more, visit IDNYC.

If you live in New York State, you have two options:

1. Get a non-driver ID. You will have to show you have legal immigration status (Examples: citizenship, green card, student visa). To learn more, visit the NY DMV website.
2. Get a driver's license. Anyone who lives in New York State can get a driver's license, even if they do not have immigration papers. You do not need to prove you are here legally, but you need to know how to drive.

These are the documents you can show to get a driver's license:

• a valid, unexpired foreign passport from your country of citizenship
• a valid, unexpired consular identification document from a consulate
• a valid foreign driver license that includes your photo, and which is either unexpired or expired for less than 24 months
• Permanent Resident Card, which is either unexpired or expired for less than 24 months
• Employment Authorization Card, which is either unexpired or expired for less than 24 months
• Border Crossing Card
• U.S. Municipal ID Card (e.g. NYC ID) with photo
• foreign marriage or divorce record or court name change decree
• foreign birth certificate