Do you need a state ID when you move here, or is a green card valid?

[Samanthajayne 0]

Just a quick question.

I never applied for a Texas state ID.

I have always used my GC as Id.

Is there a law against this? anyone know?

Thanks

[Ayman and Yasmina 0]

I would think its good to get one to establish domicile in that state...

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

I don't think Arkansas, where we live, even as a state ID. I have always used my green card or passport, though some people look at you strangely when you say you don't have a driving license.

[john & jean 37]

I don't think Arkansas, where we live, even as a state ID. I have always used my green card or passport, though some people look at you strangely when you say you don't have a driving license.

PERHAPS THAT IS THE ONLY WAY THEY CAN LOOK

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Most states have a non-driving-licence version which functions as a state ID.

Bringing up another (and quite tangential) question. For a temporary work-permit holder who has a foreign DL in posession, would it be valid to get this non-DL type state ID?

[Otto 83]

Just a quick question.

I never applied for a Texas state ID.

I have always used my GC as Id.

Is there a law against this? anyone know?

Thanks

There is no law that requires a resident of Texas to have either a TX. DL or TX. ID (the State ID does come in handy when cashing a check, for example, though.)

If you live here and have an out of state DL, I believe you're required to change this to a TX. DL (but that wasn't what you asked...)

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Just a quick question.

I never applied for a Texas state ID.

I have always used my GC as Id.

Is there a law against this? anyone know?

Thanks

There is no law that requires a resident of Texas to have either a TX. DL or TX. ID (the State ID does come in handy when cashing a check, for example, though.)

If you live here and have an out of state DL, I believe you're required to change this to a TX. DL (but that wasn't what you asked...)

Partly true.

Holders of temporary work-permits (and their dependants) who hold foreign DL's can, in many states, retain them so long as their status/visa does not adjust to permanent resident (note: this does not take into account the legality of doing so from the other end).

Edited August 4, 2009 by Saddle Bronc

[Otto 83]

Partly true.

Holders of temporary work-permits (and their dependants) who hold foreign DL's can, in many states, retain them so long as their status/visa does not adjust to permanent resident (note: this does not take into account the legality of doing so from the other end).

Good information for those with temporary work permits (and their dependents)...

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

We got the California ID for the wife for two reasons:

1) It is the form of ID they are most used to seeing in California

2) We protect the GC from being lost or stolen, by leaving the document at home.

Possession of an California ID Card or Drivers License can only result from having a legal presence document (Real ID Act), so it also functions as a legal presence document.

[imaisha 1]

2) We protect the GC from being lost or stolen, by leaving the document at home.

Hmm... except that the LPR needs to have the green card on their person at all times.

Section 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides that, "Every alien in the United States shall be issued a certificate of alien registration or an alien registration receipt card in such form and manner and at such time as shall be prescribed under regulations." It also states, "Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him. Any alien who fails to comply with [these] provisions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."

From: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

2) We protect the GC from being lost or stolen, by leaving the document at home.

Hmm... except that the LPR needs to have the green card on their person at all times.

Section 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides that, "Every alien in the United States shall be issued a certificate of alien registration or an alien registration receipt card in such form and manner and at such time as shall be prescribed under regulations." It also states, "Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him. Any alien who fails to comply with [these] provisions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."

From: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

We are aware of that, since it states it right with the card when it comes. However, enclosed is an evelope with a protective cover that says, "We recommend you use this envelope to protect your new card".

An interesting contradiction, no?

[imaisha 1]

We are aware of that, since it states it right with the card when it comes. However, enclosed is an evelope with a protective cover that says, "We recommend you use this envelope to protect your new card".

An interesting contradiction, no?

Not a contradiction at all. Because you have to carry it around, they want to make sure it's protected. If just sits in your sock drawer it doesn't really need a protective envelope does it?

I just wouldn't want her to end up in a situation where, should she be picked up by the authorities, she'd have no way to prove her immigration status. "Oh I keep it at home" probably wouldn't be an acceptable answer. It's unlikely it'd ever happen, but a risk I wouldn't want to take.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

We are aware of that, since it states it right with the card when it comes. However, enclosed is an evelope with a protective cover that says, "We recommend you use this envelope to protect your new card".

An interesting contradiction, no?

Not a contradiction at all. Because you have to carry it around, they want to make sure it's protected. If just sits in your sock drawer it doesn't really need a protective envelope does it?

I just wouldn't want her to end up in a situation where, should she be picked up by the authorities, she'd have no way to prove her immigration status. "Oh I keep it at home" probably wouldn't be an acceptable answer. It's unlikely it'd ever happen, but a risk I wouldn't want to take.

The California ID Card is a legal presence document. http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1200062053842.shtm

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

We are aware of that, since it states it right with the card when it comes. However, enclosed is an evelope with a protective cover that says, "We recommend you use this envelope to protect your new card".

An interesting contradiction, no?

Not a contradiction at all. Because you have to carry it around, they want to make sure it's protected. If just sits in your sock drawer it doesn't really need a protective envelope does it?

I just wouldn't want her to end up in a situation where, should she be picked up by the authorities, she'd have no way to prove her immigration status. "Oh I keep it at home" probably wouldn't be an acceptable answer. It's unlikely it'd ever happen, but a risk I wouldn't want to take.

The California ID Card functions as a legal presence document. http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1200062053842.shtm

Corrected