State ID?

[jeffandmariya 0]

Hi everyone!

I keep moving forward on my journey I got my EAC(employment authorization card) last month and I'm about to start working (excited)!!!

My orientation is this Saturday and they gave me a list with the papers that I need to take to them... One of the things on the list is drivers license or ID card issued by state... Unfortunately I don't have either one of it yet

and the DMV is closed for a week because they have system update or something like that... MY LUCK!

I actually have two questions about it: can I get a state ID without a green card? and is it legal to start working without a state ID?

Thank you in advance for you time and answers!

[Penny Lane 8,159]

A state ID has nothing to do with your eligibility to work. It's simply an identification card. Yes, you can get one without a green card.

[jeffandmariya 0]

Thank you so much! I hope my employer knows that and I'll go to apply for an ID as soon as the DMV start working again next week...

[pichusboy 0]

You can't get or renew a driver license if your AOS hasn't been granted and you have been in the US for more than 90 days..

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Thank you so much! I hope my employer knows that and I'll go to apply for an ID as soon as the DMV start working again next week...

All you need is your EAD to work, as well as a social security number.

Now, to fill out paperwork, they might require another form of identification. Either get a driver's license or state ID, or use your passport. Depends on the employer.

Edited May 3, 2012 by Coconuts

[rocks 494]

All you need is your EAD to work, as well as a social security number.

Now, to fill out paperwork, they might require another form of identification. Either get a driver's license or state ID, or use your passport. Depends on the employer.

Agreed. They are asking for state ID or drivers license because almost every American has one of those, not so many have passports. You don't have one so just take your passport and explain that you couldn't get one this week. I had to wait until AOS was approved before I got a drivers license, never tried for a state ID. You can definitely work without having a state ID.

Edited May 3, 2012 by rocks

[Penny Lane 8,159]

My AOS is pending and I've had my driver's license for a couple of months. It's "temporary" and expires when my EAD does. By then, I'll have my green card and will be able to renew that way.

Before I got my DL, though, I got my State ID. I used my EAD and brought proof of residency (bills, etc) and that was all they needed. Pretty easy.

[rocks 494]

My AOS is pending and I've had my driver's license for a couple of months. It's "temporary" and expires when my EAD does. By then, I'll have my green card and will be able to renew that way.

Before I got my DL, though, I got my State ID. I used my EAD and brought proof of residency (bills, etc) and that was all they needed. Pretty easy.

It depends on which state you are in, you were lucky! The woman at the DMV here was quite rude and refused to deal with me without a green card. I don't think she knew what an EAD was, there was no telling her though.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

It depends on which state you are in, you were lucky! The woman at the DMV here was quite rude and refused to deal with me without a green card. I don't think she knew what an EAD was, there was no telling her though.

I must be blessed, because nearly everyone tells me how horrible the DMV is and I've had nothing but pleasant (well, pleasant might be stretching it) experiences there!

[rocks 494]

I must be blessed, because nearly everyone tells me how horrible the DMV is and I've had nothing but pleasant (well, pleasant might be stretching it) experiences there!

It really is the worst place I've been, worse than the post office!

I travel a few towns over to a different one where the people are much nicer, it's worth the trip even though it's in a double wide.

[jeffandmariya 0]

Yes, I thought about the proof of residency bc there is no addr on the passport, EAD or SSC...

Thank you all for the quick responses!

[Moomin 292]

Yes, I thought about the proof of residency bc there is no addr on the passport, EAD or SSC...

Thank you all for the quick responses!

You're given a list of documents to chose from to provide as proper ID, one of them would be the state ID/driver's license but you're not forced to show that specific piece of document. My employer looked at the EAD for a second and scanned it. He preferred my expired state ID/license over EAD/combo card because he was simply more familiar with that than any other proof.

You don't have to go to the license branch nearest you, you can try a different one if they're open.

[Caryh 5,206]

The issuance of State ID's and drivers licenses varies so much between states. Add in the attitudes of some state employees and it gets even worse. Most states have have a DMV web site that gives their requirements to get a DL or State ID. Just to make sure you don't have trouble with getting one, it doesn't hurt to print out the requirements page of the web site and bring it with you. But hopefully you'll get a nice state worker who actually knows what they're doing. So far everyone has been very pleasant and helpful to my wife as we have gone through these steps. BTW My state's requirements actually list the EAD as a valid ID, as well as a passport with an unexpired I-94.