Is a State ID actually required?

[PawPatrol 8]

Hi,

 

I have my naturalization interview later this week in the Minneapolis, MN area (became resident through marriage about ten years ago).

 

The interview letter from the USCIS that came in the mail says nothing about having a State ID (I have read every word on it a few times). However, I was just doing some research online about the interview and saw a govt website mention that you need a State ID.

 

I let my Driver’s License expire many years ago because I have a seizure disorder and it is quite uncomfortable for me to drive (focusing on fast moving objects like cars can trigger episodic seizures in me).
 

I don’t have any other form of State ID. I do have my foreign passport for a photo ID. Is the State ID just to prove my residence in the State? If so, I assume that other documents could be used to prove that (such as tax returns)?

 

Just looking to see how often a DL or State ID is actually asked for in these interviews and people’s experience if they did not have one.

 

Cheers!

Edited July 25, 2021 by PawPatrol

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

They asked for my DL specifically even though I had a green card which I assumed was good enough for ID. Not sure if it is partly to check the residence is correct - I did see a report a while back where someone presented a DL from a different state and was denied for wrong residency at time of filing. If I were you I’d certainly take some form of residency evidence.

[Mike E 11,739]

50 minutes ago, PawPatrol said:

The interview letter from the USCIS that came in the mail says nothing about having a State ID (I have read every word on it a few times). However, I was just doing some research online about the interview and saw a govt website mention that you need a State ID.

Do you have a green card? Do have a passport? Then you are good. 
 

 

50 minutes ago, PawPatrol said:

 

 

Just looking to see how often a DL or State ID is actually asked for in these interviews and people’s experience if they did not have one.

A state ID is evidence of residency in the USA.  Failure to have a state ID is unlikely to prevent you from being approved.  

[Coco8 1,042]

You are a week away, so take evidence that you live in the state and have lived there for a while.

 

When I had my GC interview (not naturalization), the officer told me I needed to get a state ID because I didn't have one either (I don't drive). She gave me a whole speech of why I needed one so now I have one. 

[El Escocés 217]

1 hour ago, SusieQQQ said:

Not sure if it is partly to check the residence is correct

When I handed over my DL, she read out aloud the address while comparing it to what ever she was reading on the screen and then gave it back to me. So could be

Edited July 25, 2021 by El Escocés

[rizvi252 17]

They did ask for me also ID along with passport and green card. So could be to check the address of residence. 

[NEW CITIZEN 151]

Didn't your state offer a State ID? Most states offer one for those who do not wish a drivers license.

 

Your "other" documents do not have a photo, thats where the issues lie.

Edited July 25, 2021 by NEW CITIZEN

[Mike E 11,739]

They can ask for a Costco card, a Sam’s card, and a BJ’s card too if they want.  
 

There is no requirement a US LPR or citizen or national hold a state ID.  And since state IDs aren’t free, such a requirement would infringe the 5th amendment. 
 

Prediction: OP will experience at most some grumbling about not having state ID and will be approved.  

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

When checking the uscis page it does actually say a state ID is required. https://my.uscis.gov/citizenship/what_to_expect

 

4	Attend your naturalization interview

• Appear at the USCIS office at the scheduled date and time on your interview notice

• Bring the following documentation to your naturalization interview:

  • Your interview appointment notice;

  • Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card;

  • A state-issued identification such as a driver’s license; and

  • All valid and expired passports and travel documents issued to you that document your absences from the United States since becoming a permanent resident.

  • For a list of other documents that you may need to bring with you, read Form M-477, Document Checklist.

• Take the English and civics tests

• We will inform you of the results

• If requested, submit additional information to USCIS

[retheem 566]

5 hours ago, PawPatrol said:

Hi,

 

I have my naturalization interview later this week in the Minneapolis, MN area (became resident through marriage about ten years ago).

 

The interview letter from the USCIS that came in the mail says nothing about having a State ID (I have read every word on it a few times). However, I was just doing some research online about the interview and saw a govt website mention that you need a State ID.

 

I let my Driver’s License expire many years ago because I have a seizure disorder and it is quite uncomfortable for me to drive (focusing on fast moving objects like cars can trigger episodic seizures in me).
 

I don’t have any other form of State ID. I do have my foreign passport for a photo ID. Is the State ID just to prove my residence in the State? If so, I assume that other documents could be used to prove that (such as tax returns)?

 

Just looking to see how often a DL or State ID is actually asked for in these interviews and people’s experience if they did not have one.

 

Cheers!

Nah, they won't bother. At the most you may encounter some wacko officer who may throw ####### but you will be approved

[El Escocés 217]

2 hours ago, retheem said:

Nah, they won't bother. At the most you may encounter some wacko officer who may throw ####### but you will be approved

 

4 hours ago, Mike E said:

Prediction: OP will experience at most some grumbling about not having state ID and will be approved

 I'm really looking forward to reading your tales of your/spouse's N400 interview when you/they tell 'em about the validity of your blockbuster membership card as appropriate ID

Edited July 26, 2021 by El Escocés

[Mike E 11,739]

13 minutes ago, El Escocés said:

 

 I'm really looking forward to reading your tales of your/spouse's N400 interview when you/they tell 'em about the validity of your blockbuster membership card as appropriate ID

As blockbuster is about valid as a K-3 that won’t work.  Not actually sure where I said one can provide a blockbuster card.  Please quote it son that I can issue the appropriate mea culpa.  
 

Do feel free to cite a law that requires an LPR to possess a state ID.  
 

Certainly if an LPR possesses a state ID, USCIS can demand it.  As my spouse will likely still be driving I will be unable to fulfill your titillation 

Edited July 26, 2021 by Mike E

[El Escocés 217]

3 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Do feel free to cite a law that requires an LPR to possess a state ID.  

edit: it's not worth getting one's panties in a twist

Edited July 26, 2021 by El Escocés

[Britizilian 14]

I had my interview at Newark, they did ask for  State ID which I said I don't have one - and it ended there -.

 

I took my deed and electricity bill as proof of residency. No hassle and no headaches

[WaterLeaf 200]

You can always get the state identification card, which is not the same as state driver license card. If it helps? I don't know if you have one or not.

 

In Tennessee we have the state ID vs state DL if that help with the comparison. Having a state ID card you don't have to have it for driving around but useful for other cases.