U.S. Identification Cards

This webpage offers information, guidance, and application procedures for different types of U.S. identification cards. International students are encouraged to review the details below to determine their eligibility for these cards. Please be aware that students can ONLY apply for these U.S. identification cards AFTER arriving in the U.S.

MIT STUDENT ID

How to Get an MIT Student ID
Once a student has arrived in the U.S., they must complete everything listed on the ISO ‘Post-Arrival Checklist’ webpage and follow the instructions on the IS&T website to obtain an MIT Student ID Card from the Atlas Service Center (ASC).

Additionally, before visiting the ASC in person, students can expedite the processing of their MIT ID Card by uploading a photo for the MIT ID Card in advance at mycard.mit.edu. Simply click “Submit ID Photo” on the mycard.mit.edu website to review the checklist of necessary documents and upload the required photo.

MASSACHUSETTS STATE DRIVER’S LICENSE

ATTENTION: Guidance provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MA-RMV) only applies to driving in Massachusetts. Students planning to drive in other U.S. State(s) must consult the Registry/Department of Motor Vehicles in the state(s) they will travel through to confirm the state-specific driving regulations.

U.S. Forms Of Identification & Driving In The U.S.

All international students are eligible to apply for a Massachusetts Driver’s License if they meet the specified requirements.

  • For detailed information, please refer to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website. Students must schedule an appointment online through the ‘myRMV Online Service Center’ webpage to visit the RMV in person.
  • NOTE: Under the Work and Family Mobility Act, eligible residents in Massachusetts can obtain a Standard (Class D or M) driver’s license, regardless of their U.S. immigration status.

NOTE: Students are advised to wait 15 business days after the start date listed on their MIT-issued “Certificate of Eligibility” Document (Forms I-20 or Forms DS-2019) before applying for a Massachusetts Driver’s License. Furthermore, it is recommended that they purchase personal liability/accident insurance when renting a car.

ATTENTION: Students who will drive in the U.S./Massachusetts on their foreign driver’s license, must meet all the requirements listed on the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website.

MASSACHUSETTS STATE ID OR MASSACHUSETTS STATE LIQUOR ID

All international students who do not intend to drive in the U.S. but want a U.S. form of identification are eligible to apply for a “Massachusetts State ID” or “Massachusetts State Liquor ID” if they meet the specified requirements.

Massachusetts State Identification Card

  • The Massachusetts State ID is suitable for students under 21 years of age who do not plan to drive in the U.S. but desire a U.S. form of identification.

Massachusetts State Liquor Identification Card

  • The Massachusetts State Liquor ID is suitable for students over 21 years of age who do not plan to drive in the U.S. but desire a U.S. form of identification.

The closest Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office to MIT is:

Other locations and more information, including current wait times, can be found on the RMV website.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION TO OBTAIN A MASSACHUSETTS ID

A listing of required documentation is available on the RMV website, which includes the following items plus additional documentation:

  1. Social Security Number card or an SSN “Denial Letter“.
  2. Valid Passport.
  3. Printed and Signed MIT-issued “Certificate of Eligibility” Document (Forms I-20 or Forms DS-2019).
  4. Evidence of Current U.S. Address. (e.g., lease/rent agreement, utility bills, etc.).
  5. Current Driver’s License (if applicable – from home country or international driver’s license).
  6. Application Fee Payment.

**Additional documentation may be necessary; the specific requirements will depend on each student’s unique circumstances. A checklist of Acceptable Identification Documents is available on the RMV website here.

Additional Questions?
After thoroughly reviewing the ISO ‘Getting Started’ webpages, students with additional questions are encouraged to use the search tool located at the top of the ISO website or consult the comprehensive FAQ section on the ISO ‘Knowledge Base’ webpage. Additionally, MIT students have the option to contact their designated ISO Advisor directly for assistance.

Office of the Vice Chancellor