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Photo ID

It is best to avoid carrying your passport with you while you are living in the U.S. unless you are preparing to travel or need it for a specific documentation purpose (i.e. getting a social security card or driver's license). For daily life, you can obtain a photo ID to carry with you.

What is a Photo ID?

Students can get a State of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ issued identification card (State ID) or drivers license. Either of these cards will be valid photo identification in all states in the U.S. You cannot have both a state ID and a drivers license. 

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Identification Card vs. Driver License

  • Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Identification (ID) Cards are issued to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ residents who do not have a valid driver license.
  • An Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ driver license allows you to drive in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and other states. 
    • Drivers with prior experience can schedule a driving skills test and provide appropriate documentation to obtain an Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Driver License. You can schedule your test through the website.

You can learn more about obtaining an Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ ID or driver license on the on the BMV website.

  • Athens Bureau of Motor Vehicles

    To obtain an Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ photo ID or driver license, you will need to visit the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The BMV location closest to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University’s Athens Campus is located at 1002 East State Street Suite 21, Athens, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, 45701.

    To find other locations, visit the BMV website.

Required Documentation

To ensure that your visit to the BMV goes smoothly, make sure you take all required documentation. This includes:

  • A valid passport
  • I-20 or DS-2019 
  • I-94
  • Proof of residency (e.g. a copy of your bank or credit card statement)

Learn more about acceptable documents by reviewing the full list of identity documents on the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ BMV website.

Helpful Information

  • The process of obtaining an Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ ID or driver license can take 3-5 weeks. You will receive paper proof of licensure at the BMV but your official license will be sent to you by U.S. Mail.
  • A non-renewable/non-transferable Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ driver license or ID card will be issued with the same expiration date as the document issued by USCIS or four years, whichever is sooner.
  • There are . Make sure you are prepared to pay the necessary fees when you visit the BMV.