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New York State Non-Driver Photo ID

A New York state non-driver photo ID contains the same photo, signature and personal information as a driver's license and is secure against fraud or alteration. It can be a useful proof of identity and can be used in place of your passport for everyday identification needs, such as check cashing.

  1. You can obtain a New York state non-driver photo ID through the Niagara County Department of Motor Vehicles, located at:
    1001 11th Street
    Trott Access Building
    Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14301
    716.278.1970
  2. Your I-20 must have at least six months remaining. It must have been issued for more than one year.
  3. You must fill out a form  MV-44.
  4. You must provide "proof of identity" totaling four points (explained below), plus a social security card (worth two points, for a total of six points). If you do not have a social security card, you must provide a letter from the Social Security Administration or form SSA-L676 explaining why you are ineligible for a social security card.
  5. Each document submitted must be an original or certified by the issuing agency. One must have your signature, and one must show your date of birth. In most cases, your passport will have your date of birth and signature, and that is sufficient for both purposes.
  6. Document point values are as follows:
    1. I-20 AND Passport: 3 points (proves date of birth)
    2. Social Security Card: 2 points
    3. U.S. College Photo ID: 2 points
    4. Computer Printed Pay Stub: 1 point
    5. U.S. Health Insurance Card: 1 point
    6. W-2 with Social Security Number: 1 point
    7. Bank statement OR canceled, preprinted check OR signed ATM/debit card OR valid major U.S. credit card: 1 point

Further information is available from the  New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. In addition, ICE issued a July 2009 DMV Fact Sheet that, although not specific to New York state, provides many general answers to frequently asked questions.