Proof of Identity Required

Each applicant for a learner's permit, operator's license or non-driver ID is required to show documentary proof of identity and date and place of birth. Proof of identity shall be one primary document and one secondary document or two primary documents from the following lists. A primary document must contain the full name and date of birth and must be verifiable, i.e., we must be able to contact the issuing agency to determine the authenticity of the document.

NOTE:  Non-US citizens who wish to obtain a Learner Permit, Driver License, or Non-Driver Identification Card must provide proof of valid legal presence in the United States for at least 30 days from the date of the Learner Permit or Driver License Issuance forward. Download information about "ID & Legal Presence Requirements for Non-Citizens". Examples of acceptable proof include a Permanent Resident card (I-551), or a foreign passport with a US visa and I-94, showing class and expiration date. Further documentation may be required for some classes, such as students and exchange visitors. Any license or permit issued to a non-immigrant citizen of a foreign country shall expire coincidentally with his or her authorized duration of stay.

Primary Identity Documents

• Photo driver license (cannot be expired more than one year).
• State/province/territory issued photo ID card (cannot be expired more than one year).
• Certified microfilm/copy of driver license or ID card (cannot be expired more than one year).
• Certificate of birth (U.S. or Canadian issued). Must be original or certified copy, have a raised seal and be issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics or State Board of Health. Hospital issued certificates and baptismal certificates are NOT acceptable.
• Canadian Immigration Record and Visa or Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
• Court order. Must contain full name, date of birth and court seal. Examples include adoption document, name change document, gender document, etc.
• Military ID
• Valid passport, U. S. or Canadian. If foreign, appropriate CIS document also is required.
• State issued learner permit. An out-of-state issued permit is acceptable only if it contains a photo. Cannot be expired more than one year.
• Canadian Department of Indian Affairs issued ID card. Tribal issued card is not acceptable. U.S. issued Department of Indian Affairs card is NOT acceptable.

Primary Identity documents include the following "Citizen & Immigration Services (CIS)" documents:

• Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570, or N-578)
• Certificate of Citizenship (N-560, N-561, or N-645)
• Northern Marina Card (I-551)
• American Indian Card (I-551)
• U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
• Resident Alien Card (I-151, I-551, AR-3, AR-3A, or AR-103)
• Temporary Resident Identification Card (K-688)
• Non-resident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card (I-185 or I-586)
• Record of Arrival and Department (in a valid Foreign Passport) (I-94 or I-94W visa waiver program)
• Record of Arrival and Departure w/attached photo stamped "Temporary Proof of Lawful Permanent Resident" (I-94)
• Processed for I-551 stamp (in a valid Foreign Passport)
• Permanent Resident Re-entry Permit (I-327)
• Refugee Travel Document (I-571)
• Record of Arrival and Departure (in a Certificate of Identity) (I-94)
• Record of Arrival and Departure Stamped "Refugee", "Parole", "Parolee" or "Asylee") (I-94)
• Employment Authorization Document (card) "EAD" Ins. form I-766

Secondary Identity Documents

• All Primary Identity Documents
• Bureau of Indian Affairs Card/Indian Treaty Card. Tribal ID card is NOT acceptable.
• Photo driver license/ID card, expired more than one year
• Court order that does not contain the applicant's date of birth.
• Employer photo ID card
• Foreign birth certificate. Must be translated by approved translator.
• Health insurance card, i.e., Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Kaiser, HMO.
• IRS/State tax forms W-2 NOT acceptable
• Marriage certificate/license
• Civil Union certificate
• Medical records from doctor/hospital
• Military dependent ID
• Military discharge/separation papers
• Parent/guardian affidavit. Parent/guardian must appear in person, prove his/her identity and submit a certified/notarized affidavit regarding the child's identity. Applies only to minors.
• Gun Permit
• Pilot's license
• School record/transcript (Must be certified)
• Social security card (Metal or laminated card is NOT acceptable)
• Social insurance card (for Canadian residents only)
• Student ID Card (Must contain photo)
• Vehicle title (Vehicle registration NOT acceptable)
• Photo Welfare card
• Prison release document

Source: Vermont Statutes, Title 23 Motor Vehicles, Chapter 9 Operators' Licenses, Subchapter 1 General Provisions, §603. Application for and issuance of license, Subsection (d)

(d) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a citizen of a foreign country shall produce his or her passport and visa, alien registration receipt card (green card), or other proof of legal presence for inspection and copying as a part of the application process for an operator license, junior operator license, learner permit, or non-driver identification card. Notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, an operator license, junior operator license, learner permit, or non-driver identification card issued to a citizen of a foreign country shall expire coincidentally with his or her authorized duration of stay. A license or permit issued under this section may not be issued to be valid for a period of less than 30 days. Click here to find information about "ID & Legal Presence Requirements for Non-Citizens".

Additional documentation may be required at the department's discretion if documentation submitted is questionable or if there is reason to believe the person is not who s/he claims to be.