I am a Green Card holder and was told I have to be a US citizen to renew my REAL ID online. Is this a federal rule for all Green Card holders, or does online renewal eligibility vary by state?
There is no federal rule that prohibits Green Card holders from renewing a REAL ID online. Federal regulations allow states to process remote renewals as long as the state's own procedures permit it.
You can cross this worry off your list. The federal government does not ban you from renewing your REAL ID online just because you are a Green Card holder.
Federal regulations state that a state may conduct a remote or non-in-person renewal if the state's procedures permit it.
Because the federal rule leaves this up to state procedures, online renewal eligibility varies by state.
To renew remotely under federal rules, the state must reverify your Social Security Number and your lawful status.
Federal rules also say a state cannot renew your REAL ID remotely if there has been a material change in any of your personally identifiable information since your last card was issued.
