U.S. Alien Registration Requirements
What You Need to Know
All non-citizens in the United States are required to register with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and carry proof of registration at all times. Although this requirement has existed for decades under federal law, Executive Order 14159—issued by President Trump on January 20, 2025—directs DHS to prioritize enforcement. The order, titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," reinforces the obligation to register and strengthens penalties for noncompliance. Additionally, under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 265(a), non-citizens are required to notify DHS of any change of address within 10 days of moving.
In short:
- If you are required to register, you must do so within the designated timeframe.
- If you are 18 or older, you must carry proof of registration at all times.
- You must notify DHS of any change of address within 10 days of moving.
Failure to comply may result in fines, imprisonment, or removal from the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Already Registered?
Anyone who has been issued one of the documents designated as evidence of registration under 8 CFR §264.1(b) is already considered registered. Additionally, individuals who submitted one of the forms listed in 8 CFR §264.1(a), provided fingerprints (unless waived), and were not issued one of the documents in 8 CFR §264.1(b), have also satisfied the registration requirement under INA §262.
The following individuals are considered registered:
- Individuals admitted as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W, even if their admission period has expired
- Individuals issued an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa before their most recent arrival
- Individuals issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Individuals who applied for lawful permanent residence and provided fingerprints (unless waived), even if the application was denied
- Lawful permanent residents
For a comprehensive list of individuals considered registered, please refer to the USCIS Alien Registration Requirement page.
Who Needs to Register?
You must register if you do not fall into any of the categories above. This includes:
- All foreign nationals aged 14 or older who were not registered and fingerprinted (if required) when applying for a visa to enter the United States and who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more. Registration must be completed before the end of the 30-day period.
- Any foreign national, whether previously registered or not, who turns 14 years old while in the U.S. must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday.
What Is the Registration Process?
- Create a myUSCIS account: Sign up online at https://my.uscis.gov.
- Complete the G-325R Form: Submit the form online.
- Attend a Biometrics Appointment: Schedule and attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).
- Receive Proof of Registration: After your appointment, a "Proof of Alien Registration" document will be issued via your myUSCIS account.
What Qualifies as Evidence of Registration?
You must carry proof of registration. Acceptable documents include:
- Green Card (I-551)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record and status-specific documentation:
- Retrieve from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov and print a hard copy.
- If your status was changed within the U.S., the I-94 is located at the bottom of your I-797A approval notice.
- Status-specific documentation may include:
- F-1 Students and Recent Alumni: Form I-20 (signed)
- J-1 Scholars and Exchange Visitors: Form DS-2019 (signed)
- H-1B and O-1 Professionals: Form I-797
- TN and E-3 Professionals: Passport + Form I-94 (and/or Form I-797A, if applicable)
What Are the Penalties for Failure to Register, Carry Proof, or Update Your Address?
- Willful failure or refusal to register: Fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.
- Willful failure to notify USCIS of a change of address within 10 days: Fines up to $5,000, 30 days of imprisonment, or both, and possible removal from the U.S.
- Failure to carry and have in personal possession at all times, if 18 years of age or older, a certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt: Fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
