What Documents to Carry If You're Stopped by ICE
If you're a noncitizen 18 or older with valid immigration papers, federal law says you must carry the original document: green card, work permit (EAD), or I-94. U.S. citizens aren't required to carry anything. Never carry false documents. A copy on your phone is a smart backup in case the original is lost or taken, but it doesn't replace the original.
What to carry, by situation
| Your situation | Carry | Keep a backup copy |
|---|---|---|
| Green card holder (18+) | Original green card (Form I-551) | Phone copy plus a paper copy at home with someone you trust |
| Work permit / visa holder (18+) | Original EAD card or I-94, plus your visa if you have one | Phone copy of all of them, plus receipts for pending applications |
| Pending application | USCIS receipt notices (I-797) | Phone copy of every notice |
| U.S. citizen | Nothing required. A passport card is the easiest proof if you choose to carry one. | Phone copy of passport and birth certificate |
| Everyone | A know-your-rights card and an immigration attorney's phone number written on paper | Emergency contacts saved offline |
What federal law requires
Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. §1304(e)) requires every noncitizen 18 or older to carry their registration document "at all times." Not carrying it is a misdemeanor: a fine of up to $100, up to 30 days in jail, or both. The law has been on the books for decades. DHS and CBP put out public reminders about it in 2025.
The statute refers to the card itself. It doesn't say "copy" or "other evidence," so most immigration attorneys advise that a photocopy or phone photo does not satisfy the requirement.
What many legal aid groups say not to carry
Several know-your-rights trainings advise people without valid U.S. status not to carry documents from another country, such as a foreign passport or national ID (cédula). Those documents can be used as evidence of where you're from. Every situation is different, so ask an immigration attorney or a local legal aid organization what's right for you.
Forgot your wallet? Why the copy matters
It happens all the time. You rush out the door and your wallet is still on the nightstand, or in the pants or jacket you wore yesterday. Then you get pulled over or stopped.
A photo of your license or green card isn't a legal substitute for the card in most states. Police generally won't accept it as the license itself, and a few states that issue official mobile driver's licenses accept only those. What a clear copy does give the officer is your full name, date of birth, and license or A-number to look up on the spot. Being able to show who you are and that your status is valid can make the difference between a warning, a ticket, and being held while they confirm your identity.
If you get a ticket for not having the card with you, many states will reduce or dismiss it when you later show you had a valid license. Check your state's rules, and see which states accept digital IDs at traffic stops.
Why a phone copy still matters
Originals get lost, damaged, or held during an arrest, and replacing a green card can take months. A secure copy on your phone helps you:
- Prove your status quickly if the original was left at home or taken.
- Help a family member or attorney who needs your A-number, receipt numbers, or expiration dates.
- Start a replacement faster with the card details in hand.
- Show U.S. citizenship if you're a citizen who's afraid of being misidentified.
Where you keep that copy matters. Cloud storage like Google Drive won't load without a signal. A screenshot in your camera roll means unlocking your phone and handing it over open. Here's how to store document copies on your phone safely and offline.
Before you're ever stopped
- Make copies of every immigration and identity document, front and back.
- Leave one paper set with a trusted person who can reach it if you're detained.
- Keep a second set on your phone in a locked, offline app.
- Write an attorney's number on paper. Your phone may be taken.
- Switch your phone to passcode-only. Face ID and fingerprint unlock are easier to compel.
Frequently asked questions
Do green card holders have to carry their green card at all times?
Yes. Noncitizens 18 and older must carry their registration document at all times under 8 U.S.C. §1304(e).
Is a photo of my green card on my phone enough?
Generally no. It's a strong backup, not a legal substitute for the original card.
Do U.S. citizens have to carry proof of citizenship?
No. There's no federal requirement, though some citizens choose to carry a passport card.
What should I never carry?
False documents of any kind. Ask an attorney about foreign documents if you don't have valid U.S. status.
Keep Your Backup Copies Ready
ICE Ready is a free app that stores copies of your documents on your device: PIN-locked, offline, no account, no cloud. Know-your-rights cards for all 50 states in 9 languages.
App Store Google PlaySources: 8 U.S.C. §1304(e) (uscode.house.gov); Nolo: Do I really need to carry my green card?; ACLU of Virginia: Stopped by police or ICE; ACLU-NJ: Approached by immigration officials. This guide is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, contact a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited legal aid organization.