Yes, a lot of my friends were puzzled by this. Some even said it's none of their business to check this. I even had a big argue at DMV office with utter frustrations and anger. But the people at DMV u know r like robots..would not care at all...need is must! Help me!! Here is the extract from the DMV web site: Acceptable documents for Proof of Identity. A foreign passport with your visa and form I-94 with status code J1 or J2 and with form IAP-66. You must show your original entry document and any extension document stamped by INS with form IAP-66. -http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/idlicense.htm