EADs as Proof of Registration

Should we be carrying them at all times? I am afraid of losing mine given how difficult they are to replace. You would think they'd make it easy to replace them if lost, or even tie them to your driving license so you have it in one document.

Good question, and I would have not considered it before because, as mentioned, it is a drag to replace. I believe we are technically required to carry it though:

Immigration status: While it’s not a crime to leave your EAD card at home, non-citizens in the U.S. are technically required by law (8 U.S.C. § 1304(e)) to carry proof of immigration status at all times, which can include a green card, visa, or EAD depending on your status. Failing to do so is a civil violation, not a criminal offense, and penalties are rarely enforced, but it is still technically the law.

I do carry mine all the time in my wallet together with my CCs and ID. Tip: make a photocopy of your EAD as soon as you receive it and put it in a safe place.

The thing is my DL is one of those fancy RealIDs with the gold star and it carries my legal presence information including dates. Do you think this would be enough?

You'd think they would've amended the law to include the RealID they are so proud of, but I have a suspicion they did this on purpose.