Lori Meadows
International students on F1/F2 visas who wish to drive in the United States must apply for a driver's license. The process and requirements vary by state, but generally, students must apply at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and provide proof of residence, among other documents. In some states, international students may need to pass a driving test and a written test, while in others, a license from their home country may be accepted. It's important to note that driving laws and requirements differ across states, and international students are typically not considered residents for the purpose of obtaining a driver's license.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students' eligibility for a driving license | Eligible for a driving license in the US |
| Driving without a license | Illegal |
| Application process | Application at the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| Application requirements | Form I-94, Form I-20, Social Security Number (SSN), passport, student visa, proof of residence |
| Time to apply | After 10 days of arrival in the US |
| Verification of non-immigrant status | Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program |
| Temporary licenses | Issued to some non-immigrants |
| Tests required | Driving and written tests, may be exempted if the applicant has a license from their home country or another state |
| State-specific requirements | Varying requirements and acceptance of foreign licenses |
| Massachusetts | Eligible residents can obtain a standard license or State ID regardless of immigration status |
| New York | Allows driving with a valid foreign license, requires a supervising driver for learners with a foreign license |
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What You'll Learn
International students can get a US driver's license
First, confirm your eligibility. F and M students, and their dependents, may be eligible to drive a motor vehicle in the US. Additionally, all F1/F2 visa holders may be eligible for a driver's license. To confirm your eligibility, speak with your Designated School Official (DSO) or campus advisor. They can guide you through the requirements and answer any questions about your eligibility.
Next, gather the required documents. When applying for a driver's license, you will typically need to provide original copies of the following:
- A valid passport and your most recent student visa (unless you are from a visa-exempt country)
- Form I-94, also known as the "Arrival/Departure Record"
- Proof of residence, such as a rental agreement, bank statement, or utility bill
- Social Security Number (SSN) or a denial letter, if required by your state
- Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status"
After gathering the required documents, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to submit your application. The DMV may use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program to verify your nonimmigrant student status and determine your eligibility for a driver's license.
Finally, follow the next steps provided by the DMV. After a successful application, a DMV official will explain the remaining steps for obtaining your driver's license. You may be required to pass a driving and written test, although some states may waive these requirements if you have a valid license from your home country or another state. Depending on your state, you may receive your license immediately or within several weeks.
It is important to note that driving a car without a valid driver's license is illegal in the US. Therefore, ensure that you have successfully obtained your license before operating a motor vehicle.
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Requirements vary by state
International students in the United States may be eligible for a driver's license, but requirements vary by state. In general, international students must apply for a driver's license at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). The basic steps are similar across states, but the specific application process and requirements vary.
In some states, international students may be required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) before applying for a driver's license. Additionally, students must provide proof of their non-immigrant student status, which can be verified through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program. Other common documents that may be required include Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), all signed versions of Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), a valid passport, a student visa (unless from a visa-exempt country), and proof of residence.
It is important to note that some states may accept driver's licenses from certain foreign countries, while others may require international students to pass a driving and written test. The eligibility criteria for a driver's license may also depend on the student's visa type. For example, F1/F2 and J-1 visa holders may be eligible for a driver's license.
In Massachusetts, eligible residents can obtain a standard driver's license or State ID, regardless of immigration status, under the Work and Family Mobility Act. International students must apply for the license at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) location and provide proof of Massachusetts residency. They may also need to pass a written test and a road test, and there is a fee for each attempt.
In New York, international students can drive with a valid foreign driver's license without needing a supervising driver. However, if they wish to obtain a New York State driver's license, they must pass a written test, complete a pre-licensing course, and pass a road test. Non-citizens are eligible for standard IDs, and those who can provide proof of lawful presence are eligible for REAL IDs.
It is always recommended that international students consult their designated school official (DSO) or campus advisor to understand the specific requirements and process for obtaining a driver's license in their state.
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Some states accept foreign licenses
International students on an F or M visa may be eligible to drive a motor vehicle while residing in the United States. However, they must successfully apply for and receive a driver's license to legally operate a vehicle. The process for obtaining a driver's license can vary by state, and some states may accept foreign driver's licenses, while others may require additional documentation such as an International Driving Permit (IDP).
An IDP is an official translation of a national driver's license, confirming that the holder has a valid license in their home country. While not all states require an IDP, it is recommended for foreigners, especially if their foreign license is not in English. Florida, for example, allows individuals to drive with a foreign license as long as they are non-residents, and recommends that non-English licenses be accompanied by an IDP.
In some states, individuals with a driver's license from their home country may be exempt from taking driving and written tests for a local license. However, each state has different requirements, and it is important to check with the specific state's motor vehicle agency or department of motor vehicles (DMV). For instance, foreign drivers with a tourist visa can drive in California with their foreign driver's license, but if they are not a tourist and plan to reside or work in the state, they must obtain a California driver's license within ten days of arrival. Similarly, Georgia allows non-US citizens to drive with a valid foreign driver's license for tourism or short-term business purposes, but if they become a resident or enrol their children in school, they must obtain a Georgian driver's license within 30 days.
It is important to note that driving laws and regulations can vary by state, and it is recommended that individuals contact the relevant authorities or their designated school official (DSO) to understand the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a driver's license in their state. Additionally, individuals should ensure they have adequate car insurance, as it is mandatory in most states, and keep an emergency kit in their vehicle, including a first aid kit and a flashlight.
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You may need to pass a driving test
International students on F and M visas and their dependents may be eligible to drive a motor vehicle while residing in the United States. However, they must successfully apply for and receive a driver's license. The process of obtaining a driver's license can vary across states, but there are some common requirements.
Firstly, it is important to wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US before applying for a driver's license. This allows time for your Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record," to update in all government systems, indicating your F-1 nonimmigrant status.
Next, you may need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) if required by your state or territory. This can involve visiting the Social Security Administration (SSA) and submitting the necessary documentation.
Then, you must visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to submit your application and the required documents. The DMV will determine your eligibility for a driver's license and may use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program to verify your nonimmigrant student status. Original copies of certain documents are typically required during this process, including Form I-20 ("Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status"), a valid passport, your most recent student visa (unless you are from a visa-exempt country), and proof of residence.
After submitting your application, a DMV official will explain the next steps. It is important to note that some nonimmigrants may only receive temporary licenses, and the time frame for receiving the license can vary from immediate issuance to several weeks, depending on the state.
Now, here is the key part: you may need to pass both a driving test and a written test to obtain your driver's license. The requirements for these tests can vary depending on your state regulations and whether you already hold a driver's license from your home country or another state. Some states may waive the testing requirements if you have a valid license from elsewhere, while other states may not accept international licenses. Therefore, it is essential to check with your local DMV to understand their specific policies. Additionally, some states may have unique requirements, such as needing someone over the age of 25 to vouch for your driving experience of at least 50 hours, including 10 hours of night driving.
Furthermore, if you plan to drive in multiple US states or rent a car, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your driver's license. An IDP is a form of identification recognized by many countries and allows you to drive legally in a different country. However, not all US states require an IDP, so be sure to check with each state's department of motor vehicles before your trip.
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You must apply at your local DMV
International students on F and M visas and their dependents may be eligible to drive a motor vehicle while residing in the United States. However, they must apply for and receive a driver's license to legally operate a vehicle. To acquire a driver's license, you must apply at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which may be called something different in certain states.
The application process for a driver's license varies from state to state, but the fundamental steps are quite similar. Before applying for a driver's license, international students should speak with their Designated School Official (DSO) about the driving rules and regulations in their state or territory. They should also confirm with their DSO that their student record is active in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Additionally, it is recommended to wait at least 10 days after arriving in the United States before applying for a driver's license to allow time for the Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record," information to update across all government systems.
When visiting the DMV to apply for a driver's license, it is important to bring the necessary documentation. This typically includes original copies of Form I-20 ("Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status"), a valid passport, and the most recent student visa (unless the applicant is from a visa-exempt country). In some cases, proof of residence may also be required. Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) may also be necessary, depending on the requirements of the specific state or territory.
After submitting the proper documentation and fees, the DMV will verify the applicant's nonimmigrant student status to determine their eligibility for a driver's license. This verification is often done through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program. Once the application process is complete, a DMV official will explain the next steps for obtaining the driver's license. It is important to note that some nonimmigrants may only receive temporary licenses, and there may be a waiting period before receiving the license, depending on the state.
In addition to the application process, applicants for a driver's license may be required to pass both a driving and a written test. However, this requirement may be waived if the applicant already holds a valid driver's license from their home country or another state, depending on the specific state's regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get a driver's license in the USA.
The requirements for getting a driver's license as an international student vary from state to state. Common requirements include:
- ID verification
- Proof of address
- Immigration forms (e.g. Form I-94, Form I-20)
- Social Security Number (SSN) or proof that you are not eligible for one
- Verification of nonimmigrant student status
The process for obtaining a driver's license as an international student typically involves:
- Confirming eligibility requirements with a designated school official (DSO) or campus advisor
- Gathering and submitting the required documentation to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
- Passing a written test and/or a driving test, if required
The timing can vary depending on the state. In some cases, you may receive the license immediately after a successful application. In other cases, you may need to wait several weeks.
