International Students: Getting A California Driver's License

International students in California who intend to drive in the U.S. must obtain a California driver's license. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) outlines the process for obtaining a driver's license, which includes taking a written exam and a driving test. International students may have to wait up to a year to receive a permanent license as the DMV must verify their immigration status. Students with a driver's license from their home country may be exempt from the driving test.

F-1 Visa students must obtain a California driver's license

International students on an F-1 Visa who intend to drive in the U.S. must obtain a California driver's license. The process for getting a license as an international student involves several steps and may take some time, so it is important to be patient.

Firstly, it is recommended that you wait 10 days after entering the United States before applying for a driver's license. This allows time for government databases to update with your arrival information. During this time, you can prepare for the driver's license application by gathering the necessary documents. These documents include your I-20, I-94 card, and passport. Additionally, you will need to complete the Online Arrival Confirmation and ensure that your SEVIS record is in Active status.

Once you have the required documents and your SEVIS record is in order, you can make an appointment with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Making an appointment in advance can expedite the process. At your appointment, you will need to complete application form DL 44 and pay the associated fee. You will also be required to take a written exam, consisting of 36 questions, which you must pass to receive your interim license. The DMV provides free practice tests to help you prepare for the written exam.

After passing the written exam, you will be issued an interim license. With this interim license and your home country's driver's license, you can begin practicing for the driving test. If you have a driver's license from another country, you will be required to take the driving test. However, if you have a valid license from another state in the U.S., the driving test may be waived.

It is important to note that the DMV is required to verify your immigration status with the Immigration Service before issuing a permanent license. This process can take up to one year. If you have not received your permanent license within 60 days, you can contact the Sacramento DMV to request that they solicit verification from the Immigration Service again.

The DMV verifies immigration status

International students on a visa can get a driver's license in California. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for issuing driver's licenses, and it is required to verify the immigration status of international students with the Immigration Service before issuing a license. This process can take up to a year, and the DMV recommends that students provide their correct mailing address to ensure smooth communication.

To apply for a driver's license as an international student in California, it is essential to bring the necessary documentation. This typically includes:

• Passport (with visa, if applicable): Ensure your passport is on the Approved Foreign Passport list with the DMV.
• I-20, I-94 card, and/or electronic I-94 record: The I-94 card or record is the admission stamp you received in your passport.
• Proof of residency in California: Typically, two documents showing your California residency are required.
• Social Security Number (SSN): While F-1 students, F-2 dependents, and J-1 students are generally not required to have an SSN to be eligible for a driver's license, there may be exceptions. In some cases, the DMV may indicate that an SSN is required or that proof of ineligibility for an SSN must be provided.
• SEVIS record: For F and J nonimmigrants, the SEVIS database contains important information. Your record must be in Active status when you apply for your driver's license.

It is important to note that the DMV may have additional or specific requirements, so it is recommended to check the latest California Driver Handbook, forms, and instructions provided by the DMV. They also offer practice tests to help you prepare for the written exam, which is the first step in obtaining your driver's license.

International driving permits are not recognised

International students on a visa can get a California driver's license. However, International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not recognized as valid driver's licenses in California. An IDP is merely a translation of your driver's license information into 10 languages and is recognized as a valid form of ID. It is recommended for those whose driver's licenses are not in English, but it cannot be used as a substitute for a U.S. driver's license.

If you are an international student in California and want to drive, you should apply for a California driver's license. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the latest California Driver Handbook, forms, and instructions on how to apply for a driver's license. You can start with the online application and may be required to schedule an in-person appointment. When going to the DMV, remember to bring all your paperwork, including:

• The electronic I-94 record you received with your passport admission stamp
• Your passport (with visa, if applicable)
• Two documents showing proof of residency in California
• Your approved OPT EAD card, if you are an F-1 student on post-completion OPT

If you are an F-1 or J-1 student, you are not required to have a Social Security Number (SSN) to be eligible for a driver's license. However, you may need to provide proof that you are not eligible for an SSN. It is recommended to wait 10 days after entering the U.S. before applying for a driver's license, as this allows time for government databases to update with your arrival information. Additionally, ensure that your SEVIS record is in Active status when you apply for your driver's license.

The process of obtaining a California driver's license as an international student may take some time. The DMV is required to verify your immigration status with the Immigration Service before issuing a license, which can result in a wait time of up to one year. If you have not received your license after 60 days, you can contact the Sacramento DMV to request that they solicit the verification from the Immigration Service.

Students must pass a written exam

International students on an F-1 Visa who intend to drive in California must obtain a California driver's license. The process for getting a learner's permit in California involves meeting eligibility requirements, which include being at least 15 and a half years old, passing a vision exam, and providing proof of identity and residency. International students may have to wait up to a year to receive a permanent license as the DMV must verify their immigration status with the Immigration Service.

The written exam, also known as the knowledge test, is an important step in obtaining a driver's license in California. This test is designed to assess your understanding of road rules, traffic signs, and driving laws. It consists of multiple-choice questions, usually around 36 to 46 questions, and you must achieve a passing score, typically 80% or above. The exact number of questions and passing score may vary, so it is essential to check the most current information.

To prepare for the written exam, you can take advantage of free practice tests offered by the DMV, which are based on the official DMV handbook. These practice tests are an excellent resource to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the actual exam. Additionally, you can refer to the California Driver Handbook, which contains valuable information, instructions, and frequently asked questions regarding the licensing process.

It is important to note that the written exam is just one part of the licensing process. After passing the written exam, you will receive an interim license, which allows you to start practicing for the driving test. The driving test assesses your practical skills behind the wheel and is typically the final step in obtaining your full driver's license.

For international students, it is crucial to have all the necessary documentation when applying for a driver's license. This includes your I-20, I-94 card, passport, and other proof of identity and residency. Additionally, while not always required, having a Social Security Number or proof of ineligibility for an SSN may streamline the process.

A social security number is not always required

International students in California may need to obtain a California driver's license if they intend to drive in the state. While a Social Security Number (SSN) is not required to obtain a driver's license in California, there are certain conditions under which an international student may need to apply for an SSN or a Social Security denial letter.

Firstly, it is important to note that international students with an F-1 visa must obtain a California driver's license if they plan to drive. Foreign driver's licenses are only valid for 10 days in California, and the state does not recognize International Driving Permits (IDPs) as valid driver's licenses. Therefore, it is advisable for international students to obtain a California driver's license to avoid any issues or confusion.

Regarding the requirement of an SSN, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) states that individuals who are legally present in the US but ineligible for an SSN are exempt from the SSN requirement. However, they must still provide acceptable birth date/legal presence documents. Additionally, F-1 students, F-2 dependents, or J-1 students are generally not required to have an SSN to be eligible for a driver's license.

However, there are certain scenarios where an SSN or a denial letter may be necessary. If an international student is on OPT and wishes to renew their driver's license, they will need to obtain an SSN. They must first take their OPT EAD card and F-1 documents to the Social Security Office to obtain an SSN. Then, they can proceed to the DMV with their SSN, EAD card, and F-1 documents to obtain their license.

Furthermore, some students have been instructed by the DMV to obtain a letter of ineligibility for an SSN from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or wait until they become eligible. This is because eligibility for an SSN is dependent on having a job offer for authorized paid on-campus or off-campus employment. Therefore, international students who are not eligible for an SSN and do not have a denial letter may need to obtain one to complete their driver's license application.

Frequently asked questions