International Students: Getting A Florida Driver's License

International students in Florida who wish to drive must obtain a Florida driver's license or a State of Florida identification card. This can be done at any Department of Motor Vehicles office, and students are advised to make an appointment in advance. To obtain a license, international students must provide proof of non-immigrant classification, their F-1 or J-1 status documentation, and two original proofs of residence. Additionally, international students may be exempt from mandatory drug and alcohol traffic education courses and driving tests if they hold a foreign driver's license.

International students can drive with their home country's license and an International Driving Permit for 90 days in the US

International students in the US may drive with an international driving permit and a valid driver's license from their home country. This arrangement is valid for 90 days in the US before they have to obtain a driver's license issued by the state of residence. The International Driving Permit (IDP) is sometimes referred to as an international driver's license. It is a document that translates your identifying information into different languages. It is recommended that you carry it along with your home country's driver's license.

In Florida, international students can obtain a driver's license or a state identification card at any Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The license is typically issued for a year at a time, renewable until the end of the student's program. F-1 students who have completed a course of study or optional practical training can be granted a license for an additional 60-day period to prepare for departure or process a transfer. J-1 students and scholars who have completed an exchange visitor program can obtain an additional 30-day period.

To obtain a Florida driver's license, international students in F-1 or J-1 status must provide the following:

• Proof of non-immigrant classification provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Form I-94)
• F-1 or J-1 status documentation (Form I-20 or DS-2019)
• Two original proofs of residence (cell phone bills, utility bills, official transcripts, apartment lease, etc.)

It is strongly advised to make an appointment at the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office beforehand. International students may be exempt from the mandatory drug and alcohol traffic education course and the driving test or parts of it.

After 90 days, international students must obtain a Florida driver's license

International students in Florida who intend to drive are advised to obtain a Florida driver's license. While some states require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to a valid license from the student's home country, Florida does not explicitly mandate this. Nonetheless, after 90 days of residing in Florida, international students must obtain a Florida driver's license.

To obtain a Florida driver's license, international students should visit the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office. It is strongly recommended that students make an appointment in advance to avoid lengthy wait times. When visiting the DMV or FLHSMV office, students must present the required documentation, which includes:

• Proof of non-immigrant classification provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Form I-94).
• F-1 or J-1 status documentation (Form I-20 or DS-2019).
• Two original proofs of residence, such as cell phone bills, utility bills, official transcripts, or apartment lease agreements. On-campus students should obtain proof of residence from the Department of Housing and Residential Life or Campus Services.
• Valid employment authorization card issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS form I-688B or I-766).
• Non-expired proof of non-immigrant classification provided by DHS form I-94 with required supporting attachments.
• Current residential documentation, such as a lease agreement, residential mortgage, residential deed, or Florida Voter Registration Card in the student's name for more than six consecutive months.
• A statement of domicile pursuant to Florida Statutes section 222.17.
• A current Florida Class E Driver License or Florida Identification Card held for more than six consecutive months.

It is important to note that students must present two different documents with their Florida residential address. While printouts or faxes of these documents are acceptable, out-of-state or U.S. territory addresses are not permitted for applicants seeking a Florida Class E license or identification card. Additionally, students should bring their foreign driver's license, as it may exempt them from the driving test and the mandatory drug and alcohol traffic education course.

International students should be aware that driving laws and requirements may vary from state to state in the U.S. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the motor vehicle department of each state they intend to drive in to ensure compliance with all necessary regulations.

To obtain a Florida driver's license, international students must provide proof of non-immigrant classification and two original documents to prove residence

International students in Florida who wish to obtain a driver's license must provide proof of their non-immigrant classification and two original documents to prove their residence. This is applicable for students in F-1 or J-1 status.

The proof of non-immigrant classification can be provided by submitting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Form I-94 with the required supporting documents. Alternatively, a valid employment authorization card, either form I-688B or I-766, issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security can be provided.

The two original documents required to prove residence can be any two of the following:

• Cell phone bills
• Utility bills
• Official, original transcripts from the university
• Apartment lease
• Deed, mortgage, or monthly mortgage statement
• Automobile payment booklet
• Selective service card
• Medical or health card and/or medical bill
• Internet service provider bill
• Voter registration card
• Statement of domicile
• Homestead tax exemption filing

These documents must be presented in person at a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office or a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance to avoid long waits. Additionally, international students must ensure that their foreign driver's license is valid and may also require an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on the state's requirements.

International students may be exempt from the mandatory drug and alcohol traffic education course and driving test if they have a foreign driver's license

International students in Florida who wish to drive must have a valid driver's license. While some states require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to a valid license from the student's country of origin, Florida does not explicitly mention this requirement. However, it is always good to check with the motor vehicle department of the state to ensure compliance with their specific requirements.

To obtain a Florida driver's license, international students must visit the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Office or any Division of Driver's Licenses office in the state. The driver's license is typically issued for one year and can be renewed until the end of the student's program. F-1 students who have completed a course of study or optional practical training can be granted a license extension of 60 days to prepare for departure or process a transfer. J-1 students and scholars who have completed an exchange visitor program can obtain a 30-day extension.

International students in Florida may be exempt from the mandatory drug and alcohol traffic education course and driving test if they hold a foreign driver's license. This exemption is at the discretion of the DMV and is not guaranteed. Students should bring their foreign driver's license when applying for a Florida driver's license.

To obtain a Florida driver's license, international students in F-1 or J-1 status must provide the following documents:

• Proof of non-immigrant classification provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Form I-94).
• F-1 or J-1 status documentation (Form I-20 or DS-2019).
• Two original proofs of residence (cell phone bills, utility bills, official transcripts, apartment lease, etc.). On-campus students must obtain proof of residence from the Department of Housing and Residential Life.

A Florida driver's license is issued for one year at a time and can be renewed until the end of the student's program

International students in Florida who wish to drive need to obtain a Florida driver's license. This is issued for one year at a time and can be renewed until the end of the student's program. The process for obtaining a Florida driver's license as an international student is outlined below.

Firstly, it is strongly recommended that you make an appointment at your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Office or Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office. You can find your closest office by searching for 'Service Centers in Miami-Dade County' on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

On the day of your appointment, you will need to bring the following documents:

• Two original documents to prove your residence, such as utility bills, cell phone bills, bank letters, lease agreements, or official transcripts. If you live on campus, you will need to obtain proof of residence from the Department of Housing and Residential Life.
• Non-immigrant classification proof provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Form I-94).
• F-1 or J-1 status documentation (Form I-20 or DS-2019).
• Your foreign driver's license, if you have one. This may exempt you from the driving test and the Drug and Alcohol Traffic Education course.
• Your Social Security Number (SSN) card, if one has been issued. The name on your SSN must match the name that will appear on your driver's license.

It is important to note that you may not use your current driver's license or ID card as proof of residential address. Additionally, if you have recently changed your name, you should update your records with the Social Security Administration before applying for a Florida driver's license.

Frequently asked questions