International Students: Getting A Massachusetts Driver's License

International students in Massachusetts who have an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to apply for a driver's license. The process involves taking written and eye exams, obtaining a learner's permit, and scheduling a road test. The cost of owning a car in Massachusetts can be high, with expenses potentially exceeding the car's price. In addition to the cost of the car, there are mandatory insurance requirements, registration fees, and inspections to consider. International students should be aware that a driver's license is not the same as a State ID or Liquor ID, which are used for identification purposes and do not permit driving.

International students' eligibility for a driver's license

International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to apply for a Massachusetts driver's license. To do so, they must complete an application for a driver's license, learner's permit, or state identification card in person at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

International students must present the same types of identification as for a driver's license, including proof of identity and birth date (typically a foreign passport), and proof of social security status. If the student does not have a social security number, they must obtain a "Social Security Denial Letter" from the Social Security Office.

If the student's home country license is not in English, they should also carry either an International Driver's License or an English translation of their license, signed by a bilingual Notary Public. Students from certain countries, including Canada, Mexico, and U.S. Territories, can convert their existing driver's license without taking a written or road test.

Students from other countries will need to pass a written learner's permit test and a road test to obtain a Massachusetts driver's license. The RMV charges a flat fee for each road test, which must be paid in advance. The learner's permit costs $30 and expires one year from the date of issue and cannot be renewed. Once the student has passed the written test, they must schedule their road test with the RMV. For the road test, the student must supply a car with a valid Massachusetts inspection sticker and be accompanied by a licensed driver.

Requirements for a Massachusetts driver's license

International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to apply for a Massachusetts driver's license. To obtain a driver's license in Massachusetts, you must be a resident of the state or a non-resident and have a valid driver's license. The process involves several steps and requirements, which are outlined below.

Firstly, you must pass both a written exam and an eye exam to receive a learner's permit. The written exam can be taken at any full-service RMV office, and the eye exam will test your field vision and basic colour recognition. The learner's permit costs $30 and is valid for one year, after which you will need to take the exams again if you have not obtained your driver's license.

Once you have the learner's permit, you can schedule your road test, for which you will need to supply a car with a valid Massachusetts inspection sticker. The RMV charges a flat fee for the road test, and this fee must be paid every time you take or miss the test without proper cancellation.

Before taking the road test, you must ensure that you have the necessary documentation. This includes proof of residency, such as a letter confirming your Massachusetts address, and your social security card. If you do not have a social security number, you must present a social security administration form indicating that your application was denied. Additionally, if your home country license is not in English, you should carry an International Driver's License or an English translation signed by a bilingual Notary Public.

After passing the road test, you will need to register your car and purchase car insurance. You can do this through an insurance agent or by visiting the RMV. The cost of car insurance in Massachusetts can vary, but it typically ranges from $800 to $1500 per year or higher, depending on factors such as the age of your car and your driving experience.

The process of obtaining a driver's license

International students in Massachusetts who have an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to apply for a driver's license. The process of obtaining a driver's license as an international student involves several steps, which are outlined below:

Step 1: Obtain Relevant Documents

Firstly, gather the necessary documents. This includes your social security card or a social security administration form indicating that your application for a social security number was denied. If you need the latter, you can visit the Social Security Office in person to request a "Social Security Denial Letter".

Step 2: Prove Massachusetts Residency

Next, you will need to prove that you are a resident of Massachusetts. To do this, submit a "Letter Request - Proof of Residence" through the International Portal. If you do not have access to the portal, you can contact ISS via email for assistance.

Step 3: Pass the Written and Eye Exams

Once you have the necessary documents, you will need to pass a written exam and an eye exam. The written exam can be taken orally if needed, and the eye exam will test your field vision and basic color recognition. Both tests are given on a walk-in basis at full-service Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) offices.

Step 4: Obtain a Learner's Permit

After passing the written and eye exams, you will be issued a learner's permit. This permit costs $30 and is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed, and if you need another permit, you must take the exams again.

Step 5: Schedule a Road Test

With your learner's permit, you can now schedule your road test, which is a requirement for obtaining your driver's license. You can schedule the test online or by calling the RMV Telephone Center. Remember that you will need to supply a car with a valid Massachusetts inspection sticker and be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience.

Step 6: Take the Road Test

On the day of your road test, bring your completed application, which can be obtained from the RMV. If you pass the test, you can exchange your learner's permit for a driver's license by visiting any RMV full-service office and paying the $50 license fee.

Additional Considerations

It is important to note that the process of obtaining a driver's license may vary depending on your specific situation and location within Massachusetts. Additionally, as an international student, if your home country driver's license is not in English, you should carry either an International Driver's License or an English translation signed by a bilingual Notary Public. Furthermore, if you already have a valid driver's license from another state in the U.S., you must convert it to a Massachusetts license once you become a resident. This involves surrendering your out-of-state license to the RMV, filling out an application form, and paying a $115 conversion fee.

The cost of owning a car in Massachusetts

International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to apply for a Massachusetts driver's license. If your home country license is not in English, you should also carry an International Driver's License or an English translation of your license.

• Purchase Price: The cost of purchasing a car can vary depending on whether you buy a new or used vehicle. In 2024, the average monthly payment for a new car was $742, while leasing was cheaper at $600 a month, and owning a used car was the most affordable option, with an average monthly payment of $525.
• Sales Tax: Massachusetts has a statewide sales tax of 6.25% on all car purchases. This is calculated based on the vehicle's list price in the year it was manufactured.
• Excise Tax: In addition to the sales tax, Massachusetts also imposes an excise tax of $25 for every $1,000 of the vehicle's value.
• Documentation Fees: Car dealerships may charge documentation fees, also known as "doc fees," to cover the cost of preparing and filing the required documentation for the sale. These fees can vary but average around $340 in Massachusetts.
• Registration Fees: The cost of registering your vehicle in Massachusetts includes DMV fees, which average around $80, and license plate renewal fees, which range from $60 to $100.
• Insurance: Car insurance is mandatory in Massachusetts, and the cost can vary depending on factors such as your age, driving experience, and the type of coverage you choose. The average annual cost of car insurance in Massachusetts ranges from $800 to $1,500 or higher.
• Fuel: Fuel costs can vary depending on the type and size of your vehicle and your driving habits. According to AAA, the average driver paid around 14.9 cents per mile for unleaded gas during a 12-month period ending in May 2024, which equates to $2,235 annually for a 15,000-mile year.
• Maintenance and Repairs: The cost of maintaining and repairing your vehicle will depend on its age and condition. For a new car, AAA estimates the average cost of repairs, maintenance, and tires at $126 per month.

Overall, the cost of owning a car in Massachusetts can easily exceed $1,000 per month when you factor in all the associated expenses. It is important to consider these costs when budgeting for a vehicle to ensure you can afford the true cost of car ownership.

The documents required for a driver's license application

International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to apply for a Massachusetts driver's license. Here is a list of documents you will need to submit as part of your driver's license application:

• Proof of identity: This includes documents such as a passport, birth certificate, or other accepted forms of identification.
• Social Security Card: You must present your Social Security Card. Knowing the number will not be enough. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must provide a social security administration form indicating that your application for a social security number was denied. You can obtain a "Social Security Denial Letter" by visiting the Social Security Office in person.
• Proof of Massachusetts residency: You will need to provide a letter confirming your Massachusetts address. You can obtain this letter by submitting a request through the International Portal or by reaching out to the International Student Services (ISS) for assistance.
• Valid license from your home country: If you have a driver's license from your home country, you must provide either an International Driving Permit or an English translation of your license. The translation should be signed by a bilingual Notary Public.
• Application form: You will need to complete and submit an application form for a Massachusetts driver's license, which can be obtained from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
• Fee: There is a fee associated with the road test and license application. The exact amount is not specified, but it is described as a "flat fee."

Please note that the requirements may vary slightly depending on your specific situation and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) location you visit. It is always a good idea to check with the individual branch ahead of time to ensure you have all the necessary documents.

Frequently asked questions