Savanna Hoffman
International students in California who intend to drive in the US must obtain a California driver's license. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also issues ID cards to persons of any age, including international students. To apply for a California ID card or driver's license, international students must complete the necessary documentation and provide proof of their residency in California.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can get a California ID? | International students on an F-1 Visa |
| What is required to obtain a California ID? | Proof of identity, proof of California residency, and a trip to the DMV |
| What documents are required? | I-20, I-94 card, passport, and two documents to prove California residency |
| How long is a regular ID valid for? | Six years |
| How long does it take to get a permanent license? | Up to one year |
| Can international students drive with their home country's license? | Not recommended as not all officers can verify the validity of a foreign license |
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What You'll Learn
International students on a visa can obtain a California ID
In addition to the completed form, students must provide their current I-20 or DS 2019, and the documents must not expire within 60 days of application. Two documents proving California residency are also required. It is recommended to make an appointment with the DMV to avoid long wait times. International students applying for a California ID card may have to wait up to one year to receive a permanent ID as the DMV is required to verify the student's immigration status with the Immigration Service.
If complete documentation to verify the birth date and legal presence is not provided, a temporary license valid for 60 days will be issued until the documentation requirements are met. International students can also obtain a California driver's license. However, it is important to note that the state of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver's license. Most insurance companies also require a California driver's license, and it is a state law to maintain vehicle insurance. Obtaining a California ID card or driver's license provides sufficient proof of identity during your stay in the United States, and you will not need to carry your passport with you at all times.
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Required documents for a California ID
International students on a visa can obtain a California ID card or driver's license from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV issues ID cards to persons of any age, and these cards are valid for six years.
- A completed Driver’s License (DL) or ID Card Application (DL 44). This form can be completed electronically or obtained at any DMV location.
- Your current I-20 or DS 2019 (I-20 must be registered, and documents cannot expire within 60 days of application).
- Two documents that prove California residency, such as a "Student Statement" from Workday, which includes your address and proof of resident tuition at a school in California.
- Your passport, I-94 card, and/or driver's license from another country.
If you are obtaining a REAL ID, you may also need to provide:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or proof that you are not eligible for an SSN.
- Two different printed documents that show your California mailing address and full name.
It is recommended to make an appointment with the DMV to avoid long wait times. Additionally, if you intend to drive in California, you will need to take a driving test.
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California residency requirements
International students on a visa can obtain a California ID card or driver's license from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV issues ID cards to persons of any age, and these cards are valid for six years. To obtain a California ID card, you must complete the Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) Form, which can be done electronically or through a hard copy. You must also bring two documents to prove California residency.
If you are an unmarried undergraduate under 24 and your parents are not California residents, you must be able to document that you have been financially independent for one full year before the residence determination date. This can include providing tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, or other relevant documentation. Graduate students are typically presumed to be financially independent.
Additionally, to establish California residency for tuition purposes at a University of California (UC) school, you must work in California and file California resident income tax returns. You must also establish a permanent home in California, where your belongings are kept, and obtain any necessary licenses for professional practice. It is important to stay in California during non-academic periods to demonstrate intent to reside in the state.
The requirements for establishing California residency for tuition purposes at California Community Colleges and the California State University system may differ from those at UC schools. It is recommended to contact the relevant institution or residency deputy for specific guidance on residency requirements and the necessary documentation.
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Waiting times and temporary licenses
International students applying for a California driver’s license or ID card may have to wait up to one year to receive a permanent license. This is because the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required to verify the student’s immigration status with the Immigration Service before issuing a license. If you have not received your license after 60 days, you can contact the Sacramento DMV to ask them to solicit the verification from the Immigration Service.
In the meantime, you will be issued a temporary license valid for 60 days, which you can continue to update until your permanent license arrives. To avoid long wait times, it is recommended to make an appointment with the DMV.
The validity period of a DL/ID card depends on the length of the TPS period and the applicant's authorised stay in the United States. If there is no definite end to the period of authorised stay, the card will be valid for one year from the date of the application.
If you are obtaining a REAL ID, you may be asked for a US Social Security Number (SSN). If you are legally present in the US but ineligible for an SSN, you are exempt from SSN requirements. However, you must still provide an acceptable birth date/legal presence document.
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Using a foreign driver's license in California
International students on a visa can obtain a California driver's license or state ID from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). F-1 visa students intending to drive in the US must obtain a California driver's license. The process involves making an appointment online, bringing relevant documents (I-20, I-94 card, and passport), completing the application form DL 44, and paying the fee. After passing the written test, an interim license can be used with the home country's driver's license until the driving test is passed. However, international students may experience longer wait times of up to a year for their permanent license due to immigration status verification.
Regarding the use of foreign driver's licenses in California, it is generally permitted for visitors with a current and valid license from their country of origin. California does not require individuals to obtain a California driver's license or an international driving permit (IDP) if they have a valid foreign license. However, there are certain considerations to keep in mind. First, if the foreign license is not in English, it is recommended to carry an International Driving Permit or an official license translation to aid in communication with law enforcement and verify credentials easily. Second, insurance requirements must be met, ensuring that the insurance policy meets California's minimum standards. Additionally, some rental car agencies may require an IDP, and certain limitations may apply to minors. It is important to note that once an individual establishes residency in California, they have ten days to obtain a California driver's license, and their foreign license will no longer be recognized.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get an ID card in California. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues ID cards to persons of any age.
To obtain a California ID card, you need to fill out the Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) Form. You also need to bring your current I-20 or DS 2019, and two documents to prove California residency.
You can make an appointment online with the DMV for faster service. Bring your completed application form, I-20, I-94 card, passport, and documents that prove your California residency. After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will receive your ID card.
A regular California ID card is valid for six years.
