
International students on an F-1 Visa who intend to drive in the U.S. are required to obtain a California driver's license. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also provides ID cards for persons of all ages, which can be used for identification purposes only and are valid for six years. International students may have to wait up to a year to receive their permanent license as the DMV must verify their immigration status with the Immigration Service.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Who can get an ID card? | Persons of any age |
Who needs to get a California driver's license? | F-1 Visa students who intend to drive in the U.S. |
What documents are required? | I-20, I-94 card, passport, and DL 44 application form |
How long is a regular ID card valid for? | Six years |
How long is a temporary license valid for? | 60 days |
How long does it take to receive a permanent license? | Up to one year |
What is required to get a permanent license? | Verification of immigration status with the Immigration Service |
What documents can be used as proof of residency? | Rental or lease agreement, voter registration confirmation, proof of payment of resident tuition, court documents, letter from a homeless shelter or non-profit entity |
What You'll Learn
- International students on a visa can obtain a California ID
- The California DMV issues ID cards to persons of any age
- International students must verify their immigration status with the Immigration Service
- F-1 Visa students intending to drive must obtain a California driver's license
- The process for obtaining a California ID is the same for minors
International students on a visa can obtain a California ID
To obtain a California ID card, international students on a visa must present complete documentation to verify their birth date and legal presence. This includes an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and an approved I-94 form. Other acceptable documents include a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766) or a valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C). If the name on the identity document is different from the current name, a document with the new name must be provided.
Additionally, international students must prove their California residency. Two documents containing the student's California physical address must be presented. Both documents must show the first and last name of the student and the same address listed on the ID card application. If using a PO Box, one document must have both the PO Box and physical address, while the other document may contain only the PO Box. Examples of acceptable documents for proof of residency include rental or lease agreements, voter registration confirmations, court documents listing the applicant as a California resident, and letters from homeless shelters or non-profit entities within the U.S. attesting to the applicant's residency in California.
It is recommended to make an appointment online with the DMV for faster service. Students should bring their required documents, completed application form DL 44, and payment for the application fee to their appointment. Once the application process is completed, international students can obtain their California ID card, allowing them to easily verify their identity and residency within the state.
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The California DMV issues ID cards to persons of any age
International students on a visa can obtain a California ID card. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues ID cards to persons of any age. The process for obtaining a California ID card as an international student is outlined below.
Firstly, it is important to note that the DMV is required to verify the immigration status of international students with the Immigration Service before issuing a license or ID card. This process can take up to one year, and if you have not received your ID after 60 days, you may need to contact the Sacramento DMV to request that they solicit verification from the Immigration Service.
To obtain a California ID card, international students must bring the following documents to their appointment:
- I-20
- I-94 card
- Passport
- Completed application form DL 44
- Application fee payment confirmation
It is also necessary to provide proof of California residency. This can be done by presenting two documents that contain your California physical address, such as rental or lease agreements, records from a bank or credit union, voter registration confirmation, proof of payment of resident tuition, or court documents listing the applicant as a resident of California.
It is worth noting that if your name has legally changed, you must bring additional documentation to support this, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
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International students must verify their immigration status with the Immigration Service
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 ID cards are valid for six years and can be used for identification purposes only.
To obtain a California ID or driver's license, international students must verify their immigration status with the Immigration Service. This process can take up to a year, as the DMV is required to confirm the student's immigration status before issuing a license. If you have not received your license after 60 days, you can contact the Sacramento DMV and request that they solicit verification from the Immigration Service again. It is important to provide the DMV with your correct mailing address to avoid any delays.
To apply for a California ID or driver's license, international students must bring the necessary documentation to verify their birth date and legal presence. This includes an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and an approved I-94 form. Additionally, students may need to provide proof of their California residency, such as a rental agreement or proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution in California.
It is recommended that international students make an appointment with the DMV in advance to expedite the process. They should bring their I-20, I-94 card, and passport to the appointment, along with the completed application form DL 44 and the associated fee. Students will then take a written test, consisting of 36 questions, and they have three attempts to pass. Once they pass the written test, they will receive an interim license that can be used with their home country's driver's license until they obtain their permanent California license.
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F-1 Visa students intending to drive must obtain a California driver's license
International students on an F-1 Visa who intend to drive in the United States must obtain a California driver's license. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for issuing driver's licenses and ID cards to persons of any age. To apply for a California driver's license as an F-1 Visa student, you should follow these steps:
- Make an appointment online with the DMV for faster service.
- Gather the required documents, including your I-20, I-94 card, and passport, and bring them to your appointment.
- Complete and submit application form DL 44 and pay the associated application fee.
- Take the driver knowledge test, consisting of 36 questions. You will have three chances to pass, and the DMV provides free practice tests to help you prepare.
- Once you pass the written test, you will receive an interim driving license. This allows you to start practicing for the driving test when used alongside your home country's driving license.
- If you already have a license from another country, you will still be required to take the driving test. However, if you have a license from another state, the driving test may be waived.
It is important to note that obtaining a California driver's license as an international student may take some time. The DMV needs to verify your immigration status with the Immigration Service, which can delay the process. You may have to wait up to one year to receive your permanent license. If you have not received your license within 60 days, you can contact the Sacramento DMV to request verification from the Immigration Service again.
In addition to a driver's license, the California DMV also offers ID cards for identification purposes only. These ID cards are valid for six years and are available to individuals of any age.
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The process for obtaining a California ID is the same for minors
International students on a visa can obtain a California ID card. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues ID cards to persons of any age, including minors, and these ID cards are used for identification purposes only. The process for obtaining a California ID is the same for minors as it is for adults.
To get a California ID card, international students must visit the DMV in person and bring the necessary documentation, including proof of identity and residency. Minors can use a residency document showing their parent or legal guardian's name, but they must also present a birth certificate to prove their relationship with the person listed on the residency document. The name on the residency document must match the name on the identity document used to show the relationship. If there is a name change due to marriage, divorce, or court order, additional documentation is required as evidence.
International students should also bring their passports, I-20, I-94 card, and proof of their California residency. Two documents containing the student's California physical address are required, and both documents must show the student's first and last name and the same address as listed on the ID card application. If using a PO Box, one document must have both the PO Box and the physical address, while the other may only contain the PO Box.
It is important to note that the DMV is required to verify the immigration status of international students with the Immigration Service before issuing a California ID card. This process can take up to one year, and students may receive a temporary license valid for 60 days until their documentation is complete.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues ID cards to persons of any age.
You need to bring your I-20, I-94 card, and passport when you go to your appointment.
You can make an appointment online with the DMV or visit a DMV office. Complete application form DL 44 and pay the application fee.
A regular ID card is valid for six years.
Yes, but they must get a California driver's license.