Janice Lozano
International students in California are encouraged to obtain a California Driver's License (DL) if they plan to drive a car in the United States. While an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not recognized in California, international students can apply for a California DL or a California Identification (ID) card. Beginning May 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card will be required for domestic flights, entering military bases, and accessing most federal facilities. To apply for a REAL ID, individuals must present documents proving their date of birth, full legal name, identity, and residency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for a REAL ID? | Californians who do not have a REAL ID but already hold a passport can wait to convert to a REAL ID when their driver's license is due for renewal. |
| What documents are required for a REAL ID? | Documents that prove identity (e.g., valid passport or birth certificate) and residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement) |
| Where to apply for a REAL ID? | California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| What is a REAL ID? | A REAL ID is a driver's license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. REAL ID cards are marked with a golden bear and a star. |
| When is the deadline for a REAL ID? | Beginning May 2025, your driver's license or identification (ID) card must be REAL ID compliant if you use it to board an airplane for domestic flights, enter military bases, or enter most federal facilities. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can obtain a California ID card
- A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for a driver's license renewal
- International students may be exempt from the driving skills test
- International students need to present all immigration documents to the DMV
- A REAL ID is a federally accepted form of identification
International students can obtain a California ID card
To apply for a California ID card, international students must present original immigration documents, including their passport, I-94 Arrival/Departure record, and I-20 or DS-2019 form. It is important to note that these documents should not expire within 60 days of the application date. Additionally, students may be required to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or a denial letter, which can be obtained by visiting the Social Security Office.
If international students already hold a driver's license from their home country, they may be exempt from the driving skills test. However, California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) or International Driver's License as valid forms of a driver's license. For those who plan to drive in California, it is recommended to obtain a California Driver's License, which can also serve as a REAL ID.
A REAL ID is a federally accepted form of identification, marked with a golden bear and a star. Californians who already hold a passport can wait to convert to a REAL ID when their driver's license is up for renewal. Obtaining a REAL ID requires providing documents that prove identity and residency, such as a valid passport or birth certificate, and a utility bill or bank statement.
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A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for a driver's license renewal
International students and scholars who plan to drive in California are encouraged to obtain a California driver's license. The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an International Driver's License as valid forms of a driver's license.
To obtain a California driver's license, students and scholars must submit their Social Security Number (SSN) to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The California Vehicle Code (CVC) requires the DMV to collect SSNs from all applicants for a driver's license and/or identification (DL/ID) card. The DMV electronically verifies the SSN, name, and birth date with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure accuracy and integrity in their database. The name and birth date provided on the application must match the SSA's records.
For students on OPT who wish to renew their driver's license, obtaining an SSN is mandatory. They must first obtain their OPT EAD card and F-1 documents and take them to the Social Security Office to receive an SSN. Then, they can proceed to the DMV with their SSN, EAD card, and F-1 documents to obtain a license renewal. It is important to note that the DMV will not approve the driver's license extension without an SSN.
However, there are exemptions to the SSN requirement. Individuals who are legally present in the U.S. but ineligible for an SSN can still apply for a noncommercial driver's license or ID card. They must provide acceptable birth date/legal presence documents, and once their eligibility status is verified, the DMV will complete their application. Additionally, J-1 scholars with paid or unpaid appointments at USC are automatically eligible for an SSN, while J-1 students can request a Social Security denial letter for DMV purposes.
In the state of New York, individuals can apply for a 'Standard' license or permit without an SSN or ineligibility letter. Under New York's Green Light Law, individuals aged 16 and older can obtain a non-commercial driver's license or learner's permit, regardless of their citizenship or legal status in the United States.
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International students may be exempt from the driving skills test
International students and scholars in California are encouraged to obtain a California Driver's License (DL) if they plan to drive a car in the United States. A California Driver's License is required to purchase a car and obtain auto insurance.
The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an International Driver's License as valid forms of a driver's license. However, international students and scholars who have a driver's license from their home country may be exempt from the driving skills test when applying for a California Driver's License.
To be exempt from the driving skills test, students and scholars must present their original immigration documents, including their passport, printout of their I-94 Arrival/Departure record, and I-20 or DS-2019 form. It is important to note that these documents should not expire within 60 days of the date of application. In addition, presenting a valid driver's license from their home country may exempt them from the driving test.
If international students and scholars do not intend to drive, they can obtain a California Identification (ID) card instead. This can be done by following the detailed guidelines provided on the DMV website. The DMV office located closest to the USC main campus is at 3615 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, CA 90007, and can be contacted at (800) 777-0133.
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International students need to present all immigration documents to the DMV
International students in California are encouraged to obtain a California Driver's License (DL) if they plan to drive a car in the United States. A California DL is required to purchase a car and obtain auto insurance.
To obtain a California DL, international students must present all necessary immigration documents to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These documents include the student's passport, a printout of their I-94 Arrival/Departure record, and either an I-20 or DS-2019 form. It is important to note that the student's passport or I-20/DS-2019 form must not expire within 60 days of the date of application. Additionally, international students may be required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and present their OPT EAD card and F-1 documents to the DMV.
Students who already have a driver's license from their home country may be exempt from the driving skills test. However, they must still present their license to the DMV officer as proof of their driving capabilities. Obtaining a California DL involves passing both a written and a driving skills test, with sample exams and safety videos available on the DMV website. The DMV also offers an ID card option for international students who do not drive, which serves as a form of identification.
For those interested in obtaining a REAL ID, it is important to note that this is a driver's license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. To apply for a REAL ID, individuals must present documents that show their date of birth and full legal name. These documents can include a valid passport or birth certificate. Additionally, individuals must provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
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A REAL ID is a federally accepted form of identification
International students in California are encouraged to obtain a California Driver's License (DL) if they plan to drive a car in the United States. A California DL is required to purchase a car and obtain auto insurance. However, it is unclear whether international students can apply for a REAL ID in California.
To apply for a REAL ID, individuals must present documents that show their date of birth and their full legal name. The REAL ID application process can be started online, where applicants will be prompted to upload documents that prove their identity (e.g., valid passport or birth certificate) and residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement). It is important to bring the original documents submitted online to the in-person appointment at the DMV office to complete the application process.
International students who do not drive can obtain a California Identification (ID) card instead of a driver's license. The DMV website offers detailed guidelines on obtaining an ID card, which may or may not include the option for a REAL ID. It is recommended to visit the DMV office closest to the USC main campus for more information and to apply for a California ID card.
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Frequently asked questions
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification.
To apply for a REAL ID in California, you must present documents that show your date of birth and your full legal name. You will also need to provide documents that prove your identity (e.g. a valid passport or birth certificate) and residency (e.g. a utility bill or bank statement).
Yes, California offers driver’s licenses and identification cards to all residents regardless of immigration status. International students can obtain a California Driver’s License or ID card by following the same process as outlined on the DMV website.
The process to obtain a California Driver’s License or ID card for international students typically involves submitting the necessary immigration documents, taking any required tests, and visiting a DMV office. The specific steps may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as whether the student has a driver's license from their home country or requires a Social Security Number.
International students can find detailed information about the requirements and application process by visiting the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or by visiting a nearby DMV office. The website provides guidelines, educational materials, and interactive checklists to assist with the process.
