International Students: Getting An Enhanced Driver's License In Washington

International students wanting to obtain a driver's license in the US will need to follow the procedures of the state in which they reside. While the exact process varies from state to state, there are some general steps that apply across all 50 states. In Washington state, international students can obtain a standard driver's license or ID card without US citizenship. However, it is unclear whether international students can obtain an Enhanced Driver License (EDL), which is only issued to US citizens and used for cross-border travel.

International students can obtain a standard driver's license or ID card in Washington without U.S. citizenship

International students in Washington State can obtain a standard driver's license or ID card without US citizenship. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) issues driver's licenses and ID cards to people residing in Washington State. While an ID card does not authorise driving, it serves as official identification, which can be useful for activities such as banking, domestic travel, and proving your age.

To obtain a driver's license in Washington, international students might fall under one of three scenarios, depending on their visa status. For those on an F1, J1, or M1 visa, the following steps are typically required:

• Check the website of the Washington DOL for instructions on how to complete and submit an application form. Some states allow electronic submission, while others require a physical form completed in ink.
• Find out what documents you need to provide. These may include your visa, employment authorisation document, and proof of state residency, such as a rental lease agreement or bank statements.
• Schedule an in-person appointment, if necessary. Some states allow walk-in appointments, while others require scheduling in advance.
• Pass the required tests, which may include a written knowledge test and a driving test. Study guides are available in multiple languages on the DOL website.

It is important to note that while a standard driver's license or ID card does not require US citizenship, it may have limited use for certain types of travel or access to federal facilities. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or passport will be required for air travel. The enhanced driver's license (EDL), which confirms US citizenship, can be used for land and sea entry into the US from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, as well as air travel within the US.

To obtain a driver's license in Washington, international students must pass a written knowledge test and a driving test

International students can obtain a driver's license in Washington, but they cannot obtain an enhanced driver's license (EDL) as this requires proof of U.S. citizenship. To obtain a standard driver's license in Washington, international students must pass a written knowledge test and a driving test. Study guides for the written test are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Russian.

To take the tests, you will need to visit a driver licensing office and provide proof of identity. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid U.S. passport, a valid U.S. state or territory-issued driver's license, a foreign driver's license (valid or expired no more than 6 years), or a certified birth certificate. The Washington Department of Licensing uses facial recognition technology to prevent identity theft, so be prepared to have your photo taken and remove any face or head coverings.

If you are unable to meet the general requirements, you can bring a parent or guardian to the driver licensing office to provide their attestation of your identity. They will need to show proof of their identity and relationship to you, such as a certified birth certificate, adoption papers, or a school transcript with their name on it.

Once you have passed the written and driving tests and provided the necessary identification, you will be able to obtain your driver's license.

International students can obtain a driver's license in Washington with an F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visa

It is important to note that some states may allow electronic submission, but Washington is not one of them. The DOL website will also provide information on the documents required to obtain a driver's license. These documents typically include proof of identity, residency, and visa status. For Washington state, international students will need to provide their I-20 or DS-2019 form, and their F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visa. An expired visa is also acceptable.

Additionally, international students will need to prove their Washington state residency. This can be done through various documents, such as a tuition bill, rental lease agreement, utility bill, bank statements, pay stubs, or proof of rental insurance. It is worth noting that some states may require a Social Security Number (SSN) or a Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement containing an SSN. However, Washington is not one of these states, and an SSN is not mandatory for obtaining a driver's license in Washington as an international student.

To obtain a driver's license in Washington, international students must pass a written knowledge test and a driving test. Study guides for these tests are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Russian. These guides can be found on the DOL website or at the DOL offices. It is recommended to contact the International Student Services for further guidance and support throughout the process.

International students in Washington may be required to provide a social security number (SSN) card or a Form W-2 containing their SSN

International students in Washington state can obtain a driver's license. However, it is important to note that the process involves more than just taking a written knowledge test and a driving test. For international students, the process of obtaining a driver's license in Washington may also involve acquiring a Social Security Number (SSN). While an SSN is not required for a driver's license, it is necessary for other aspects of life in the United States, such as employment.

International students in Washington may be required to provide a social security number (SSN) or a Form W-2 containing their SSN when seeking employment. The SSN is a nine-digit number used for tax and employment purposes in the United States. As an international student, you can apply for an SSN if you have been authorized to work in the United States. The process typically involves completing a web form and submitting various documents, including proof of employment authorization and identity.

To apply for an SSN, international students in Washington should follow these steps: First, wait for at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before initiating the process. This waiting period is recommended to ensure that all necessary documentation is in order. Then, obtain the required letters from your university. For instance, at the University of Washington (UW), you will need an ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter and a campus employment letter from your UW hiring department. Next, visit a local Social Security Administration office to submit your application in person. Remember to bring all the necessary documents, including proof of identity and employment authorization.

The Social Security Administration will process your application and verify your immigration information. Once your application is approved, they will mail your SSN and card. This process can typically take around 2-4 weeks or more, so it is important to plan accordingly. Additionally, keep in mind that if you are a dependent, you may have additional requirements. For example, J-2 dependents with employment authorization will need to provide their EAD card along with the other required documents to apply for an SSN.

Form W-2, also known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is an important document that employers are required to file for each employee. It reports the wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld from those wages. As an employee, you will typically receive a copy of your Form W-2 from your employer, which you can then use for tax-filing purposes. It is important to note that while employers can truncate an employee's SSN on their copy of Form W-2, they must not truncate it on Copy A, which is submitted to the Social Security Administration.

The Washington State Department of Licensing issues driver's licenses and ID cards for residents of Washington State

The Washington State Department of Licensing issues driver's licenses and ID cards to residents of Washington State. An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is available to those who can confirm their identity and U.S. citizenship. The EDL is also accepted as a valid form of identification for domestic air travel within the United States and for international land or sea entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.

To obtain a driver's license in Washington State, individuals must pass a written knowledge test and a driving test. Study guides for these tests are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Russian. F-1 visa holders may also be eligible for a discounted student rate.

It is important to note that a standard Washington driver's license or ID card does not meet the federal requirements to be a REAL ID-compliant document for domestic air travel within the U.S. starting May 7, 2025. However, an EDL is considered a REAL ID-compliant document and can be used for this purpose.

While the specific requirements for international students obtaining an EDL in Washington State were not explicitly mentioned, it appears that confirming U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite for obtaining an EDL. Therefore, it may not be available to international students who do not hold U.S. citizenship.

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