Ibrahim Gardner
International students can apply for a driver's license in the USA, but the requirements vary from state to state. It is important to wait at least two weeks after arriving in the country before applying for a license, as the I-94 immigration information needs time to become visible in the DMV systems. The I-94 form, obtained from the US Customs Office, shows a record of one's travel history, including arrival and departure dates, and is required to apply for a driver's license. Other documents that may be needed include a Social Security Number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), proof of residence, and immigration forms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students apply for a driver's license in the USA? | Yes |
| What documents are required? | Form I-94, proof of residence, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), Form I-20, F-1/J-1/M-1 student visa, employment authorization document (EAD), valid passport |
| How long should international students wait after arriving in the US before applying? | 10 days to 2 weeks |
| Do international students need to take driving and written tests? | Yes, unless the DMV in the state recognizes foreign driver's licenses |
| How long is the process to get a driver's license? | It depends on the state. Some states issue the license immediately, while others may take several weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Wait 10 days after arriving in the US
International students are advised to wait around 10 days after arriving in the US before applying for a driver's license. This is because the Form I-94 "Arrival/Departure Record", indicating nonimmigrant status, needs time to update across all government systems. The I-94 form is issued by the US Customs Office and records your travel history, including arrival and departure dates. It is crucial for driver's license approvals, as it indicates how long a foreign applicant will remain in the US.
During this 10-day period, students can prepare the necessary documents for their driver's license application. These documents may vary by state, so it is essential to contact your local DMV to confirm the specific requirements. However, some standard documents include proof of residence, such as a rental agreement, bank statement, or utility bill. If your state requires it, you may also need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) or apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Additionally, international students should be prepared to provide proof of their non-immigrant student status. This can be done through Form I-20, which demonstrates eligibility for a driver's license based on nonimmigrant student status. Some states may also require an Enrollment Verification Letter from the Office of Records and Registration.
After the 10-day waiting period, students can visit the DMV and submit their applications. It is recommended to call the local DMV beforehand to ensure all required documents are in order. The DMV may use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program to verify nonimmigrant student status.
It is important to note that, depending on the state, there may be additional requirements, such as passing a driving test and a written test. Some states may waive these tests if the applicant has a valid foreign driver's license, but this recognition varies across states. Therefore, it is crucial to be prepared for these potential tests.
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Submit required documents
To apply for a driver's license as an international student in the United States, you must submit several documents to the DMV, including ID verification, proof of address, and immigration forms. The specific documents required may vary by state, so it is important to contact your local DMV or refer to their website to determine the exact requirements for your location. Here is a list of common documents that you may need to submit:
- Form I-94: This form, obtained from the US Customs Office, shows your record of travel history, including arrival and departure dates. It is important to wait at least two weeks after arriving in the US before applying for your driver's license to ensure that your I-94 information is updated in the DMV systems.
- Form I-20: This form certifies your eligibility for a driver's license as a nonimmigrant student. All signed versions of this form must be submitted.
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): Some states require an SSN to issue a driver's license, while others may accept an ITIN. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you can request a denial letter from the Social Security Administration.
- Proof of Residence: Each state issues its own driver's licenses to residents, so proof of residency is typically required. Common documents accepted as proof of residence include rental agreements, bank statements, pay stubs, utility bills, and vehicle registration.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD): If you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT, you must provide this document. The DMV will use the A number on this card to verify your status.
- Valid Passport and Student Visa: You must provide your most recent student visa, unless you are from a visa-exempt country.
- Enrollment Verification Letter: This letter may be required by your state to verify your student status.
- Other State-Specific Documents: Depending on your state, you may need additional documents, such as proof of vehicle insurance or a tuition bill.
Remember to carefully review the requirements for your specific state and gather all the necessary documents before visiting the DMV to apply for your driver's license.
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Verify nonimmigrant student status
To verify nonimmigrant student status, international students need a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”. This form is provided by a Designated School Official (DSO) at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. It is a record of the student's information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. The DSO should indicate a change of status in the Issue Reason section of the form.
The Form I-20 is an important document that students should keep safe, as it will be needed throughout their F and M student life cycle. It is also required when applying for benefits available to F and M students, such as a driver's license or a Social Security Number. Students should bring their Form I-20 when applying for their U.S. student visa, and they must present it at the port of entry when arriving in the United States.
In addition to the Form I-20, international students may need to provide other documents to verify their nonimmigrant student status, such as proof of residence, an SSN card or denial letter, and an Enrollment Verification Letter. The required documents may vary by state, so it is important to contact the local DMV to learn which documents will be necessary.
It is worth noting that individuals who are in a nonimmigrant status that prohibits enrolling in school must first acquire F-1 (academic student) or M-1 (vocational student) status. Enrolling in a course of study while in a status that does not permit such activity will result in a status violation.
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Pass driving and written tests
Passing the driving test and the written test are two crucial components of obtaining a driver's license. While the specifics may vary depending on your location, there are several general strategies that can enhance your chances of success.
To begin, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the vehicle's controls. Ensure you know how to operate the parking brake, windshield wipers, hazard lights, headlights, turn signals, defroster, horn, and brakes. Practice driving around parking lots, following signs, stopping at designated lines, executing two- or three-point turns, and perfecting parallel parking. These fundamental skills will form the basis of your driving ability.
Additionally, it is imperative to study and comprehend the rules of the road. Acquaint yourself with traffic laws, safety regulations, and general driving etiquette. Most states will provide a driver's handbook, which is an invaluable resource for learning this information. Take the time to read it thoroughly, highlighting important sections and making notes as you go. Online resources, such as sample tests and YouTube playlists, can also aid in your preparation.
When it comes to the driving test itself, confidence is key. Remain calm and exude assurance in your abilities. Before the test, warm up by driving around for a bit to get comfortable behind the wheel. During the test, remember the basics: look both ways at stop signs, use blinkers, and always perform a full-body turn when backing up. Be mindful of your surroundings, including pedestrians and other vehicles, as this awareness will be assessed by the examiner.
In terms of the written test, adequate preparation and a good night's sleep are essential. Avoid cramming, as this can hinder your ability to retain information. Instead, review the material systematically and highlight key concepts. If you encounter a challenging question during the exam, carefully read through it and eliminate any obviously incorrect answers. Remember that perfection is not the goal; focus on demonstrating your understanding of the rules of the road and safe driving practices.
Lastly, consider enrolling in a traffic school or defensive driving course. These courses can provide a comprehensive understanding of driving safety and may even make you eligible for safe driver discounts from insurance providers.
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State-specific requirements
The requirements for an international student to obtain a driver's license vary from state to state in the United States. Here are some state-specific requirements to consider:
California and New York
These states refer to the agency that issues driver's licenses as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The general steps to obtain a driver's license as an international student in these states include:
- Checking the DMV website for instructions on completing the application form.
- Submitting the application form electronically or in person at the DMV office.
- Providing acceptable documents, such as proof of residence and a Social Security Number (SSN) card, if required by the state.
- Scheduling a driving and written test, if necessary.
Texas
In Texas, the agency that handles driver's licenses is called the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The process for obtaining a driver's license as an international student in Texas may involve similar steps to those in California and New York, but it is important to refer to the DPS website or contact them directly for specific requirements.
Illinois
Illinois refers to the licensing agency as the Secretary of State Office. While the exact process may vary, international students in Illinois will need to follow similar steps as in other states, including providing proof of residence and submitting the required documents.
Other States
While the provided information focuses on the states mentioned above, it is important to note that each state in the US has its own set of requirements. For example, some states may accept foreign driver's licenses from certain countries, while others may not. Additionally, the application fee for a driver's license varies across states and depends on the applicant's age. Therefore, it is essential to check with the specific state's licensing agency, such as the DMV or equivalent, to understand the detailed requirements and process for obtaining a driver's license as an international student in that particular state.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get a driver's license in the USA.
You will need to provide several documents, including ID verification, proof of address, and immigration forms. Common documents include Form I-94, which shows your travel history, Form I-20, which demonstrates your eligibility as a "nonimmigrant student", and a Social Security Number (SSN) or a denial letter, if your state requires it.
It is recommended to wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US before applying for a driver's license. This allows time for your Form I-94 information and nonimmigrant status to update in government systems.
It depends on your state and country of origin. Some states do not require driving and written tests if you have a valid license from your home country or another state. However, not all states accept driver's licenses from other countries.
You can speak to your designated school official (DSO) or campus advisor, who can guide you through the specific requirements and application process for your state.
