Lori Meadows
International students at Rutgers University-Camden who want to drive in the United States need to obtain a driver's license. Before applying for a driver's license, students must check the requirements for the state in which they reside. Students will need to provide a valid foreign license (if they have one), a Social Security Card or Letter of Ineligibility, and a passport with a visa stamp. To obtain a Letter of Ineligibility, students must submit proof that they are authorized to be in the US to the local Social Security Office. Additionally, students must obtain a driver's permit from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and may need to complete the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program if they cannot show proof of previous driving experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Requirements | A valid driver's license |
| Issuing authority | State motor vehicle agencies |
| Rutgers University-Camden students' preference | New Jersey or Pennsylvania license |
| Pre-requisites | Check the requirements for the state in which you reside |
| Documents required | Social Security Card, I-20, passport, I-94, and a letter from the OIS stating that you are in good standing at Rutgers-Camden |
| Documents to be submitted | Immigration Verification Form |
| Issuing authority | Local Social Security Office |
| Issued document | "Letter of Ineligibility" |
| Additional requirement | Obtain a driver's permit from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) |
| State-specific requirements | Pennsylvania requires non-immigrants' entry documents (I-20, DS-2019, or I-797) to have a program completion date of at least one year |
| Waiting period | 10 days from the date of entry into the U.S. |
| Documents required for Pennsylvania | Social Security Card, proof of residency in Pennsylvania |
| Special reciprocity agreement | Pennsylvania has a special reciprocity agreement with France and Germany |
| Foreign license | Not required to surrender your foreign driver's license when MVC issues your New Jersey driver license |
| Additional requirements | Passport with visa stamp, pass the 6 Point ID Verification |
| Requirements for New Jersey | If under 21 years old or have never had a driver's license, complete a period of supervised driving before getting a basic driver's license |
| F or J student status | Students can apply for a driver's license |
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What You'll Learn
Required documents for New Jersey and Pennsylvania licenses
To obtain a driver's license as an international student at Rutgers, you must first ensure that you have the required documents. The specific documents needed will depend on whether you are applying for a New Jersey or Pennsylvania license, as the requirements differ between the two states.
Required Documents for a New Jersey License
To obtain a New Jersey driver's license, you must provide the following documents:
- Your foreign license (if you have one). Note that you are not required to surrender your foreign driver's license.
- Your Social Security Card or a "Letter of Ineligibility." To obtain the letter, you must visit the local Social Security Office and provide proof that you are authorized to be in the US, including your passport, I-20, I-94, and a letter from the OIS stating that you are in good standing at Rutgers.
- Passport with a visa stamp or an approval letter for a change of status.
- Additional documents may be required to pass the 6-Point ID Verification. All documents must be original or certified copies.
- If you cannot show proof of previous driving experience, you must complete the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which requires passing various tests.
- If you are under 21 years old or have never had a driver's license, you must complete a period of supervised driving before obtaining a basic driver's license.
Required Documents for a Pennsylvania License
To obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license, you must provide the following documents:
- Your Social Security Card, if eligible. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you must obtain a "Letter of Ineligibility" from the Social Security Office.
- Two proofs of residency in Pennsylvania. Acceptable documents include current utility bills (excluding cell phone bills), leases, housing contracts, mortgage papers, W-2 tax forms, or a bank statement with your Pennsylvania address.
- Your original immigration documents, such as Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, to verify your status and duration of stay. These documents must have a program completion date of at least one year to be eligible for a Pennsylvania driver's license.
- If you are applying for a learner's permit, you must first obtain and study the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual. Complete the Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180) found in the manual.
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Obtaining a Letter of Ineligibility
International students at Rutgers University-Camden can obtain either a New Jersey or Pennsylvania driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security Card, you must provide proof that you are authorized to be in the US. This includes a copy of your I-20, passport, I-94, and a letter from the OIS stating that you are in good standing at Rutgers-Camden. Take these documents to the local Social Security Office, and they will issue you a "Letter of Ineligibility."
The "Letter of Ineligibility," also referred to as a denial letter, is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and states that you are not eligible for a Social Security Card. This letter is crucial when applying for a driver's license, as it serves as proof of your legal status in the country.
To obtain a New Jersey driver's license, you must first obtain a driver's permit from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). You can then schedule a driving skills test. If you are under 21 years old or have never had a driver's license, New Jersey requires that you complete a period of supervised driving before obtaining a basic driver's license.
For a Pennsylvania driver's license, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires that non-immigrants' entry documents (I-20, DS-2019, or I-797) have a program completion date of at least one year to be eligible. Additionally, you may need to wait 10 days from the date of entry into the US before applying. You will need to provide your social security card or, if ineligible, the "Letter of Ineligibility." Bring two items as proof of residency in Pennsylvania, such as current utility bills.
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Entry documents for non-immigrants
If you are an international student at Rutgers University, you will need to obtain a driver's license from the relevant state motor vehicle agency. Before applying for a driver's license, you must check the requirements for the state in which you live. For instance, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires that non-immigrants' entry documents have a program completion date of at least one year to be eligible for a Pennsylvania ID Card or Driver's License.
- Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status
- Passport
- Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
- Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
- Form N-550, Replacement Certificate for Naturalization
- Form N-570, Replacement Certificate for Citizenship
If you are a non-immigrant student on an F-1 visa, you will need to provide additional documentation if you plan to travel outside the United States and return. You must have a valid passport and a current Form I-20 endorsed for travel and signed by your Designated School Official (DSO). It is important to consult your DSO prior to travelling to ensure you have the proper documentation.
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Required documents for a Pennsylvania ID Card
To obtain a Pennsylvania ID Card or Driver's License, non-immigrants must meet certain requirements. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires that non-immigrants' entry documents (I-20, DS-2019, or I-797) have a program completion date of at least one year. Additionally, you may need to wait 10 days from the date of entry into the US before applying for a driver's license.
- Social Security Card. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you must provide proof that you are authorized to be in the US. This includes a copy of your I-20, passport, I-94, and a letter from the OIS stating that you are in good standing at Rutgers-Camden. You will need to complete the Immigration Verification Form and take these documents to the local Social Security Office, which will issue you a "Letter of Ineligibility."
- Foreign license (if you have one).
- Passport with a visa stamp or approval letter for a change of status.
- Two items as proof of residency in Pennsylvania, such as current utility bills (e.g., electric, cable, or telephone, but not cell phone bills).
You must obtain a driver's permit from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) before applying for a Pennsylvania driver's license. Additionally, if you cannot show proof of previous driving experience, you must complete the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which introduces driving privileges in phases. This program is also required if you are under 21 or have never had a driver's license, and you will need to complete a period of supervised driving.
Starting May 7, 2025, a federally accepted form of identification, such as a REAL ID, US passport, or military ID, will be required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. You can obtain a REAL ID from PennDOT, and it has a one-time fee of $30 plus your standard renewal fee.
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F-1 or J-1 student status
If you are an international student with F-1 or J-1 status at Rutgers, you need to provide the following documents to apply for a driver's license:
- I-20 or DS-2019 form: This form confirms your student status and is issued by your school. Make sure the form is properly signed and that the information is up-to-date.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a valid passport, visa stamp, and either a Social Security Card or a "Letter of Ineligibility". You will also need to provide proof that you are authorized to be in the US, such as a copy of your I-20, I-94, and a letter from the OIS stating that you are in good standing at Rutgers.
Take the above-mentioned documents to the local Social Security Office and they will issue you a "Letter of Ineligibility".
You must obtain a driver's permit from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Check the locations before you visit. If you cannot show proof of previous driving experience, you must complete the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which introduces driving privileges in phases.
Before applying for a driver's license, check the requirements for the state in which you reside. For example, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires that non-immigrants' entry documents have a program completion date of at least one year to be eligible for a Pennsylvania ID Card or Driver's License.
