Lori Meadows
International students planning to drive in California are advised to obtain a California driver's license. The state does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an international driver's license as valid forms of a driver's license. However, California does recognize a valid driver's license issued by a foreign jurisdiction, provided the license holder is a resident of that jurisdiction. To obtain a California driver's license, international students must visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and present their passport, I-20, I-94 record, proof of local address, and other supporting documents. They may also be required to undergo written, vision, and driving tests. Obtaining a California driver's license ensures compliance with state requirements and facilitates purchasing auto insurance, which is mandatory for all drivers in California.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to obtain a California driver's license | Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| Requirements | Passport, I-20, I-94 record, proof of local address, and Social Security Number (SSN) |
| Additional requirements for students on OPT | OPT EAD card and F-1 documents |
| Translation of international driver's license | Must be translated into English |
| Validity of international driver's license | Not recognized by the State of California, but accepted if issued by the country of residence |
| ID card | Issued by the DMV as an alternative form of identification |
| REAL ID | Requires proof of identity, California residency, and a trip to the DMV |
| Application process | Online application and in-person visit to the DMV |
| Application fee | Required for original, renewal, and replacement licenses |
| Waiting period | Up to one year for international students due to immigration status verification |
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What You'll Learn
Required documents for international students
International students applying for a California driver's license should be aware that the process can take some time, with applicants potentially having to wait up to a year to receive a permanent license. This is because the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required to verify the immigration status of the applicant with the Immigration Service before issuing a license.
There are several documents that international students are required to present when applying for a California driver's license. These include:
- Passport
- I-20
- I-94 Arrival/Departure record
- DS-2019
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Proof of local address in the United States
It is important to note that the passport and I-20/DS-2019 cannot expire within 60 days of the date of application. If they do, the applicant will not be able to apply. Additionally, a driver's license from the applicant's home country may be required. This is because California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver's license. However, California does recognize a valid driver's license issued by a foreign jurisdiction, of which the applicant is a resident.
In some cases, additional supporting documentation may be required. It is recommended to visit the DMV website or contact the local DMV office for more specific information. Obtaining a California driver's license is an important step for international students who plan to drive during their stay in the state.
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California's acceptance of foreign licences
California has a large international community, and many foreign visitors drive while in the state. California law permits foreign visitors to drive using their home country's driving license for their visit. This provision is designed to facilitate ease of mobility for tourists, business travelers, and other international visitors.
To drive in California with a foreign license, it must be a current and valid license from your country of origin. You must be at least 18 years old, and your driver's license must have been lawfully issued in the country where you live. It must also cover the type of vehicle you will be driving in California, such as a car, motorcycle, or truck.
An international driving permit (IDP) is not required to drive in California, but it is recommended, especially if your driver's license is not in English. An IDP translates your identification information into 10 languages and is recognized as a valid form of ID. Law enforcement officials will also have an easier time verifying your credentials to drive if you have an IDP. Some rental car agencies require an IDP in addition to a foreign license.
If you are a minor (16 or 17 years old), you can drive in California for up to ten days after entering the state. However, this ten-day limit does not apply if you have a valid driver's license from your country of residence, a nonresident minor's certificate from the California DMV, and proof of financial responsibility (car insurance).
Once you establish residency in California, you have only ten days to obtain a California driver's license. After ten days, the DMV will no longer recognize your foreign license.
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The written test
International students applying for a California driver's license must pass a written test as part of their licensing requirements. This is in addition to a vision test and a driving test. The written test consists of 36 questions, and you have three chances to pass. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides free practice tests to help you prepare for the driver knowledge test. You can also review the DMV's Educational Materials for information on the written test, sample exams, safety videos, and more.
To apply for a California driver's license, you must visit a DMV office. You can start your application online, but you must finish the process in person. Make sure to bring your original immigration documents, including your passport, printout of your I-94 Arrival/Departure record, and I-20 or DS-2019 form. Your passport or I-20/DS-2019 form cannot expire within 60 days of the date of application. If these documents expire in less than 60 days, you cannot apply.
If you have a driver's license from your home country, bring it with you to the DMV as it may exempt you from the driving test. However, California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an international driver's license as a valid form of a driver's license. If your license is not in English, you must provide a translation.
Once you pass the written test, you will receive an interim driving license. You can use this interim license with your home country's driving license to start practicing for the driving test. After passing the driving test, you will receive your California driver's license. Obtaining a California driver's license is recommended if you intend to drive in the state, as most insurance companies require a California license to purchase auto insurance.
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The driving test
International students in California who wish to obtain a driver's license must pass a driving test. This typically involves a written exam and a road skills test. However, students with a valid driver's license from their home country may be exempt from the driving skills test.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers the driving test and provides educational materials to help applicants prepare. These materials include information on the written and driving skills tests, sample exams, and safety videos. It is recommended that applicants familiarise themselves with these resources before attempting the test.
On the day of the test, applicants must bring their original immigration documents, including their passport, I-94 arrival/departure record, and I-20 or DS-2019 form. It is important to ensure that these documents do not expire within 60 days of the application date, as this may disqualify the applicant from taking the test. Additionally, applicants should bring their driver's license from their home country, as it may exempt them from the driving test.
Once the driving test is passed, applicants will receive their California driver's license. However, it is important to note that the process may take some time, as the DMV needs to verify the applicant's immigration status with the Immigration Service. This verification process can take up to one year, and applicants may only receive a temporary license until the verification is complete.
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Obtaining a Social Security Number
To obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) as an international student in California, you must be employed and have work authorization. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Obtain Employment Authorization
Firstly, ensure you have valid employment authorization. This can be based on one of the following:
- On-campus employment: Obtain a letter from your department confirming your on-campus job offer. This letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed, and include your job title and other relevant details.
- Off-campus employment: Obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. This authorizes you to work under F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
Step 2: Evidence of Employment
Once you have employment authorization, you will need to gather evidence of your employment. For on-campus employment, this will be the letter from your department mentioned in Step 1. For off-campus employment, you will need to provide your EAD card.
Step 3: Submit a Social Security Letter Request
If your employment is based on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment, you do not need an additional letter from your institution's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). In other cases, submit a Social Security Letter Request to the OISS, and they will issue a letter confirming your secured employment and student status.
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment at the Social Security Office
After receiving the necessary letters, schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office. Bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Letter of Evidence of On-Campus Employment from your institution's Human Resources department or the relevant letter for off-campus employment (EAD card).
- Your passport and other relevant identity documents.
Additional Considerations:
- It is recommended that you wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US before initiating the SSN process. This allows time for the Department of Homeland Security to transfer your arrival information, without which your application may be delayed.
- J-1 students must be registered for a full course of study and provide evidence of employment.
- International students in F-1 and J-1 status are exempt from Social Security tax. However, they are generally subject to federal and state income taxes.
- A Social Security Number is often used for opening bank accounts, telephone accounts, or utility accounts. However, it does not grant legal authorization to work in the US.
- Always keep your Social Security card in a safe place, along with several secure copies.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to present your passport, I-20, I-94 record, and proof of your local address in the United States when you apply. Your passport or I-20/DS-2019 cannot expire within 60 days of the date of application. If you have a driver's license from your home country, bring it too, as it may exempt you from the driving test.
You will need to take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. The California DMV provides free practice tests to help you prepare for the driver knowledge test.
If you are legally present in the US but ineligible for an SSN, you are exempt from SSN requirements. However, you must still provide an acceptable birth date/legal presence document. If you do have an SSN, you must bring it with you when you apply.
International students applying for a California driver's license may have to wait up to one year to receive a permanent license because the DMV must verify the student's immigration status with the Immigration Service.
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