Lori Meadows
International students in Indiana can obtain a state ID or driver's license, which can be helpful as a form of identification. To obtain an Indiana state ID, international students must be legal residents of Indiana and provide various documents, including proof of identity, residency, and Social Security Number (SSN) eligibility. The specific documents required include the most recent Form I-20 and Form I-94, an unexpired passport, the most recent F-1 visa, proof of address, and either the original Social Security card or a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration. Additionally, there is a small fee for the state ID application, and students must pass both a written and practical driving test to obtain a driver's license.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | International students |
| Requirements | Form I-20, Form I-94, unexpired passport, F-1 visa, Social Security Number, proof of address, letter from CGE, non-U.S. driver's license, proof of Indiana residency |
| Additional information | A small fee is required for the application. |
| Other options | Photo-exempt identification card |
| Indiana REAL ID card |
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What You'll Learn
Required documents for international students
International students applying for an Indiana state ID or driver's license must submit several documents as part of the process. Here is a detailed list of the required documents:
Form I-20 and Form I-94:
Use only the most recent and original versions of Form I-20 and Form I-94. Form I-94 can be accessed online.
Passport:
Your passport must be unexpired.
Visa:
Include the most recent F-1 visa located in your passport. An expired visa is acceptable if it is the most recent entry.
Social Security Number (SSN):
Provide your original Social Security card. If you are ineligible for an SSN, submit a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration that is less than 60 days old. Students with F-1 visas can only apply for an SSN if they have a pending job offer.
Proof of Address:
You must provide two documents mailed to your on-campus address from a public source (e.g., a bill, bank statement, or insurance company letter). These documents must not be older than 60 days.
Letter from the Center for Global Education (CGE):
If you reside on campus, an International Student Adviser from the CGE needs to provide you with a letter that is no more than 60 days old.
Non-U.S. Driver's License:
If you possess a non-U.S. driver's license, you may use it to expedite your Indiana license application. Ensure that all information on the license is in English or provide an official translation.
Indiana Residency Affidavit:
If you cannot provide two documents proving your Indiana residency, you may need to submit an Indiana Residency Affidavit. This affidavit must be signed at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch by another Indiana resident who agrees to let you use their address for record purposes. The person signing must submit their valid Indiana driver's license or identification card, one document proving their identity, and two documents verifying their Indiana residency.
It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining an Indiana state ID or driver's license may change, so it is recommended to check the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, there is a small fee associated with the state ID application process.
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Proving Indiana residency
To obtain an Indiana State ID, international students must prove their Indiana residency. This can be done in several ways, depending on the student's specific circumstances.
Firstly, it is important to note that Indiana residency requirements for tuition and fee-paying purposes at Indiana University (IU) may differ from the criteria set by the State of Indiana to establish residency. IU has been delegated the authority to set tuition, fees, and residency requirements for its students. Thus, international students at IU should refer to the specific policies outlined by the university. One criterion for residency at IU is that the student's permanent residence must be established in Indiana for a purpose other than obtaining in-state tuition and fees. Additionally, there is a 12-month rule, requiring students to have resided in Indiana for at least 12 consecutive months before the start of the semester. However, this rule may be waived if the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) moved to Indiana less than 12 months before the start of the semester and established residence for purposes other than in-state tuition and fees.
For individuals seeking an Indiana State ID outside of the context of IU, the requirements may differ. Generally, to prove Indiana residency, one must provide two documents mailed to their address from a public source and not from a friend or family member. These documents cannot be more than 60 days old and can include items like bills, bank statements, or letters from insurance companies. Alternatively, if an individual cannot provide two documents, they may submit an Indiana Residency Affidavit. This affidavit must be signed by another Indiana resident who attests that the individual can use their address for record purposes. The person signing must provide two documents proving their Indiana residency, and the individual must provide proof of paying Indiana income taxes.
In certain circumstances, additional steps may be required to prove Indiana residency. For instance, if an individual resides in a motor vehicle or has a rural route mail delivery address, they must provide specific government-issued documents with their name and residence description. If an individual does not have a residence address and lives in a group resident facility, they must obtain an affidavit signed by a legal representative of the facility and provide a letter on the facility's letterhead. Similarly, homeless applicants without a residence address must provide a residency affidavit and a letter from a government entity or not-for-profit organization that provides services to them and accepts mail on their behalf.
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Getting a Social Security Number
International students in Indiana are not required to have a Social Security Number (SSN) to start working on campus. However, they must apply for an SSN and inform the University as soon as they obtain one.
To apply for an SSN, international students must submit the following documents:
- Form SS-5 : This is the standard application form for an SSN.
- DS-2019 form : This form is required for J-1 student interns and scholars.
- Letter from OIS : A letter from the Office of International Services stating eligibility for an SSN is required at the time of application.
- Proof of employment : F-1 students need proof of a job or a pending job offer. This can be in the form of a pay stub, paycheck, or a letter from the employer on official letterhead with an original signature.
- I-20 form : F-1 students must have their I-20 form properly endorsed with DSO authorization for CPT on page 2.
- EAD : F-1 students with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) should submit this along with their passport, I-94 card, DS-2019 form, and another form of identification.
- Additional identification : This can include a student ID card, driver's license, or credit card.
It is important to note that students who do not have employment or will not begin working within 30 days of their application are not eligible to receive an SSN. These students can obtain a Letter of Social Security Number Ineligibility, which can be helpful for other applications, such as for an Indiana Driver's License.
Once all the required documents are gathered, applicants can submit them to the Social Security Administration to complete their SSN application.
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Indiana ID card fees
If you are in the military, your Indiana ID card remains valid for 90 days after your discharge from service. You may also be eligible to renew or replace your Indiana ID card online or in person at your local BMV office. The Indiana BMV allows you to renew your state ID card up to 2 years before it expires.
If your name and address have not changed, and you completed your last renewal in person, you may renew or replace your Indiana ID card online. If you are applying for a new ID card, you must present original versions or certified copies of certain documents, including proof of identity, proof of residency, and a Social Security card.
If you are applying for a driver's license, you may need to complete a written and practical test. You will need to provide your own car for the driving test. There is a small fee for both state ID and driver's license applications.
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Indiana driving tests
To obtain an Indiana state ID or driver's license as an international student, you must provide the following:
- Form I-20: Use the most recent, original Form I-20.
- Form I-94: Utilize the latest, original Form I-94, accessible online.
- Passport: Ensure your passport is unexpired.
- Visa: Present the most recent F-1 visa from your passport.
- Social Security Number: Provide your original Social Security card or a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration issued within the last 60 days.
- Proof of Address: Submit two documents mailed to your on-campus address from a public source (e.g., a bank statement or insurance company letter), not a personal contact. These documents should be no older than 60 days.
- Letter from CGE: If residing on campus, obtain a letter from an International Student Adviser, valid for 60 days.
- Non-U.S. Driver's License: If applicable, you may expedite your Indiana license application with a driver's license from your home country, provided all information is in English or translated.
To obtain an Indiana driver's license, you must typically be at least 15 years old and enrolled in a driver's education course. Without driver's education, the minimum age requirement is 16 years. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining your Indiana driver's license:
Step 1: Study the Indiana Driving Manual
Before applying for your driver's license, it is essential to study the Indiana Driving Manual. This manual is available on the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website. It covers traffic customs and laws specific to Indiana, helping you prepare for both the written and practical exams.
Step 2: Obtain a Learner's Permit
To get your learner's permit in Indiana, you must be at least 15 years old. You will need to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test, consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must score at least 84% (42 out of 50 questions). This permit is the first phase of Indiana's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program for drivers under 18.
Step 3: Gain Driving Experience with a Licensed Driver
Once you have your learner's permit, you can drive with a licensed driver who is 25 or older or a spouse who is 21 or older. You must log a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night. This experience is crucial before moving on to the next step of taking the driving skills test.
Step 4: Complete a Driver Training Program (if under 18)
If you are under 18 years old, you must complete a driver training program. This can be done through a BMV-authorized behind-the-wheel training program or a BMV-approved third-party provider. Successfully completing this program is a prerequisite for taking the driving test.
Step 5: Schedule Your Driving Test
Appointments for the driving skills test must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance, and you must arrive at least 15 minutes early on the day of your test. You can make the appointment online through your myBMV account. Remember that the BMV will not provide a car for the test, so you must bring your own insured vehicle that meets the state's minimum liability insurance standards and passes a vehicle inspection.
Step 6: Take the Driving Test
During the driving test, you must be accompanied by an individual with a valid driver's license. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian who can sign for financial responsibility must be present. Your vehicle should meet the basic requirements, such as functioning brake lights, turn signals, and no cracked windshield. Any driver assistance technology must be deactivated during the test.
Step 7: Obtain Your Indiana Driver's License
After passing the driving test, you will be able to obtain your Indiana driver's license. If you are under 18, your license will have certain restrictions, such as nighttime driving and passenger limitations. These restrictions will be lifted once you reach 18 years of age and have held your probationary license for at least 180 days.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need:
- Form I-20: Use only the most recent, original Form I-20.
- Form I-94: Use only the most recent, original Form I-94, which is accessible online.
- Passport: Must be unexpired.
- Visa: Use only the most recent F-1 visa that is in your passport.
- Social Security Number (SSN): Bring your original Social Security card or a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration that is less than 60 days old.
- Proof of Address: Provide two documents mailed to your on-campus address from a public source (e.g., a bank statement), not from a friend or family member. These documents cannot be more than 60 days old.
- Letter from CGE: If you live on campus, an International Student Adviser needs to provide you with a letter that is no more than 60 days old.
- Non-U.S. Driver's License: If you have one, you may be able to use a driver's license from your home country to expedite your Indiana license application; all information on the license must be in English or translated in a separate document.
To obtain an Indiana state ID, you will need to visit your local Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch office. There, you will need to submit the required documents and pay a small fee.
Students with F-1 visas are only eligible to apply for a Social Security Number if they have a pending job offer. Please see the "International Student" tab on the Student Employment web page for information on how to apply.
An Indiana state ID is for individuals who do not wish or are unable to obtain a driver's license but need identification to prove their age, identity, or residence. An Indiana driver's license gives you permission to operate a motor vehicle throughout the entire U.S.
