Lori Meadows
As an international student, you must renew your driver's license at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The application process for renewing a driver's license may differ depending on the state, but the basic steps are similar. You must prepare the necessary documents, which may include a valid passport, student visa, proof of residence, and Social Security Number (SSN) or a denial letter. If you are an F-1 student, your driver's license is tied to the validity of your I-20, so remember to bring your new I-20 when renewing your license. In some states, you may be exempt from the driving skills test if you have a driver's license from your home country. After submitting your application, you may receive your renewed license immediately or within several weeks, depending on your state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required documents | Valid passport, most recent student visa, I-94 card or printout, proof of residence, SSN card or denial letter, EAD card, all signed versions of Form I-20, enrollment verification letter |
| Wait time | Normal to receive the license immediately or wait several weeks, depending on the state |
| Exemption from driving skills test | Possible if you have a driver's license from your home country |
| Written exam | Can be scheduled on the DMV website or taken directly at the DMV; three attempts allowed |
| Road test | Three attempts allowed; additional fees may be required for the second and third attempts |
| Temporary license | Available for nonimmigrants waiting for OPT |
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What You'll Learn
Required documents for renewal
The documents required for renewal of a driver's license for international students vary across different states in the US. However, here is a list of documents that are commonly required:
- Passport: You will need to provide your valid passport.
- Student Visa: Along with the passport, you must present your most recent student visa. Note that if you are from a visa-exempt country (such as Canada or Bermuda), you do not need to provide a visa.
- I-20 or DS-2019: You will need to present the original of your I-20 or DS-2019 form. This is the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." Ensure that your I-20/DS-2019 does not expire within 60 days of the date of application.
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: You will need to provide your I-94 card or printout. Wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US to apply for a driver's license so that your I-94 information can update across government systems.
- Proof of Residence: This requirement varies from state to state. Examples of acceptable documents include rental agreements, bank statements, paycheck stubs, current licenses or IDs, utility bills, vehicle registrations, and auto insurance cards.
- Social Security Number (SSN): Some states require an SSN for a driver's license. If you do not have an SSN, you can obtain a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Alternatively, some states allow you to mark on the DMV application that you are not eligible for an SSN.
- Enrollment Verification Letter: An Enrollment Verification Letter from the Office of Records and Registration may be required, depending on your state.
- EAD Card (for OPT Students): If you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT), bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to the DMV. The DMV will use the A number on this card to verify your status.
It is important to note that the requirements may differ slightly depending on your specific state and situation. Always check with your local DMV office or website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Eligibility requirements
International students on an F1, J1, or M1 visa are eligible to obtain a driver's license in the US state where they reside during their studies. The eligibility requirements for renewing a driver's license as an international student vary slightly depending on the state. Here are the general eligibility requirements and documents you will need to provide:
- Student Visa: International students on F1, J1, or M1 visas are typically eligible to apply for a driver's license. However, it is recommended that new international students wait until their SEVIS record has been updated before initiating the process.
- Non-immigrant Student Status: The DMV may need to verify your non-immigrant student status to determine your eligibility for a driver's license. They may use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program for this purpose.
- Valid Passport: You will need to provide your valid passport as proof of identity and age.
- Proof of Residence: You must provide proof of your residency in the state. This could include documents such as a rental agreement, bank statement, utility bill, or other state-specific requirements.
- Social Security Number (SSN): Some states require an SSN card, while others may accept a denial letter or do not require an SSN at all. Check with your specific state's requirements.
- Enrollment Verification: An Enrollment Verification Letter from the Office of Records and Registration may be required by your state.
- OPT/STEM OPT: If you are on OPT or STEM OPT, you may need to provide an EAD card to determine the expiration date of your driver's license.
- State-Specific Requirements: Each state may have additional eligibility requirements and accepted documents. Check the website of the agency that issues driver's licenses in your state for detailed information.
It is important to note that the eligibility requirements and documents needed may vary depending on the state in which you are applying for a driver's license renewal. Always refer to the specific guidelines provided by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Exemptions from the driving test
The driving skills test is a standard requirement for anyone applying for a driver's license. However, international students and scholars who have a valid driver's license from their home country may be exempt from this test. This is because some countries have reciprocity agreements that allow their citizens to obtain a local driver's license without taking the usual tests.
If you are an international student in the United States, you must bring your driver's license from your home country to present to the officer at the DMV. This may exempt you from the driving test. However, it is important to note that not all states accept driver's licenses from other countries. Therefore, it is recommended that you review the specific requirements for your state before applying for your license.
In addition to a valid driver's license from your home country, you will need to present other documents to the DMV. These typically include your passport, visa, proof of residence, and Social Security Number (SSN) or a denial letter if you are not eligible for an SSN. For F-1 students, your driver's license is tied to the validity of your I-20, so remember to bring this document as well.
It is also important to note that even if you are exempt from the driving test, you may still be required to pass a written test or complete other steps in the licensing process, such as a vision test. The specific requirements vary by state, so be sure to review the information provided by your local DMV to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and meet all the requirements to obtain your driver's license.
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How to prepare for the driving test
The process of getting a driver's license as an international student varies depending on the country and state, so it's important to check the specific requirements for your location. Here are some general guidelines and tips on how to prepare for the driving test:
- Check the requirements for international students: Before you begin the process, understand the specific requirements and regulations for the country and state where you plan to drive. Contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent, and consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) to gather information on driving license procedures, required documents, and any unique state or country-specific rules.
- Ensure your documentation is in order: Gather all the necessary identification documents, including your passport, student visa, proof of residence, and any other required forms. Check that your name and date of birth are consistent across all documents. If you have a driver's license from your home country, bring that as well, but note that not all states or countries will accept it.
- Study for the written test: The written portion of the evaluation will test your knowledge of local driving laws, road signs, and procedures related to accidents and emergencies. To prepare, you can study the official driving handbook or guide for your state or country. Some places, like California, also offer informative videos on their official YouTube channels, which can be a more engaging way to learn the material.
- Practice for the driving skills test: The driving test will assess your ability to safely operate a vehicle. Consider hiring a driving instructor or coach who understands your unique perspective as an international student. They can provide guidance and help you gain practical experience behind the wheel. If you have friends who are willing to let you practice with their car, ensure that you follow legal requirements and have proper insurance.
- Understand the testing process and fees: Familiarize yourself with the testing process, including the number of attempts allowed and the fees associated with each attempt. In some places, you may have three attempts before needing to restart the registration process, and there may be a waiting period between tests.
- Be mindful of processing times: Keep in mind that the process of obtaining your driver's license can take varying amounts of time, from a few days to a few weeks, or even longer in some cases. Ensure that you have allowed enough time for your information to be updated in the relevant government systems before submitting your application.
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What to do after passing the test
Congratulations! You've passed your driving test! Now, you'll need to get your full driving licence. There are two ways to do this: You can get your full driving licence automatically by handing your provisional licence to the examiner after the test, or you can apply for it by post. If you choose to apply by post, you must do so within two years of passing your test; otherwise, your pass certificate will expire, and you'll need to take the test again.
It can take up to three weeks for your full driving licence to arrive in the post, but you don't need to wait for it before you start driving independently. As long as your car is taxed, insured, and road legal, you can drive on your own as soon as you've passed your test.
If you're a new driver, you might want to consider displaying P plates on your car. P plates indicate to other motorists that you've recently passed your test and are still getting used to the roads. You can display P plates for as long as you like.
If you want to gain more confidence and experience, you could enrol in a Pass Plus course. This course will help you improve your skills in areas such as night driving, motorway driving, and driving in different weather conditions. Plus, many insurance companies offer lower premiums to new drivers who've completed the Pass Plus course.
Insurance can be expensive for new drivers, but there are ways to bring down the costs. For example, black box insurance, or telematics, is popular with new drivers as it can help the safest motorists get a discount on their premiums. A black box uses GPS technology to record your driving habits, such as braking and accelerating, as well as the types of roads you travel on and the times of day you tend to drive. This data is sent back to your insurance company and used to calculate your premium.
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Frequently asked questions
The documents you need to renew your driver's license vary depending on your state, but generally include:
- A valid passport and your most recent student visa
- Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record”
- Proof of residence
- Social Security Number (SSN) or a denial letter
- Enrollment Verification Letter
This depends on your state and whether you have a driver's license from your home country. If you do, you may be exempt from the driving test.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website outlines the process for obtaining a driver's license and the required tests.
