Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US who want to drive need to apply for a state driver's license. The application process varies from state to state, but there are some general requirements. International students will need to bring various documents to the DMV, including a valid passport, student visa, and proof of residence. They may also need to provide their Social Security Number (SSN) and Form I-20, which shows their eligibility for a driver's license as a nonimmigrant student. In some cases, international students may need to take a driving test and a written test to obtain their license.
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What You'll Learn
Form I-94
The I-94 form is essential for international students as it helps verify their nonimmigrant student status and determines their eligibility for a driver's license. It contains detailed information about your travel history, including arrival and departure dates, which is necessary for the DMV to assess how long a foreign applicant will remain in the country.
To obtain your Form I-94, you can access it electronically through the CBP I-94 website or the CBP GO mobile app. Additionally, if you prefer a paper form, you can print it from the I-94 website or request it during the inspection process. It is important to ensure that the information on your Form I-94 is accurate and up to date, especially your name, which should match your passport, visa, and Form DS-160.
When visiting the DMV, make sure to bring your Form I-94 along with other required documents, such as your passport, student visa, and proof of residence. It is recommended to wait at least ten days after arriving in the U.S. before applying for a driver's license to allow your I-94 information to update in all government systems.
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Form I-20
International students must bring several documents with them when visiting the DMV, including Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." This form is crucial for nonimmigrant students as it verifies their eligibility for a driver's license. Here is some detailed information about Form I-20:
Obtaining Form I-20:
Once accepted into an SEVP-certified school, nonimmigrant students will receive Form I-20 from their designated school official (DSO). It is important to obtain this form before paying the I-901 SEVIS fee, as information from Form I-20 is required for the payment process. Additionally, students under 18 years of age must have their parents sign Form I-20.
The Role of Form I-20 in the Visa Process:
International students need Form I-20 when applying for a visa. They must present the original, signed Form I-20 at their visa interview and upon entering the country. The form indicates the type of student visa an individual may obtain and is essential for maintaining their status in the United States.
When applying for a driver's license at the DMV, international students must bring the original copies of Form I-20. This form confirms their nonimmigrant student status and is a crucial factor in determining their eligibility for a driver's license. It is worth noting that the DMV may use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program to verify the student's status.
Additional Requirements for Driver's License Applications:
In addition to Form I-20, international students must provide a valid passport, their most recent student visa, and proof of residence when applying for a driver's license. They may also need to present Form I-94, which details their travel history, and their Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). It is recommended to contact the local DMV office to confirm the specific requirements for international students.
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Passport and student visa
International students looking to obtain a driver's license in the United States will need to bring their passport and copies of their current student visa as proof of ID when visiting the DMV. This is because the DMV may need to verify your nonimmigrant student status to determine your eligibility for a driver's license. While providing your passport is typically enough to fulfil this requirement, it is advisable to bring your student visa as well.
It is important to ensure that your passport is valid and will not expire within 60 days of your application. In addition to your passport and student visa, you may also need to bring other documents, such as Form I-20, which demonstrates your eligibility for a driver's license as a nonimmigrant student. If you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT), you will need to bring Form I-766, also known as the "Employment Authorization Document."
The requirements for obtaining a driver's license may vary slightly from state to state, so it is always a good idea to check with your local DMV office or website to confirm the specific documents you will need to bring. For example, while some states may require you to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), this is not necessary in all states. Similarly, proof of residence is typically required, but the acceptable forms of documentation may differ depending on the state.
It is worth noting that some states, like California, do not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an international driver's license as a valid form of a driver's license. Therefore, international students planning to drive in the United States will need to obtain a local driver's license by following the processes outlined by their local DMV offices. This usually involves taking a written and/or driving test, although some students with a license from their home country may be exempt from the driving test.
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Proof of residence
International students seeking to obtain a driver's license in the United States must provide proof of residence in addition to other documents such as their passport, student visa, and immigration forms. The specific requirements for proof of residence may vary depending on the state and the local DMV office, so it is essential to check the requirements for your specific location. Here is some general information about what constitutes proof of residence:
- Number of Documents: In most states, including California, Colorado, and Nevada, two proofs of residency documents are required for driver's license applications. These documents must be from different businesses, companies, or agencies, and the address on both must match exactly.
- Types of Documents: Acceptable forms of proof of residence vary but typically include documents such as utility bills, bank statements, tax bills or assessments, homeowner's or renter's insurance policies, and government letters. Some states, like Nevada, may also accept foreign passports with an I-94 form or a Verification Certificate of Driver's License issued by a Taiwan Consulate Office (with an English translation, if necessary).
- Originals vs. Copies: It is important to provide original documents or certified copies. The DMV typically does not accept photocopies or altered documents. Computer printouts of online bills are often considered original and may be printed and submitted.
- Address Requirements: The documents must include the applicant's name and current residential address. P.O. boxes are generally not acceptable. For homeless applicants, a letter from a government entity or a non-profit organization with the facility's name, address, and contact information may be provided.
- Timing: It is recommended to ensure that any bills or statements presented as proof of residence are recent. For example, the Nevada DMV requires that documents be updated to show the applicant's current Nevada address. The DC DMV specifies that certain documents, such as tax assessments and insurance policies, must be issued within the last 12 months.
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Social Security Number (SSN)
A Social Security Number (SSN) is often used as a form of identification in the United States. While it is not required for many tasks, such as obtaining a driver's license, it is convenient for opening a bank account or telephone account. SSNs are only issued to individuals who are employed and/or have tax reporting requirements. If you have been granted legal authorization to work and are working, you are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
To apply for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. F-1 students must also provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study. J-1 students under the sponsorship of an external organization should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
Once you have obtained employment authorization, you can submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). If your employment is based on CPT, your I-20 form must have an authorization for CPT printed on page 3 of the form. If you are engaged in OPT, you must bring your unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card. The OISS will issue a letter confirming that you have secured on-campus employment and that you are a full-time student in good standing.
After receiving your letter from the OISS, you can visit a Social Security Office to apply for an SSN. Social Security forms are available at SSA offices, and there is no fee required. You will need to bring your OISS letter, as well as an employment offer letter from your department or hiring office. You can give them a letter template provided by the Social Security Administration. You will also need to bring your passport, which should include a copy of your J-1 admission stamp and a printout of your electronic I-94 information.
After submitting your application, your documents will be reviewed by an SSA examiner. You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary. The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified.
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Frequently asked questions
International students need to bring various documents to the DMV, including a valid passport, their most recent student visa, and proof of residence. They may also need to bring their Form I-94, Form I-20, and Social Security Number (SSN).
Form I-94, also known as the "Arrival/Departure Record," is a document that records your travel history, including arrival and departure dates. The DMV needs this information to determine your eligibility for a driver's license, as it depends on how long you will remain in the United States.
Form I-20, or the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," confirms your eligibility for a driver's license based on your nonimmigrant student status. The DMV may use this form to verify your status through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program.
