Lori Meadows
International students on a visa who want to obtain a California ID card or driver's license must go through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV issues ID cards to persons of any age, which are used for identification purposes and are accepted at banks, stores, airports, and other businesses. To obtain a California ID or driver's license, international students must provide proof of their California residency, which can include various documents such as rental agreements, school documents, bank records, and more. Additionally, they must verify their birth date and legal presence with documents like a passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate. F-1 Visa students intending to drive in the U.S. are required to obtain a California driver's license, which involves passing a written test and a driving test.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | International students on a visa |
| What type of ID? | Driver's license or state ID |
| Where to apply? | California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| Documents required | Passport, I-94 card, I-20, birth certificate, marriage certificate, proof of address (e.g., rental agreement, school documents, bank statements, etc.), proof of name change (if applicable) |
| Other requirements | Vision exam, written test (for driver's license) |
| Processing time | Up to one year for permanent license |
| Validity | A regular ID card is valid for six years |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Proof of legal presence and birth date
International students applying for a California ID card or driver's license must provide proof of legal presence and birth date. This is because the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required to verify the student's immigration status with the Immigration Service before issuing a license.
To prove legal presence and birth date, international students must present certain documents. These documents include the I-20, I-94 card, and passport. In addition, applicants must complete and submit the DL 44 application form and pay the associated application fee.
It is important to note that if an applicant's name has changed and is different from the name on their identity document, they must bring a document with their new name. This could include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, domestic partner registration certificate, adoption document, or any court document that connects the applicant's relationship to someone whose name appears on residency documentation.
For F-1 Visa students who intend to drive in the U.S., obtaining a California driver's license is mandatory. The DMV provides free practice tests to help prepare for the driver's knowledge test, and applicants have up to three chances to pass. Once the written test is passed, an interim license is issued, which can be used alongside the applicant's home country driving license while practicing for the driving test.
The California DMV also issues ID cards to persons of any age, which are valid for six years and can be used for identification purposes at banks, stores, airports, and other businesses. International students should ensure they provide the DMV with their correct mailing address and, if necessary, update their documentation within 60 days to avoid delays in receiving their permanent license or ID card.
International Students: Are Apple Education Discounts Available?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
I-20, I-94 card, and passport
International students applying for a California ID need to provide documentation to verify their birth date and legal presence. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues ID cards to persons of any age. The ID card is accepted at banks, stores, airports, and other businesses where name and age identification are required.
The documents that international students need for a California ID include the I-20, I-94 card, and passport. The Form I-20, or "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," is a crucial document that verifies an individual's legal enrolment in a program of study in the United States. It is required for both F and M student visas and must be presented at the visa interview and upon entering the country. The Form I-20 is issued by the designated school official (DSO) once the student has been accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. It contains important information such as the student's name, address, date of birth, email address, country of birth and citizenship, school code, and SEVIS identification number.
The I-94 card is another essential document for international students. It serves as proof of legal visitor status and can be accessed online or through the CBP GO mobile app. While paper forms of the I-94 were previously issued, the process has now been digitized, and travellers are encouraged to use electronic means to obtain their I-94 records. The I-94 card is particularly important for international students as it verifies their immigration status and employment authorization.
Lastly, a valid passport is required for international students to obtain a California ID. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the United States, unless specific country agreements exempt this requirement. The passport, along with the I-20 and I-94 card, should be presented during the California ID application process.
International Students: India's Appeal to Americans
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Vision exam
International students applying for a California ID need to pass a standard vision test. This test is administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) per the California Vehicle Code. The vision test is usually free and is conducted by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.
The vision test includes some form of a Snellen eye chart, which has one large letter at the top (usually an 'E') and several rows of gradually smaller letters below. A DMV employee will ask you to read certain rows to determine how well you can recognise the characters on the chart. This measures the sharpness of your eyesight based on the smallest row of letters you can read.
You are allowed to wear your glasses or contact lenses during the test, but only if you plan to wear them while driving. If you do not pass the eye exam, you may be referred to a vision specialist, who may prescribe eyeglasses or a stronger prescription for your current eyeglasses.
The vision requirements for passing the test are as follows:
- 20/40 or better in one eye and 20/70 or better in the other eye.
- Alternatively, drivers must have visibility of 20/40 with both eyes combined.
These requirements are subject to change, so it is important to check with the DMV for the most up-to-date information.
International Students and Taxes: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Proof of California residency
International students applying for a California ID card must prove their residency in California. This can be done by presenting two documents that contain the applicant's California physical address, full name, and the same address that is listed on the ID card application. If a PO Box is used, one document must include both the PO Box and physical address, and one document may only contain the PO Box.
- Rental or lease agreement with the signatures of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
- School documents issued by a public or private educational institution, including the applicant's date of birth. If using a foreign school document, it must be sealed by the school and include a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued
- Change of Address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
- Records from any state or national bank, state or federal savings association, trust company, industrial loan company, state or federal credit union, or any institution or entity that has issued a credit card
- Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by the California Secretary of State or a local California county elections officer
- Original copy of an approved Claim for Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption (BOE-266) form filed with a local California County Assessor
- Court documents that list the applicant as a resident of California
- Letter from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, non-profit entity, faith-based organization, employer, or government agency within the U.S. attesting that the applicant resides in California
- A document issued by a U.S. government agency, including any entity, office, or authority governing a country, state, county, city, municipality, district, agency, department, or any other political subdivision of a country or state
It is important to note that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues ID cards to persons of any age, and these IDs are valid for six years. The ID card can be used for identification purposes at banks, stores, airports, and other businesses.
International Students: Which Form for ITIN?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
REAL ID document checklist
International students applying for a California ID must go through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The ID card is valid for six years and can be used for identification purposes at banks, stores, airports, and other businesses.
Proof of Identity
You must provide one document to prove your identity. This can be your valid passport, including a U.S. passport card. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, your passport must be valid and unexpired.
Proof of Social Security Number
You must provide one document to prove your Social Security Number (SSN). Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, W-2 form, or a pay stub with your name and SSN.
Proof of California Residency
You must provide two documents to prove that you live in California. Both documents must show your first and last name and the same physical address that is listed on your ID card application. Acceptable documents include:
- Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the landlord and tenant
- School documents issued by a public or private educational institution, including the applicant's date of birth. If using a foreign school document, it must be sealed by the school and include a photograph of the applicant.
- Change of Address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
- Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by the California Secretary of State or a local county elections officer
- Records from any bank, credit union, or institution that has issued a credit card
Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
If your name is different from the one on your identity document, you must provide one document to support your name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, domestic partner registration certificate, or any court document that connects your relationship to a person whose name appears on residency documentation.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the REAL ID document requirements, international students must verify their birth date and legal presence. The DMV is also authorized to administer a vision exam, so bring your eyeglasses if you wear them.
Please note that the processing time for international students' ID applications may take up to one year due to the verification process with the Immigration Service.
International Students: Bitcoin Trading Eligibility
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
International students need to present the following documents to obtain a California ID:
- Passport
- I-20
- I-94 card
- Proof of California residency (e.g., rental agreement, school documents, bank records)
- Birth certificate or other documents verifying their birth date and legal presence
International students can obtain a California ID from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Yes, applicants must pass a vision exam. If glasses are worn, bring them to the exam. Depending on the results, a visit to a vision specialist may be required.
