Ibrahim Gardner
International students in California who intend to drive in the U.S. must obtain a California driver's license. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides ID cards to persons of any age, including international students. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses. A California-issued REAL ID driver's license or identification card is marked with a golden bear and star and meets the requirements for boarding flights within the U.S. and entering secure federal facilities. Obtaining a California REAL ID card is recommended for international students as it serves as sufficient proof of identity during their stay in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs a Real ID in California | International students on an F-1 Visa who intend to drive in the U.S. |
| Where to get a Real ID | California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| Documents required | I-20, I-94 card, passport, DL 44 application form, proof of identity, proof of California residency, Social Security number |
| Other requirements | Pass a written test and a driving test |
| Time taken to receive a Real ID | Up to one year to receive a permanent license |
| Validity of Real ID | N/A |
| Documents required for renewal | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
- International students on F-1 visas must obtain a California driver's license if they intend to drive
- International students must visit a DMV office and make an appointment online
- Documents required: I-20, I-94 card, passport, completed application form DL 44, and application fee
- REAL ID-compliant cards are required to board flights within the US and enter secure federal facilities
- REAL ID applicants must provide proof of identity, proof of California residency, and their Social Security number
International students on F-1 visas must obtain a California driver's license if they intend to drive
Firstly, international students should be aware that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires verification of their immigration status with the Immigration Service before issuing a license. This verification process can take up to one year, and if there is a delay beyond 60 days, students can contact the Sacramento DMV to request an update on their verification status. During this waiting period, students can use their temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
To initiate the process, international students must schedule an appointment with the DMV. They should bring several documents to their appointment, including their I-20, I-94 card, and passport. Additionally, they will need to complete the DL 44 application form and pay the associated fee. It is worth noting that the DMV provides free practice tests to help applicants prepare for the driver's knowledge test.
When it comes to the requirements for obtaining a California driver's license, international students must pass both a written test and a driving test. Upon passing the written test, students will receive an interim license that allows them to practice driving. If students already hold a driver's license from another country, they will still need to take the driving test in California. However, if they have a license from another state, the driving test may be waived.
It is important to note that the DMV has specific requirements for proof of residency. Applicants must provide two documents that contain their California physical address, such as a rental or lease agreement. If there are discrepancies between the names on the residency and identity documents due to name changes, additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate, may be required.
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International students must visit a DMV office and make an appointment online
International students in California who wish to obtain a REAL ID or driver's license must schedule an appointment at a DMV office. This can be done online for faster service.
To apply for a REAL ID, international students must provide proof of identity, proof of California residency, and their Social Security number (exceptions may apply). To prove residency in California, applicants must present two documents containing their California physical address. Both documents must display the applicant's first and last name and the address listed on their driver's license or identification card application. If a PO Box is used, one document must include both the PO Box and physical address, while the other may contain only the PO Box. If the applicant's name does not appear on any residency documents, they may present a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or any court document to establish their relationship to the person whose name appears on the residency documentation.
International students applying for a California driver's license may experience a wait of up to one year to receive a permanent license. This delay occurs because the DMV must verify the student's immigration status with the Immigration Service before issuing the license. If 60 days have passed without receiving the license, students can contact the Sacramento DMV by phone or fax to request that they solicit verification from the Immigration Service.
When visiting the DMV office for the appointment, international students should bring their I-20, I-94 card, and passport. They will also need to complete the application form DL 44 and pay the associated fee. It is important to note that a REAL ID applicant cannot mail in any documents to renew their license.
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Documents required: I-20, I-94 card, passport, completed application form DL 44, and application fee
International students in California who intend to drive in the US must obtain a California driver's license. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues ID cards to persons of any age, but there are certain documents required to obtain one.
Firstly, you will need to complete application form DL 44. This form can be completed online, and it is recommended to make an appointment for faster service. The DMV provides free practice tests to help prepare for the driver's knowledge test. Once you pass the written test, you will receive an interim driving license that can be used with your home country driving license while you practice for the driving test.
In addition to the completed application form, you will need to present several documents, including your I-20, I-94 card, and passport. The I-20, or "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," is a crucial document that you will need throughout your student life cycle. It is used to prove your legal status as a student and is required for various processes, such as applying for a driver's license or a social security number. The I-94 card is also important, as it serves as evidence of your legal visitor status and can be accessed through the CBP GO mobile app or the CBP I-94 website.
Along with these documents, you will need to provide proof of your California residency. This can be done by presenting two documents that contain your California physical address, such as a rental or lease agreement. If your name does not appear on any residency documents, you may provide additional documentation such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate to establish your relationship to the person listed on the residency documentation.
Finally, you will need to pay the application fee. It is important to note that the DMV is required to verify your immigration status with the Immigration Service before issuing a license, which may result in a wait time of up to one year for a permanent license. During this time, you should continue to renew your temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
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REAL ID-compliant cards are required to board flights within the US and enter secure federal facilities
International students in California who intend to drive in the US must obtain a California driver's license. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also issues ID cards to persons of any age. However, it is important to note that the State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver's license.
Obtaining a California-issued REAL ID driver's license or identification card is recommended for international students in California. This is because, starting May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant cards will be required to board flights within the US and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and nuclear power plants. A California-issued REAL ID is marked with a golden bear and star and meets the REAL ID security standards set by the Federal Government.
To apply for a California REAL ID, individuals must provide proof of identity, proof of California residency, and their Social Security number (with some exceptions). For international students, it is important to note that the DMV will verify immigration status with the Immigration Service before issuing a REAL ID. This process may take up to one year. Additionally, if there is a name change since the last identity document, additional documentation, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court document, must be provided to establish the name change.
It is worth mentioning that Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and can be used for boarding flights and entering secure federal facilities. These EDLs are identified by the image of the US flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card. However, most EDLs do not have the star marking, which is acceptable.
In conclusion, international students in California who plan to travel within the US or access secure federal facilities should consider obtaining a California-issued REAL ID driver's license or identification card. This will require proof of identity, residency, and immigration status verification, which may take some time to process. Alternatively, they can obtain an Enhanced Driver's License from specific states as an acceptable form of identification for these purposes.
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REAL ID applicants must provide proof of identity, proof of California residency, and their Social Security number
REAL ID applicants in California must provide proof of identity, proof of California residency, and their Social Security number. This applies to both U.S. citizens and legal residents of the United States. Applicants must present their documents in person at a field office. Original documents or certified copies are required.
Proof of identity can include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, domestic partner registration certificate, adoption document, or any court document. If the name on the identity document differs from the current name, a document with the new name must be provided, along with additional name change documentation.
To prove California residency, applicants must present two documents that contain their California physical address. Both documents must show the applicant's first and last name and the same address listed on the driver's license or identification card application. If a PO Box is used, one document must include both the PO Box and physical address, while the other may contain only the PO Box. A rental or lease agreement with the signatures of the owner/landlord and tenant/resident can be used for this purpose.
If the applicant is a minor, they may use a residency document showing their parent or legal guardian's name, but they must also present a birth certificate proving their relationship. The name on the residency document must match the name on the document used to show the relationship.
Additionally, applicants must provide their Social Security number. For non-U.S. citizens, this may include presenting documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), such as approvals for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
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Frequently asked questions
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses. It established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. A California-issued REAL ID driver’s license or identification card is marked with a golden bear and star and meets these requirements.
International students on a visa can get a REAL ID from the California DMV. You will need to visit a DMV office and make an appointment online for faster service. You will need to bring your I-20, I-94 card, and passport when you go to your appointment, as well as complete application form DL 44 and pay the application fee. You will also need to provide your Social Security number on your REAL ID application.
A California-issued REAL ID card will provide you with sufficient proof of identity throughout your stay in the United States. By having an official U.S. identification card, you will not have to carry your passport around with you all the time.
