Savanna Hoffman
International students in Florida who wish to drive must obtain a Florida driver's license or a State of Florida identification card. To do so, international students must submit several documents, including identification, proof of date of birth, proof of residential address, and proof of social security number. In addition, international students must provide proof of non-immigrant classification and their F-1 or J-1 status documentation. Students with a valid driver's license from their home country may be exempt from Florida's required course and tests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identification | Passport |
| Proof of date of birth | |
| Proof of residential address | Two documents with the Florida residential address (e.g. lease agreement, utility bill, cell phone bill, etc.) |
| Proof of Social Security Number | SSN card or a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA) |
| Non-immigrant classification | DHS form I-94 |
| F-1 or J-1 status documentation | Form I-20 or DS-2019 |
| Valid driver's license from home country |
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What You'll Learn
Proof of residence
To prove your residency in Florida, you must submit two different documents with your Florida residential address. The documents can be in the form of printouts or faxes. Here is a list of documents that are considered proof of residence:
- Household information documents: This includes a deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, or residential rental/lease agreement. The lease agreement must be in the customer's name and have been in place for at least six months.
- Utility bill: This includes water, gas, electricity, cell phone, or cable. The bill must be dated within the last 60 days.
- Automobile payment booklet: This must be dated within the last 60 days.
- Selective service card: This must be dated within the last 60 days.
- Medical or health card and/or medical bill: This must be dated within the last 60 days.
- Florida Voter Registration Card.
- Statement of domicile pursuant to Florida Statutes section 222.17.
- Homestead tax exemption filing on property in this state.
- Current homeowner's insurance policy or bill.
- Current Florida Class E Driver License or Florida Identification card held for at least six consecutive months.
- Florida vehicle or vessel registration or title.
- Recent cellular or landline telephone bill: This must be dated within the last 60 days.
- Recent internet service provider bill: This must be dated within the last 60 days.
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Valid foreign driver's license
International students and scholars who drive in the U.S. must have a valid driver's license. Some states require an International Driving Permit (IDP) from foreign nationals, in addition to a valid foreign driver's license. Florida honors any special license plate or parking permit issued to a disabled person by a foreign country that issues disabled parking permits displaying the international symbol of accessibility.
In Florida, a driver's license or State ID card can be obtained at any Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office. Driver's licenses are issued for one year at a time, renewable until the end of the student's program. F-1 students who have completed a course of study or optional practical training can be granted a license for an additional 60-day period to allow them to prepare for departure or process a transfer. J-1 students and scholars who have completed an exchange visitor program can obtain an additional 30-day period.
Non-immigrants applying for a new driver's license or ID card in Florida must submit the following documents before a REAL-ID-compliant driver's license or ID card can be issued:
- Valid employment authorization card issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) form I-688B or I-766.
- Non-expired proof of non-immigrant classification provided by DHS form I-94 with required supporting attachments.
- Proof of legal name, lawful presence, Social Security Number (SSN), and two forms of residential address.
If a customer is unsure of the required documentation, they should bring all United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documentation with them. It is recommended that they take their foreign driver's license, if one has been issued.
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Social Security Number
International students at the University of Florida who need a Social Security Number (SSN) should call the Social Security Administration office directly to schedule an in-office appointment. Their number is (877) 219-8323. If you do not live in Gainesville, Florida, you may call the National SSA number at 1-800-772-1213 and follow the prompts to schedule an in-person appointment. When you call this number, you will first be presented with the option of continuing in English or switching to Spanish.
To apply for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. Authorization can be based on one of the following:
- On-campus employment: obtain a letter from a department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job.
- Optional Practical Training or other off-campus employment: obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services authorizing you to work under F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
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 such as IIE, LASPAU, or AMIDEAST should obtain a Social Security letter from their sponsor.
As an F-1 student, you should be able to provide the following documents:
- Foreign Passport
- I-94 with Unexpired Foreign Passport
- I-20 Certificate of Eligibility
Your SSN card will be mailed directly to the address you provide in the SSN application. It is a heavy paper card, not a plastic card, which can be easily overlooked or lost. When you receive your card, please ensure that all the information printed on it is correct. Please keep it in a safe place. The card must be presented to the employing department (if within UF) or the company (if paid internship, training, etc.) for completion of the payroll process.
Please note that simply having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the U.S. However, if you have been granted legal authorization to work and are working, you are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
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Non-immigrant classification
Non-US citizens who are seeking to obtain a driver's license in Florida must submit a range of documents as proof of their identity and residency. One of the key documents required is proof of non-immigrant classification, which can be provided in the form of a DHS form I-94 with the necessary supporting attachments. This form serves as evidence of the individual's non-immigrant status in the United States.
The DHS form I-94 is a vital document for non-immigrants in the country. It is issued by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to visitors entering the United States temporarily for business, pleasure, or medical treatment. The form contains important information such as the individual's name, date of birth, country of citizenship, passport information, and the date and place of their entry into the US. It also indicates the individual's non-immigrant classification or visa category.
There are several visa categories that are eligible for non-immigrant classification. These include but are not limited to:
- Visa category H-1: For temporary workers performing professional nursing services or working in specialty occupations.
- Visa category H-4: Applicable only if the individual is the spouse or child of an H-1 visa holder.
- Visa category I: For foreign information media representatives.
- Visa category K: For fiancé(e) or spouse, and children of a US citizen.
- Visa category L: For intracompany transferees, including their spouse and children.
- Visa category N: For parents and children of aliens accorded special immigrant status.
- Visa category A, E, G, H-1B, H-1C, R, S, T, U, and V: Other eligible visa categories for non-immigrant classification.
It is important to note that the requirements and classifications may vary, and individuals should refer to the official sources for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information. Additionally, non-immigrants seeking a driver's license in Florida may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of their residential address and identity.
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F-1 or J-1 status documentation
International students in Florida with F-1 or J-1 status must provide the following documentation to obtain a driver's license:
- Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- Two original proofs of residence, such as cell phone bills, utility bills, official transcripts, apartment lease, or bank letters. On-campus students can obtain proof of residence from the Department of Housing and Residential Life by emailing [email protected].
- SSN card, or a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you do not have an SSN.
In addition to the above, non-immigrants must also provide:
- Valid employment authorization card issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) form I-668B or I-766.
- Non-expired proof of non-immigrant classification provided by DHS form I-94 with required supporting attachments.
It is important to note that the name assigned to the Social Security Number (SSN) must match the name that will appear on the Florida driver's license or ID card. If you have recently changed your name, you must update your records with the Social Security Administration before applying.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to submit the following documents:
- Proof of non-immigrant classification provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Form I-94)
- F-1 or J-1 status documentation (Form I-20 or DS-2019)
- Two original proofs of residence (cell phone bills, utility bills, official transcripts, apartment lease, etc.)
- Valid passport
- Social Security Number (SSN) or a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Foreign driver's license (if you have one)
Please note that the name on your SSN must match the name that will appear on your Florida driver's license. If you have recently changed your name, update your records before applying for the license.
You can obtain a Florida driver's license or identification card at any Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office.
Yes, if you have a valid driver's license from your country, you may be exempt from Florida's required course and tests.
Driver's licenses are issued for one year at a time and can be renewed until the end of your program. F-1 students who have completed their studies or optional practical training can be granted a license for an additional 60-day period. J-1 students who have finished an exchange visitor program can obtain an extra 30-day period.
