Douglas Olsen
International students on F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas can obtain a US driving licence in the state where they reside during their studies. The process and requirements vary across states, but generally, one must submit documents such as their passport, visa, proof of residence, and Social Security Number (SSN) to their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some states may also require an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a driver's license from the student's home country. In some cases, the DMV may issue a temporary driving permit or license to allow students to start driving before their official license arrives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can drive? | F and M students, and their dependents |
| Requirements | A valid passport, most recent student visa, and any other identification forms required by the local DMV office |
| A Social Security Number (SSN) if you have one. If not, some states may require a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration | |
| Proof of residence | |
| Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (F-1/M-1) or Exchange Visitor Status (J-1) | |
| Your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record must be active | |
| An International Driving Permit (IDP) | |
| Passing a driving and written test | |
| Waiting 10 days after arriving in the US to apply |
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What You'll Learn
International students can obtain a US driving license
International students on F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, or J-1 visas can obtain a US driving license in the state where they reside during their studies. The process of obtaining a US driving license varies across different states, but there are some common steps to follow.
Firstly, you should consult your Designated School Official (DSO) or campus advisor. They can help you understand the requirements of getting a driving license in your state, guide you through the application process, and support you through the required steps. Your DSO can also clarify any questions you may have about your eligibility for a driving license.
Secondly, you should wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US before applying for your driving license. This will allow time for your Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record," information to update in all the government systems.
Thirdly, you should gather all the necessary documents. These typically include original copies of your passport, most recent student visa, and any other identification forms required by your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Your DSO can help you confirm that you have all the right documents.
Fourthly, you should prepare for the driving and written tests. The written test covers road signs and traffic laws, while the driving test assesses your ability to safely operate a vehicle. However, if you have a driver's license from your home country or another state, you may not be required to take these tests, depending on the state.
Finally, you should locate your nearest DMV office and submit your application. After a successful application, a DMV official will explain the next steps for obtaining your driving license. It is normal for some nonimmigrants to only get temporary licenses. You may receive your license immediately or wait several weeks, depending on the state.
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Eligibility requirements for a US driving license
International students on F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas can obtain a US driving licence in the state where they reside during their studies. The process varies slightly between states, but the basic steps are very similar. Here are the eligibility requirements for a US driving licence.
Documents
You will need to submit the following documents:
- All signed versions of your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status".
- A valid passport and your most recent student visa (not required if you are from a visa-exempt country).
- Proof of residence, such as utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, or official mail addressed to you at your US address.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) card, if you have one. If not, some states may require a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration or a Form SSA-L676, "Refusal to Process SSN Application".
- If you are on optional practical training, bring your Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document".
- If you have a driver's licence from your home country, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is not issued by the US, but by the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver's licence.
DSO
Before applying for a US driving licence, consult with your Designated School Official (DSO). They can offer advice on legal requirements and help you understand how your visa status might affect the licensing process.
Tests
You may need to pass a driving test and a written test. However, this depends on your state, and whether you have a licence from your home country or another state.
Age
In most states, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for a non-commercial driver's licence, and 18 years old for a commercial licence.
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Documents required to apply for a US driving license
International students on F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas can obtain a US driving licence in the state where they reside during their studies. The process involves submitting the required documents and, in some cases, passing a driving and written test. The basic steps are similar across states, but the specific requirements and application processes may vary, so it is important to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- A valid passport and your most recent student visa. Please note that you do not need a visa if you are from a visa-exempt country, such as Canada or Bermuda.
- All signed versions of Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status".
- Proof of residence, such as utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, or official mail addressed to you at your US address. This requirement may vary from state to state.
- Social Security Number (SSN) card or Form SSA-L676, "Refusal to Process SSN Application". Some states may require a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration if you do not have an SSN.
- If you are on optional practical training, Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document".
- If you are an F-2, M-2, or J-2 dependent, ensure you have all the required documents and go to the DMV with your primary F-1, M-1, or J-1.
Before applying for a US driving licence, it is recommended to consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) about driving rules and regulations in your state. Additionally, confirm that your student record is active in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It is also advised to wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US to allow your Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record," information to update across all government systems.
Depending on the state you are visiting or residing in, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your home country's driver's licence. The IDP is an official translation of your foreign driver's licence and is recognised in many countries worldwide. It is recommended to obtain the IDP from your home country before travelling to the US.
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Driving tests and temporary permits
International students wishing to drive in the United States must apply for a driver's license. The process for obtaining a license varies from state to state, so it is important to check the specific requirements for the state in which you reside. Generally, you will need to apply for a license at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
In some states, you may be required to pass both a driving and a written test. However, some states may waive the testing requirements if you already have a valid driver's license from your home country or another state. It is worth noting that not all states accept international driver's licenses.
Before applying for a license, it is recommended to consult with your designated school official (DSO) about the driving rules and regulations in your state. You should also confirm that your student record is active in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Additionally, it is advised to wait at least 10 days after arriving in the United States before applying, to allow your "Arrival/Departure Record" information to update across all government systems.
When applying for a driver's license, you will need to provide certain documents, including:
- All signed versions of your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status"
- A valid passport and your most recent student visa (unless you are from a visa-exempt country)
- Proof of residence (requirements may vary by state)
- If required by your state, an SSN card or a Form SSA-L676, "Refusal to Process SSN Application"
- If you are on optional practical training, bring your Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document"
In some cases, international students may also need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their driver's license from their home country. The IDP is a form of identification that allows individuals to drive legally in a different country. However, it is important to note that not all U.S. states require an IDP, so be sure to check with the specific state's department of motor vehicles. The IDP must be obtained from the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your original driver's license.
In the state of New York, for example, non-US citizens with a valid foreign driver's license can drive without a supervising driver, except in a DMV road test area. If your foreign driver's license is not in English, you must provide either an International Driving Permit or a certified translation of your license for the road test. New York State also offers a learner's permit, which allows individuals to drive accompanied by a licensed driver until they pass their road test and receive a temporary license.
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International Driving Permits (IDPs)
International students on F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas can obtain a US driving licence in the state where they reside during their studies. The process of acquiring a driving licence in the US involves submitting the required documents and undergoing driving and written tests. The basic steps are similar across states, but the application process may vary.
The US does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors, so you must obtain an IDP from the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver's licence before your trip. The fees and time it takes to receive an IDP will depend on the issuing country. An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and should be obtained while you still have a valid driver's licence from your home country.
Not all US states require an IDP. Contact the state department of motor vehicles for each state you plan to drive in to see if they require an IDP. Citizens of some countries do not need an IDP to drive legally in the US. Check with the motor vehicle agency in your country or your country's embassy in the US to confirm.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can drive in the USA.
International students on F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas can obtain a US driving license in the state where they reside during their studies. The process involves submitting the required documents, which vary by state, and may include:
- A valid passport
- Your most recent student visa
- Proof of residence
- Social Security Number (SSN) or a letter of ineligibility
- Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
The process of obtaining a US driving license as an international student involves the following steps:
- Confirm eligibility with your Designated School Official (DSO)
- Gather required identification documents
- Prepare for the written and driving tests, if applicable
- Submit your application at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
