International students can get a driver's license by proving their legal presence, passing a written test and road test, and meeting your state's residency rules

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a driver's license, but you do need to prove you are legally in the country. Most states accept an I-20 form (issued by your school) or an F-1 visa stamp in your passport as proof of legal presence. Some states also accept an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you have one. After you prove legal presence, you follow the same written and road test process as any other applicant — the difference is in the documents you bring to the DMV.

The exact documents and rules vary by state. Some states make it straightforward; others require additional steps like getting an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a state-issued ID first. Your school's international student office can tell you which documents your state accepts, because they help students through this process regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Your I-20 form or F-1 visa is your proof of legal presence; bring the original or a certified copy to the DMV.
  • You will need a Social Security Number or an ITIN, a completed process form, and proof of your current address (such as a lease or school housing letter).
  • Some states require you to get a state ID before you can get a driver's license; your international student office knows which ones.
  • The written and road tests are the same for international students as for anyone else, and you can study using your state's free online manual.
  • Your license will be valid only while your F-1 status is active; you may need to renew it if your visa is extended or changed.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Start by gathering your proof of legal presence. Bring your original I-20 form (the Certificate of may be able to access for F-1 Student Status) or your passport with your F-1 visa stamp. If you have an Employment Authorization Document because you work on campus or have Optional Practical Training (OPT), that also works. Some states accept photocopies; others require the original. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask which they accept, because showing up with the wrong version wastes a trip.

You will also need a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have an SSN, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS; your international student office can walk you through that process. Bring whichever number you have, along with the card or letter that proves it.

Bring proof of your current address. A lease in your name, a letter from your school's housing office, or a utility bill works. If you live in campus housing, ask your housing office for a letter on school letterhead stating your name, address, and dates of residence. Bring your completed process for a driver's license (your state's DMV website has the form) and any fees your state charges.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number

An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security Number but need one for tax purposes. International students on F-1 visas often need an ITIN to get a driver's license, even if they do not work. You explore by mailing IRS Form W-7 to the IRS, along with proof of your identity and legal presence.

Your international student office can tell you whether your state requires an ITIN for a driver's license, and they often have a checklist of what to include with your Form W-7. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. Some international student offices can submit the form on your behalf or direct you to a tax preparer who does this regularly for students. Start this step early if you need it, because you cannot get your license until the ITIN arrives.

States that require a state ID before a driver's license

A few states require you to get a state ID card first, then use that to get a driver's license. This adds a step but not much time — you can often do both in the same visit or within a week. California, for example, requires non-citizens to get an AB 60 ID before explore for a license. New York requires proof of a valid visa or travel document before issuing any ID.

Your international student office knows whether your state has this requirement. If it does, they can tell you what extra documents you need and in what order to visit the DMV. Do not skip this step — showing up to get a license without the required state ID will result in a rejection and another trip.

Taking the written and road tests

Once you have submitted your documents and paid your fee, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. Your state's DMV website has a free online manual and practice tests in English. If English is not your first language, some states offer the test in other languages — check your DMV's website or call to ask which ones. You typically have three attempts to pass the written test before you have to pay the fee again and start over.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with a DMV examiner. You must bring a car, a licensed driver (in some states), proof of insurance, and your learner's permit or temporary license. The examiner watches you drive for 10 to 15 minutes and scores you on basic skills like parking, turning, and stopping. If you fail, you can retake it; the number of free retakes and the fee for additional attempts vary by state.

How your visa status affects your license validity

Your driver's license is valid only while your F-1 status is active. If your I-20 expires or your visa is revoked, your license does not automatically become invalid, but it is no longer proof of legal presence to drive. If you extend your studies or change to a different visa status (such as H-1B work visa), you may need to renew your license to reflect your new legal status.

Some states print an expiration date on your license that matches your visa expiration; others do not. Ask the DMV clerk when you explore whether your license will be tied to your visa dates. If you plan to stay in the U.S. after your F-1 status ends, you will need to change your visa status before your current one expires, and you may need to update your license at that time.

What to do if your state denies your process

If the DMV rejects your process, ask for a written reason. Common reasons include missing documents, an ITIN that has not yet been issued, or a state requirement you were not aware of. Your international student office can help you understand the reason and gather any missing documents. Some states have an appeal process; your DMV can tell you whether yours does and how to file.

If your state consistently denies licenses to F-1 students, contact your school's international student office or the SEVIS office (the federal office that tracks international students). They may be able to advocate for you or connect you with other students facing the same issue. In rare cases, they can request a formal ruling from your state's DMV on what documents F-1 students need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport as my only form of ID at the DMV?

Your passport proves your identity, but the DMV also needs proof of legal presence in the U.S. — your I-20 form or F-1 visa stamp. Bring both. If your passport does not have a visa stamp (for example, if you entered on an expedited visa), bring your I-20 form as your proof of legal status.

What if I do not have a Social Security Number and cannot get an ITIN in time?

Some states allow you to use an ITIN process receipt or a letter from the IRS showing you applied. Call your DMV and ask what they accept as proof that you have applied for an ITIN. Your international student office may also know of workarounds specific to your state.

Do I need to tell my insurance company I am an international student?

Yes. Tell your insurance company your visa status and how long you plan to stay. Some insurers charge different rates for international students, and some require you to update your policy if your status changes. Lying about your status can void your coverage if you have an accident.

Can I get a license if I am on a tourist visa or visitor status?

No. You must be in a status that allows you to stay in the U.S. for an extended period, such as F-1 student status. Tourist visas (B-1/B-2) do not allow you to get a driver's license in most states. If you are in the U.S. on a visitor visa and want to study, you must change to F-1 status first.

What happens to my license if I graduate and leave the U.S.?

Your license remains valid until its expiration date, but it is no longer proof of legal presence to drive. If you return to the U.S. on a new visa, you can renew your license using your new visa documents. If you leave permanently, you can surrender your license to the DMV, though you are not required to.