Where to get your license depends on which state you live in, not your visa status

Most U.S. states will issue a driver's license to an international student, but the process and required documents vary significantly by state. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. What you do need is proof of identity, proof of residency in that state, and a valid visa or immigration document showing you are lawfully present. Some states require an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS if you do not have a Social Security Number.

The state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency (called the Secretary of State in some places, the Registry of Motor Vehicles in others) is where you explore. You cannot explore online in most states — you must visit in person, bring original documents, pass a written test, and pass a driving test. The entire process typically takes several weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your passport, visa or I-20 form, proof of state residency (such as a lease or utility bill), and proof of identity to explore at your state's DMV.
  • Some states require an ITIN from the IRS if you do not have a Social Security Number; you can obtain one by filing a tax return or submitting Form W-7 to the IRS.
  • Most states allow international students on F-1, J-1, M-1, and other common student visas to hold a driver's license, but a few states have restrictions — check your state's DMV website before you visit.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test and a practical driving test; many states allow you to take the written test in languages other than English if you request it in advance.
  • Your license is valid only while you remain in lawful immigration status; if your visa expires or is revoked, you should notify the DMV.

Documents you will need to bring to the DMV

Start by gathering your passport and your current visa or I-20 form (the document issued by your school confirming your enrollment as an international student). Both must be original documents — photocopies are not accepted. If your visa has expired but your I-20 is current and you are still enrolled, most states will accept the I-20 as proof of lawful presence, but call your DMV ahead of time to confirm.

Next, you need proof that you live in that state. A signed lease agreement, a utility bill in your name, or a letter from your school's housing office all work. The document must show your current address and typically must be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state. If you live in student housing and the lease is in your school's name, ask your housing office for a letter confirming your residency.

You will also need a second form of identity — a state ID, passport, or in some cases a school ID. Check your specific state's DMV website for the exact list of acceptable documents, because requirements differ. Some states accept an international driver's license from your home country as a second form of ID; others do not.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number

Many international students do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) because they have not worked in the United States. Some states require an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but are not may be able to access for an SSN.

To get an ITIN, you can file a U.S. tax return with Form 1040 and submit it to the IRS, even if you had no income. You can also submit Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) directly to the IRS, though this takes longer. Both routes require you to include a copy of your passport and visa. Processing typically takes four to six weeks.

Not all states require an ITIN for a driver's license. California, New York, and several others will issue a license without one. Check your state's DMV website or call their international student line to confirm whether you need one before you spend time obtaining it.

State-by-state differences in what international students can do

Most states allow international students on F-1 visas (the most common student visa), J-1 visas (exchange students), and M-1 visas (vocational students) to hold a driver's license. However, a small number of states have restrictions or require additional steps. Some states issue a "limited-term" license that expires when your visa expires, rather than a standard license valid for four to eight years.

California, New York, Illinois, and Washington state have streamlined processes for international students and do not require an ITIN. Texas, Florida, and several others require an ITIN or a Social Security Number. A few states, including some in the South and Midwest, have historically been more restrictive, though most have changed their policies in recent years. Your school's international student office usually has a summary of your state's current rules and can point you to the right DMV office.

Before you visit the DMV, spend 10 minutes on your state's official DMV website and search for "international student" or "nonresident." If you cannot find clear information, call the DMV's main line and ask to speak with someone who handles international student licenses. Having this confirmed in advance saves you a wasted trip.

The written test and driving test

After you submit your documents, you will take a written knowledge test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Most states offer this test in English only, but some allow you to take it in Spanish, Chinese, or other languages if you request it when you schedule your appointment. A few states provide a bilingual test booklet automatically. The test is typically 50 questions, and you must pass with a score of 80 percent or higher.

You can study for the written test using your state's official DMV handbook, which is free and available online. Many states also offer practice tests on their DMV website. Spend a few hours reviewing before you take the test — it is designed to be passable, but questions about right-of-way and speed limits in school zones trip up many test-takers.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a practical driving test with a DMV examiner. This test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, turning, and following traffic laws. You must bring a car and a licensed driver (who can be a friend, family member, or paid instructor) to the test. Some states allow you to use a rental car; others do not. Confirm this with your DMV when you schedule.

Timeline and what happens after you pass

The entire process from your first DMV visit to receiving your license in the mail typically takes four to eight weeks. The written test can usually be scheduled within a few days of your first visit. The driving test may have a longer wait, depending on how busy your local DMV is — in some areas you can schedule it within a week, in others it may take three weeks or more.

After you pass both tests, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your physical license is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to four weeks. If you move before it arrives, go back to the DMV and update your address so the license is mailed to your new location.

Your license is valid only while you remain in lawful immigration status. If your visa expires, your I-20 is not renewed, or you leave the United States, your license technically becomes invalid. You do not need to return it when ready, but you should notify the DMV of any change in your status. If you return to the U.S. on a new visa later, you can renew your license at that time.

What to do if your state has restrictions or you cannot get a license

A very small number of states have made it difficult or impossible for international students to obtain a driver's license. If your state falls into this category, you have a few options. First, check whether your state issues an ID card (not a driver's license) to international students — some states that restrict licenses allow ID cards. Second, ask your school's international student office whether there are any recent policy changes or workarounds specific to your visa type.

If you genuinely cannot get a license in your state, you can drive legally using your valid passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country's automobile association. An IDP is not a license — it is a translation of your home country's license into multiple languages and is recognized in the U.S. for up to one year. You must have a valid driver's license from your home country to obtain an IDP. This is a temporary solution, not a permanent one, and some car rental companies and insurance providers are reluctant to accept an IDP alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my home country's driver's license to drive in the U.S.?

Yes, for a limited time. Most states allow you to drive on a valid foreign license for up to one year from the date you enter the U.S. After that, you must have a U.S. driver's license. Some states have shorter windows — check your state's rules. An International Driving Permit extends this period slightly but does not replace the need for a U.S. license long-term.

What if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake either test. Most states allow you to retake the written test when ready or within a few days. The driving test usually requires you to wait a week or two before scheduling another attempt. There is typically a small fee (between $5 and $20) each time you retake a test. You can take the test as many times as you need to pass.

Do I need to have car insurance to get a driver's license?

No. You need a license to drive legally, but you do not need to show proof of insurance to obtain the license. However, you must have insurance before you drive a car on public roads. Most insurance companies will insure an international student, though some charge higher premiums. Get a quote before you buy a car.

What happens to my license if my visa expires while I am still in school?

Your license remains valid as long as your I-20 is current and you are enrolled. If your I-20 expires or is not renewed, your license technically becomes invalid, even if your visa has not expired yet. If you are extending your stay, make sure your school renews your I-20 before it expires, and notify the DMV of any changes to your immigration status.

Can I get a license if I am on Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

Yes. OPT is an authorized work period for F-1 students after graduation, and you remain in lawful status during OPT. Your I-20 will be updated to reflect OPT status. You can obtain or renew a driver's license during OPT using your updated I-20 as proof of lawful presence, just as you would as a student.