What International Students Need to Know About Getting a Driver's License

International students can obtain a driver's license in most U.S. states, but the process differs from what U.S. citizens and permanent residents follow. The core requirement is an I-20 form (Certificate of may be able to access for Nonimmigrant Student Status) or DS-2019 form (for exchange visitors), which proves your legal status as a student. You will also need a valid passport, proof of your current address, and in most states, proof that you have passed a written knowledge test and a driving test.

The specific documents and steps vary by state. Some states treat international students the same as any other applicant once you show your I-20 or DS-2019. Others have separate rules about which forms of identification they accept or whether you need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. A few states restrict the validity period of your license to match your visa expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your I-20 or DS-2019 form, a valid passport, and proof of your current address to begin the process at your state's DMV.
  • Most states require you to pass a written knowledge test and a practical driving test, though some waive the written test if you hold a valid license from another country.
  • Some states issue licenses that expire when your visa expires, while others issue standard licenses valid for the usual period; check your state's rules before you go.
  • An ITIN may be required instead of a Social Security number, and you can obtain one through the IRS if you do not have one.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents needed and the order in which to submit them, so review it before your appointment.

Documents You Will Need at the DMV

Bring your valid passport and your I-20 or DS-2019 form to prove your identity and legal student status. Both documents must be current; an expired I-20 will not work. If your I-20 has been updated since you arrived, bring the most recent version.

You will also need proof of your current address. This can be a lease, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a letter from your school's housing office. The document must show your name and your current street address. A post office box does not count as a residential address in most states.

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN or documentation showing you have applied for one. Some states will issue a temporary license while your ITIN process is pending. Ask the DMV clerk whether your state allows this before you leave.

The Written Knowledge Test and Driving Test

Most states require all applicants, including international students, to pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is usually offered in English, though some states provide it in other languages. You can study using your state's DMV handbook, which is free and available online.

After you pass the written test, you will need to schedule a practical driving test with an examiner. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Some states allow you to use a vehicle borrowed from a friend or family member; others require the vehicle to be registered in your name or the name of someone who lives with you. Check your state's rules before you schedule the test.

A few states recognize valid driver's licenses from certain countries and may waive the written test if you hold one. If you have a license from your home country, ask the DMV whether it qualifies. You will still need to pass the driving test.

How License Validity Periods Work for International Students

Some states issue licenses that remain valid for the standard period—usually four to eight years—regardless of your visa status. Other states issue licenses that expire on the same date as your visa or your I-20 form, whichever comes first. A few states issue licenses valid for a shorter period, such as one or two years, for international students.

Before you go to the DMV, check your state's website to learn which rule applies. If your license will expire when your visa expires, you will need to renew it if you extend your stay. If your license is valid for the standard period, you can keep it even after you leave the United States, though it will not be valid for driving outside the U.S.

Getting an ITIN if You Do Not Have a Social Security Number

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to individuals who do not have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct other financial business in the United States. Many states require an ITIN or Social Security number to issue a driver's license.

You can explore for an ITIN by mail or in person at an IRS office. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. You will need to complete Form W-7, provide proof of your identity (your passport works), and include proof of your status as a student (your I-20 or DS-2019). The IRS website has a list of IRS offices near you and instructions for explore.

Some DMVs will issue a temporary license while your ITIN process is pending, so ask the clerk whether this is an option in your state. If it is, you may be able to start driving sooner.

State-by-State Differences You Should Know

Rules for international student driver's licenses vary significantly. California, for example, issues standard licenses to international students and does not restrict the validity period. New York requires an ITIN and issues licenses valid for the duration of your stay. Texas accepts I-20 forms but may issue licenses valid for only two years.

Some states have reciprocal agreements with certain countries, meaning they recognize licenses from those countries without requiring a new test. Others do not. The safest approach is to visit your state's DMV website, search for "international student" or "nonimmigrant," and read the specific requirements. If the website is unclear, call the DMV and ask to speak with someone who handles international student licenses.

If you are moving to a new state during your studies, you will need to follow that state's rules. Your license from your previous state will remain valid, but if you want a license in your new state, you will need to follow the new state's process.

What to Do Before Your DMV Appointment

Schedule your appointment online through your state's DMV website if the option is available. Many states now require appointments, and walk-ins may face long waits or be turned away. When you schedule, select the option for a new driver's license or learner's permit, not a renewal.

Gather all your documents and make copies of each one. Bring the originals and the copies to your appointment. Study the knowledge test material using your state's DMV handbook, which you can read for free. Take practice tests online—most state DMV websites offer them.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out forms by hand. If you are taking the driving test on the same day, make sure your borrowed or owned vehicle is parked nearby and ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my home country's driver's license instead of getting a U.S. license?

Your home country's license is valid for driving in the U.S. for a limited time—usually up to one year from your arrival—but you cannot renew it once it expires. If you plan to stay longer than that or want a permanent U.S. license, you will need to get a state driver's license. Some states recognize foreign licenses and waive the written test; ask your DMV.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the test after a waiting period, which varies by state—usually between one and two weeks. You do not need to retake the written test. Schedule your next driving test appointment through the DMV website or by phone.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license?

Most states require either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you do not have either, explore for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. Some states will issue a temporary license while you wait for your ITIN.

What happens to my license if my visa expires or I leave the U.S.?

If your state issues licenses that expire with your visa, your license will no longer be valid once your visa expires. If your state issues standard licenses, your license remains valid as a form of identification, but you cannot legally drive in the U.S. after your visa expires. You cannot use an expired U.S. license to drive in other countries.

Can I get a license if my I-20 has expired?

No. Your I-20 must be current. If it has expired, contact your school's international student office to request an updated one. Once you have the new I-20, you can explore for a license.