How to Get a US Driver's License as an International Student in 2023! (Real ID on an F1/J1 Visa)
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- Learn the best tips to apply for your US driver's license as an F1 visa or J1 visa international student in the US, including how to get the Real ID in 2023.
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UPDATE: Starting May 7th of 2025, Real IDs will be the only form of driver's license that can be used to board a US domestic flight or to enter a US Federal Building.
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In this video, we cover the different scenarios under which you might want to obtain a US driver's license as an F1 visa or J1 visa international student. This includes first-time driver's license applicants, international students transferring US out of state driver's license,s and international students transferring an international driver's license.
Applying for the Real ID as an International Student on F1/J1
When applying for your US driver's license, you will be given the option to obtain a Real ID Driver's license or a Standard Driver's License.
International students intending to obtain the Real ID driver's license, should be prepared to present 2 different types of documents showing proof of their residency in the state. For example, this could be your tuition bill AND your rental lease agreement or a tuition bill AND your bank statement. These documents MUST contain your full name and an address located in the state.
Here are the steps you can follow when applying for your driver's license on an F1/J1 Visa
#1. Visit the website of your US state agency that issues driver's licenses
The exact name of this state agency varies from state to state. Most states call this the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). On this website, you would find information on the required documents to obtain a driver's license in the state. Depending on your state of residence, you might be required to schedule an in-person appointment before visiting the office. Some other states might allow walk-in appointments.
#2. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles
Here, you would provide original copies of supporting documents needed to obtain your driver's license. Generally, for international students on the F1 and J1 visas, these documents include
(a) Proof of Identity: Original international passport
(b) Proof of US legal Presence: I-20/DS-2019, I94, US F1 or J1 Visa
(c) Proof of Residency
(d) Proof of Social Security Number (or an SSN Letter of ineligibility) : A SSN card or a Form W2.
The following states do not require an SSN to obtain a driver's license: California, Colorado, Delaware, Connecticut, New York, Utah, New Mexico, Maryland, Illinois, Vermont, Washington, and Hawaii. Affiliate Disclosure: This video description contains affiliate links. This means that when you choose to make a purchase using the link, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
#3. Pass a vision test and a Knowledge test
At your state DMV office, you will be required to take and pass a vision test and a knowledge test. However, applicants transferring an out-of-state driver's license may not be required to take and pass the knowledge test.
#4. Pass a Road test while Supervised by a DMV Office
Once you pass your vision and knowledge test, you can then schedule your road test. During this test, you will be judged on your ability to follow traffic signs and follow proper driving etiquette. You would also need to pass an obstacle driving test, where you maneuver around cones.
Affiliate Disclosure: This video description contains affiliate links.
-- Resources -
Get your REAL ID here: www.dhs.gov/real-id# - Навчання та стиль
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Hello i am currently in Illinois and i already have a international/German Drivers License.
I am here with the J-1 Visa.
My Secretery of State told me that they need „proof of employment“ even though i am studying for a semester. And after that semester i will work for half a year. what should i do
I appreciate your help to international students. I watched most of your videos, and they’re really helpful! The videos are straight to the point and so clear while have many important details and not skipping any thing. Thanks again bro!
Glad to be of value!!
Finding your channel was really good man
Thanks! Welcome on board!
Thank you very much for providing this information,you are a motivation 🙏🏼
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the detailed explanations. My best video so far.
Glad it was helpful!
Very details and helpful. Thank you very much.
You're very welcome!
Big thx bro im international student in NY with an international driver licence from France... im planning to get my driver licence by the end of this year, this video is a big helpful thx alot ❤✌
Best of luck!
Your videos are fantastic my friend, thanks!
Glad you find them of value!
i appreciate that bro, it very useful to international students
Glad to hear that
You can also obtain a Drivers License in Texas withou a ssn. all it takes is residancy documents as stated in video and an afadavit signed saying that you never recieved a ssn in america ever.
Thanks Bro for the Video, will be going for my DMV learners permit next month but I don't have a social security number yet.
See if your state is one which does not require the SSN. Otherwise, you would need an SSN letter of ineligibility to apply.
I’m literally in ur exact position
Great video! thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Great explanation thank you
Glad it was helpful!
This video is insightful bro 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Enjoy!
Thanks very much for all the information and tips you give 🙏🙏
Please can you do a video on preparing for F-1 visa interview
Yes, lots of really helpful content coming soon on that topic.
@@SojourningScholar that will be awesome, can’t wait
Good job man
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
You're welcome! Glad to be of service.
Hello, Please let me know, How to get Driving licence B1/B2 Visa status.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Hey, how long it takes for J1 stud to get american license?
Hi! I really enjoyed you video, it was very informative. I had some questions. Me and my friend are going to work in NY state through work&travel program with j1 visa. 1) Do we need to go to driving school and present the document that we went there or can we study and pass on our own? 2) How much time does a full process take? 3) Do we need a medical certificate to apply? 4) Is Driving license, taken in US with j1 visa valid after leaving U.S? Thank you so much in advance.
Thanks for the feedback. Here are my responses:
1. No, you don't need driving school. After passing the knowledge test you will be given a learners permit which allows you to practice driving on your own.
2. The timeline to get a driver's license varies from state to state. With the current pandemic, the timeline is longer as state agencies are adhering to safety protocols.
3. No medical certificate is needed to apply per se.
4. Your driver's license will usually be valid until the end of your program as listed on your DS-2019. After then it expires and you will need to obtain a new driver's license if you're still in the US.
Thank you so much Sir
All the best!
Thanks a lot ♥️
You're welcome 😊
Do I need to have own car prior to having road test?
Thanks
Welcome!
Hey
Can I show the Florida dmv my international social security number?
This video was super useful. I’m an international student in Illinois and I’m wondering if the is a difference between the learners permit and the license test? Thank
Glad you value from the video. The learner's permit is the temporary authorization you get that allows you to practice driving before you take driving test. The license test could be a written test (you must pass this to get the learners permit) or a driving test. See our blog post here for more: sojourningscholar.com/drivers-license-for-international-students/
Welcome to Illinois!
Thanks bro...
Any time!
Planning to have my driver's license in Washington
best of luck!
If you haven't get it I will advise you get in touch with constructive_fx
I found him on Instagram while I was looking for one who will help
Excellent video! Props! I did my written exam, and I’m going de do my driving exam (in Champaign Il). But I am staying more time than it is showed in my DS2019. So is my DL/ID not going to work anymore?
You can update the expiration date if your DS-2019 has been modified.
@@SojourningScholar Thanks e congratiolations for you super important videos.
Hi, I'm a student who are going to study in Maryland.
I want to transfer my Japanese drive's license to American drive's license. However, It will be hard for me to get the SSN, so I think I have to get letter of ineligibility instead of that document. But I heard I can applyAmerican drive's license without SSN through this video. And I want to ask, it wikk be fine I don't bring ineligible latter even I don't have SSN in Maryland？
Getting an SSN LOI will be your best bet. But since Maryland does not require an SSN, you might be able to get a license in your case.
Thank u sir
Welcome!
Hi, is it the same process for F2 visa holder (depended), who is without a SSN?
Yes it is.
My friend in Ghana applied for School here in Boston and he has gotten accepted when he gets here he's gonna apply for his Driver's permit so that he goes for his license. What should he show to the DMV what information is he supposed to bring?
You can check out our blog article in the description section. All that is covered is covered in more detail here: sojourningscholar.com/drivers-license-for-international-students/
Hey,
Im international student at PA. I have my driver license from Brazil for more than 4 years now. You know how would I be able to transfer into america driver’s license?
Let me know if you know anything or have any advices.
Thank you.
In most states, you can't transfer a foreign license for an American license. You will have to follow similar steps in this video to get a US state drivers license.
I’m an 15 and I’m applying for permit Id on Tuesday do you think I can get my permit card if I don’t have an ssn in Indianapolis
Did it work?
I'm almost in the same position (am 17) and I am very unsure on what to do.
Could you or anyone else give some examples of the total cost of getting the driving licence in the US ? Thank you so much
That will depend on your state. Most states charge under $40 for the driver's license. Here's a good resource: ballotpedia.org/Driver%27s_license_costs_by_state,_2018
@@SojourningScholar Can People get a license as an F1 student under the age of 18?
I'm an international student. I have my NY driving license. It is time to renew my license, but they asking online when I'm doing the renewal for an SSN. I don't have one. What should I do? Go back to the SSN office and ask for a letter for the DMV?
That could work.
Hi. Please how can an M1 visa student apply for a driver license in Florida. Thanks
Process should be similar to an F1.
Great video. I am in Washington state on j1 visa. Would like to get a driver's license.
Best of luck!
If you haven't get it I will advise you get in touch with constructive_fx
I found him on Instagram while I was looking for one who will help
How I can Switch From international license to Drive license CA
For international driver's license transfers, there might be some slight variation from State to State. It's best to check with the DMV in California.
Do I need a state license as an international student to drive around or can I do it with my country's license?
Some states might allow you to drive around for a short while. So check the rule for your state.
I’m f-1 student so am i need ssn number for newyork state driving license ?
Check with the DMV in your state for the most up to date requirements.
Can having the driving license of home country help us in anyway to get US driving license? I mean should I bring the home-country license with me??
Depending on your country, some states might allow you to drive for a short period.
What if i dont have a ssn? Im not allowed to work as an f1 student
As mentioned in the video, depending on your state you could still get your driver's license if you present a letter of SSN ineligibility obtained from your nearest Social Security Administration office.
How do i get the proof of ineligibility of ssn in CT?
I can't say. Never lived in CT.
I am an international student (f1) in NJ trying to obtain a drivers license any tips?
Just follow the tips here in this video, you should be okay.
How earliest can I do the driving test after getting a learner’s permit? Thank you for the video.
As soon as you can in many states. But it's best to schedule the test when you feel comfortable that you can pass it.
I have a out of state DL from MA do I need to go through a road test to obtain CA drivers license?
You may not have to! Most states would allow you to transfer an unexpired out of state license with no issues.
@@SojourningScholar thanks, I was able to obtain convert to CA DL w/o driving and also did not have to give a test.
That's awesome!
Can an international student who got a SSN as an F-1 student get a driver's license after his F-1 vise expires at another state from where he attended to university?
Yes, an expired F1 visa should not be an issue. As long as you're in an active F1 status with an unexpired Form I-20 you should be okay.
@@SojourningScholar Thanks for replying. The thing is that my Visa F-1 hasn't expired yet but it will expire on August 2023. I am not on active F-1 status since last year. Could I still get a regular driver's license using my SSN?
I've come this month on F1 visa..can I apply for driving license?
You usually need some time after your immigration check-in with your DSO for your records to be available in the State government's electronic system. Usually this could take about a month.
Give us Info about I_130 F2A cases pls.
Hi Gambol! What would you like to know?
@@SojourningScholar about the updated processing time on that case. Thanks in advance,
@@gambolastro9150 Okay, I would look into that. Thanks for the comment.
@@SojourningScholar thanks!
How can my internatial driver license
That would be from your home country.
If I get a drivers licence in Florida can I use the license to drive pass the USA border to mexico or even Canada?
That's allowed, but you'll need a valid passport as well at the land/border crossing
@@SojourningScholar thank you but as a USA F1 visa holder , do I need another visa to enter Canada.....?
You may or may not, that'll depend on your country of origin. On the other hand, in most cases, with a valid F1 visa you can travel to Mexico without applying for a Mexican visa.
@@SojourningScholar thanks
Can one get aCDL as a J1 intern student?
Nope, You;r ehere for studies so study.
Can I get motorcycle license?
That's possible too.
I'm wondering about the same thing... I have gotten my motorcycle skill and written test waiver and now I think they also need a class D knowledge test.... not sure what to do now
PA
Shout out to PA! Best of Luck!
Thanks
Welcome!