Driver’s licenses in the United States are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in individual states. Although all states recognize each other’s licenses, you are typically required to obtain a license in your home state. 

As the name suggests, a driver’s license is required for driving vehicles in the United States. If you get pulled over by law enforcement, the local-city police or state police will request to see your driver’s license and use this as an ID to verify your age, identity, driving privileges, etc.

The uses of a US driver’s license aren’t just limited to driving:

Proof of Age

In the US, a driver’s license is typically the primary form of identification used. When accessing age-restricted venues such as certain restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, your driver’s license serves as valid identification for entry. Additionally, your US driver’s license can be presented as proof of age when purchasing age-restricted items, such as alcohol from a liquor store or medications from a pharmacy, as well as when seeking treatment at an emergency room.

Travel ID

While international students are required to have their passport for any international travel, a valid US driver’s license can serve as a suitable travel identification document at US airports for domestic flights within the country. In fact, it is advisable to keep your passport securely stored at home while traveling within the US to minimize the risk of misplacement or damage.

Car Rentals

Most car rental companies will not accept your international driver’s license from your home country. Some companies such as Zipcar, Turo, and Get Around allow you to upload a copy of your passport ID page as an identification document, but it takes up to a few weeks before they approve your application and allow you to rent their cars. Alternatively if you provide them a US driver’s license, they can set up your account within minutes.

Authentication

Providing proof of residency is mandatory for various financial-investing apps (such as Robinhood, TD Ameritrade, Wealthfront, etc.), as well as for apartment leasing and housing companies, and immigration procedures. Your US driver’s license serves as a valid document confirming your residency status.

Please be aware that your student ID card issued by your college or university is not considered a valid identification document beyond the confines of your campus.

Can I use my home country’s Driver’s License to drive in the US?

Driver’s license requirements in the US vary from state to state and you must contact the respective state’s motor vehicle department to check if your home country’s driver’s license makes you eligible to drive in that state. 

Some states require you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid license from your own country. An IDP is a form of identification that many countries around the world recognize. It translates your identification into 10 languages and allows you to drive legally in a different country. 

Note: The United States does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. To get an IDP, contact the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver’s license.

You must check the validity of your IDP – for example, IDP’s issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India have a maximum validity of one year from the date of issue, or up to the expiry date of your driving license, whichever is earlier.

How do I apply for a US driver’s license?

As a first step, you must visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for the state in which you will be / are currently studying or residing. The process to apply for a US driver’s license varies from state to state, but you will be required to visit the nearest DMV location in your state to submit your documents, take your online/written test, and appear for an actual driving test. 

Pro-Tip: Reach out to your university’s international student services department to learn more about how students on the F-1 Visa apply for a US driver’s license.

What documents do I need to apply for a US driver’s license?

Here’s a comprehensive set of documents that you must carry to the DMV for your driver’s license application:

• Passport (original and photocopy)
• F-1 Visa Page (original stamp in the passport and photocopy)
• Form I-20 (multiple photocopies of the latest Form I-20 issued by your US university)
• Form I-94 and Travel Record History (download latest records from the CBP website)
• Proof of Residence (commonly accepted forms include):
• Recent Bank Statements
• Recent Utility Bills (Wi-Fi, electricity, etc.)
• Rental / Lease Agreements
• Any College-Related Documents (that mention your address)
• Insurance-Related Documents

Note: Not all states require you to submit all the above mentioned documents, but it’s always better to be over prepared and you can avoid making a second trip to the DMV.

It’s essential to thoroughly review your documents and ensure that all information is accurate and current. Minor mistakes in your application can result in significant delays in processing time.

While the online or written test may seem straightforward, US traffic laws differ greatly from those in other countries. It’s advisable to adequately prepare for this test in advance.

Even if you consider yourself a skilled driver, practicing with a driving school instructor can help you prepare for your final test. While it’s not obligatory to take lessons before your official test, it’s highly advisable in most cases to seek guidance from an instructor to navigate the process effectively.

After completing the driver’s license application process in certain states, the DMV might provide a temporary license (or a learner’s permit), allowing you to drive within the state until your official driver’s license card is delivered by mail, typically within a week or two.

Securing your US driver’s license may appear challenging initially, but with the appropriate documentation and support, you’ll soon be on the road driving confidently!