Getting a Driver’s License

International students and their dependents over the age of 15 may be eligible to drive a motor vehicle while

residing in the United States. However, those who wish to operate a vehicle must successfully apply for and

receive a driver’s license. Driving a car without a driver’s license is illegal. To acquire a driver’s license, you

must apply for one at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which can have a different name in

some states.

DMV offices are the only place that issue legal and valid U.S. driver’s licenses in the United States. Attempting

• Complete the New International Student Orientation (NISO) and its check-in process by submitting

copies of your passport, F-1 visa, I-94, U.S. address, U.S. telephone number, and emergency contact

information.

• Get your I-20 signed on the 2

nd

page by an ISSS office staff. If you are a new student, wait until the

classes begin. Please note that signature is valid for 6 months only.

• Wait 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for a driver's license so that your Form I-94,

“Arrival/Departure Record” information can update in all the government systems.

• Obtain a Social Security number (SSN), if required by your state or territory. Please contact ISSS about

the SSN process and the SSN Support Letter from ISSS.

documents:

• Hard copy of your I-20 signed on the 2

nd

• A valid passport and your most recent and valid student visa (Please note that you do not need a visa if

you are from a visa-exempt country, such as Canada or Bermuda).

• I-94

• If you are on optional practical training (OPT), bring your Form I-766, “Employment Authorization

If you are under the age of 25, you must also bring in documentation that you successfully completed the DWI

Prevention and Education Program, called None for the Road. You can download the workbook and watch the

instructional videos online at https://www.nonefortheroad.org/.

Please note that you are NOT required to have a social security number in order to obtain a state driver’s

license as a foreign national in New Mexico.

MVD: You can schedule an appointment with them and please check the website for more information and

FAQ’s: https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/nm-drivers-licenses-ids/ for New Mexico or

https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license for Texas.

MVD express: You can schedule an appointment with MVD Express at a premium fee and contact them if you

to reschedule your road test.

For the road test, you must bring a vehicle. Without a license, you will need to have someone drive you to the

road test. An examiner will go on a short ride with you to assess your driving skills. After you pass the road

test, you must also pass a vision test in order to obtain your New Mexico driver’s license.

Additional information:

• If you are required an SSN card or a Form SSA-L676, “Refusal to Process SSN Application.”

• If you are on optional practical training, bring your Form I-766, “Employment Authorization

Document.” The DMV will use the A number on this card to verify your status.

If you are an F-2, or J-2 dependent, go to the DMV with your primary F-1, or J-1 and make sure you both have

all your required documents.