What you Need to Know First
Foreign nationals must now first obtain a social security number before applying for a driver's license in all of the 50 states.
Be advised that many non-immigrant (temporary) visas do not allow a person to get a driver's license or a social security number. For example, temporary B2 Tourist Visa holders do not qualify. In many states, the DMV will only renew a foreign national's driver's license for the length of time that they have a work visa; i.e. a temporary H-1B, TN, or E-3 Work Visa.
Foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas are now being arrested when they show up at the DMV to renew their driver's licenses.
Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
To apply for a driver's license, go to your local state government Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The DMV is the organization that governs the requirements and procedures of driver's licenses. Each state has a different set of rules concerning driver's licenses. Some states, for example, permit temporary residents to use a foreign driver's license until it expires, while others do not. Visit your local DMV to learn more about your state's regulations.
What Type of License Do I Need?
The first step toward obtaining a driver's license is determining the type, or “class,†of driver's license you need. There are several different types of licenses, each of which permits you to drive a special type of vehicle. Most likely, you will only need to apply for a regular type of license, which allows you to drive standard cars. You will need a special “class†of driver's license to operate certain trucks, motorcycles, buses and other non-standard vehicles.
How do I Apply for a Driver's License?
There are several important steps to remember when you go to the DMV to apply for your driver's license. You must fill out an application and provide proper identification. See below for more information about the applying for your driver's license.
The application process
When you go to the DMV to apply for your driver's license, be prepared to do the following things:
- Turn in the appropriate application form
- Pay the application fee
- Stand for a picture (which will appear on your driver's license) Obtain permission from a parent or guardian, if you are under age 18.
Provide photo identification
When you go to the DMV, bring two forms of identification: a primary and a secondary form of identification. A primary form of identification can be a passport or a driver's license from another U.S. state. For your secondary identification, bring an original copy of your birth certificate.
Taking the Driving Test
You must pass a driving test (“road testâ€)
Call your local DMV office to arrange an appointment for a driving test (also known as a “road testâ€).
Before you take the driving test, pick up one of the free driver handbooks (available at your local DMV), to get yourself familiar with the rules and procedures of the driving test. Driver's handbooks are available in numerous different languages.
You must pass a written exam
The driver's test includes a written exam, which tests your understanding of the laws and rules of driving in the United States. Study the driver's handbook, which you can get for free at your local DMV, to prepare for the exam.
Getting your license
If you pass all the tests, the DMV will issue you a temporary driver's license immediately. You will receive the real license in the mail within 3-5 weeks.
If you fail any part of the test, you will be allowed to re-take that portion of the test after a specified amount of time. The waiting period varies from state to state.
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