Driver's License for Immigrants: State by State Requirements and Process
Getting driver's license as immigrant varies by state. Here's what documents you need, which states accept foreign licenses, and how the process works.
Quick Answer
All states issue driver's licenses to legal immigrants with valid visa status. Requirements include passport, I-94, visa/immigration documents, SSN (or SSN ineligibility letter), proof of residence, and passing written and road tests. Some states accept international driver's licenses temporarily (30-90 days). License validity typically matches visa expiration. Renewal requires valid immigration status. REAL ID compliant licenses require additional documentation.
Key Takeaways
All states issue licenses to legal immigrants with valid status
Required: passport, I-94, visa documents, SSN, proof of residence
Most states require written test and road test regardless of foreign license
License validity tied to visa/status expiration date
REAL ID requires additional documentation (federal facilities, flights by 2025)
Some states issue standard licenses to undocumented immigrants (limited use)
Key Takeaways
All states issue licenses to legal immigrants with valid status
Required: passport, I-94, visa documents, SSN, proof of residence
Most states require written test and road test regardless of foreign license
License validity tied to visa/status expiration date
REAL ID requires additional documentation (federal facilities, flights by 2025)
Some states issue standard licenses to undocumented immigrants (limited use)
Table of Content
Standard Requirements
Most states require these documents:
Identity:
Valid passport
I-94 printout from cbp.gov/i94
Visa document (I-797 for H-1B, I-20 for F-1, green card, EAD, etc.)
SSN requirement:
SSN card if you have one
SSN ineligibility letter from SSA if you don't qualify for SSN
Proof of residence:
Utility bill in your name
Bank statement
Lease agreement
Employer letter with address
Additional:
Completed application form
Application fee ($20-$100 varies by state)
Passing written test score
Passing road test score
Photo taken at DMV
International Driver's License
International Driving Permit (IDP) or foreign license validity varies by state.
State Approach | Examples | Details |
|---|---|---|
Accept temporarily | California, Texas, Florida | Valid 30-90 days, then must get state license |
Never accept | Some states | Must get state license immediately |
Accept for visitors only | Most states | Residents must convert to state license |
If you're temporary visitor (tourist), you can usually drive on foreign license plus IDP. If you're resident (H-1B, F-1, green card), you must get state license within 30-90 days of establishing residence.
Written and Road Tests
Most states require both tests regardless of driving experience abroad.
Written test:
20-50 multiple choice questions
Covers traffic laws, signs, safety rules
Study state's driver handbook (free online)
Available in multiple languages in many states
Can retake if failed (waiting period varies)
Road test:
Demonstrate driving skills with examiner
Parallel parking, lane changes, turns, stops
Use your own vehicle or DMV-provided vehicle
Must have insurance for test vehicle
Appointment required in most states
Some states waive road test for those with valid foreign license from certain countries. Check your state's reciprocity agreements.
License Validity Period
For immigrants on temporary visas, license validity matches immigration status expiration.
Examples:
H-1B valid until October 2027 → License valid until October 2027
F-1 with D/S status → License valid for 1-4 years (varies by state)
Green card → Full-term license (4-8 years depending on state)
When you renew visa/status, bring new approval notice to DMV to extend license validity.
REAL ID Requirements
REAL ID compliant licenses required for federal purposes (domestic flights, federal buildings) starting 2025. REAL ID requires additional documentation:
REAL ID documents:
Proof of identity (passport)
Proof of SSN
Two proofs of residence
Proof of legal status (all visa documents)
Non-REAL ID licenses marked "Not for Federal Purposes" or similar. These work for driving but not federal identification.
State-Specific Notes
California: Allows licenses for undocumented immigrants (AB 60 license, marked "Federal Limits Apply"). Legal immigrants get standard license.
Texas: Written test available in many languages. Strict documentation requirements.
New York: REAL ID and standard options. Green Light Law allows licenses for undocumented.
Florida: Road test appointment wait times can be long. Written test in Spanish and Creole available.
Check your specific state's DMV website for exact requirements and appointment scheduling.
Renewing License When Status Changes
When visa is renewed or status changes, update license with DMV.
Bring to DMV:
Current license
New I-797 or other approval notice
Updated I-94
Current passport
DMV extends license validity to match new status expiration. Some states issue new license; others print sticker or new card.
Common Issues
"System can't verify status": DMV uses SAVE system to verify immigration status. If not verified, may be because status recently changed (wait few days), USCIS records not updated, or data entry error. Bring all original documents and ask DMV to submit manual verification.
SSN not matching: Name on SSN card must exactly match name on passport/visa. If mismatch, update SSN first at Social Security office.
Standard Requirements
Most states require these documents:
Identity:
Valid passport
I-94 printout from cbp.gov/i94
Visa document (I-797 for H-1B, I-20 for F-1, green card, EAD, etc.)
SSN requirement:
SSN card if you have one
SSN ineligibility letter from SSA if you don't qualify for SSN
Proof of residence:
Utility bill in your name
Bank statement
Lease agreement
Employer letter with address
Additional:
Completed application form
Application fee ($20-$100 varies by state)
Passing written test score
Passing road test score
Photo taken at DMV
International Driver's License
International Driving Permit (IDP) or foreign license validity varies by state.
State Approach | Examples | Details |
|---|---|---|
Accept temporarily | California, Texas, Florida | Valid 30-90 days, then must get state license |
Never accept | Some states | Must get state license immediately |
Accept for visitors only | Most states | Residents must convert to state license |
If you're temporary visitor (tourist), you can usually drive on foreign license plus IDP. If you're resident (H-1B, F-1, green card), you must get state license within 30-90 days of establishing residence.
Written and Road Tests
Most states require both tests regardless of driving experience abroad.
Written test:
20-50 multiple choice questions
Covers traffic laws, signs, safety rules
Study state's driver handbook (free online)
Available in multiple languages in many states
Can retake if failed (waiting period varies)
Road test:
Demonstrate driving skills with examiner
Parallel parking, lane changes, turns, stops
Use your own vehicle or DMV-provided vehicle
Must have insurance for test vehicle
Appointment required in most states
Some states waive road test for those with valid foreign license from certain countries. Check your state's reciprocity agreements.
License Validity Period
For immigrants on temporary visas, license validity matches immigration status expiration.
Examples:
H-1B valid until October 2027 → License valid until October 2027
F-1 with D/S status → License valid for 1-4 years (varies by state)
Green card → Full-term license (4-8 years depending on state)
When you renew visa/status, bring new approval notice to DMV to extend license validity.
REAL ID Requirements
REAL ID compliant licenses required for federal purposes (domestic flights, federal buildings) starting 2025. REAL ID requires additional documentation:
REAL ID documents:
Proof of identity (passport)
Proof of SSN
Two proofs of residence
Proof of legal status (all visa documents)
Non-REAL ID licenses marked "Not for Federal Purposes" or similar. These work for driving but not federal identification.
State-Specific Notes
California: Allows licenses for undocumented immigrants (AB 60 license, marked "Federal Limits Apply"). Legal immigrants get standard license.
Texas: Written test available in many languages. Strict documentation requirements.
New York: REAL ID and standard options. Green Light Law allows licenses for undocumented.
Florida: Road test appointment wait times can be long. Written test in Spanish and Creole available.
Check your specific state's DMV website for exact requirements and appointment scheduling.
Renewing License When Status Changes
When visa is renewed or status changes, update license with DMV.
Bring to DMV:
Current license
New I-797 or other approval notice
Updated I-94
Current passport
DMV extends license validity to match new status expiration. Some states issue new license; others print sticker or new card.
Common Issues
"System can't verify status": DMV uses SAVE system to verify immigration status. If not verified, may be because status recently changed (wait few days), USCIS records not updated, or data entry error. Bring all original documents and ask DMV to submit manual verification.
SSN not matching: Name on SSN card must exactly match name on passport/visa. If mismatch, update SSN first at Social Security office.
Do I need to retake driving test if I have foreign license?
Most states require tests regardless of foreign license. Some states have reciprocity agreements waiving road test for certain countries.
How long can I drive on international license?
Usually 30-90 days after establishing residence. Visitors can drive on foreign license plus IDP for duration of visit.
What if my visa is renewed?
Bring new approval notice to DMV to extend license validity. Some states require in-person visit; others allow mail-in updates.
Can F-1 students get driver's license?
Yes. Bring passport, I-20, I-94, and proof of residence. F-1 licenses often valid for 1 year requiring annual renewal with updated I-20.
What's difference between standard and REAL ID license?
REAL ID required for domestic flights and federal facilities starting 2025. Standard licenses work for driving but not federal purposes.
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