You can get a California driver's license as an F-1 student, and you do not need a if you are not eligible for one. You must wait at least 10 calendar days after entering the US and two federal business days after your school activates your record before you apply.
“How do I get my license?”
Summary
You do not have to worry about being turned away for lacking an SSN. If you cannot get one, you simply bring a refusal letter from the Social Security Administration to the DMV instead.
California offers two types of driver's licenses for international students. Both allow you to drive, but they have different document requirements.
A federally compliant ID that allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. It requires two printed documents proving your California physical address.
A standard license that allows you to drive but cannot be used to board domestic flights. It requires acceptable identity and residency documents.
This license is strictly for individuals who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the United States. Because you have an F-1 visa, you are legally present and do not use this path.
Next steps
Follow these steps to ensure the DMV accepts your application.
Wait the mandatory processing periods
Wait at least 10 calendar days from the date you entered the US, and at least two federal business days from the date your school official activated your record. This gives the government databases time to update your status.
Resolve the Social Security requirement
If you are eligible for a Social Security number through employment, you must provide it. If you are not eligible, go to the Social Security Administration and ask for Form SSA-L676, "Refusal to Process SSN Application." You present this letter at the DMV to fulfill the requirement.
Gather your identity documents
Bring your unexpired foreign passport, your valid US visa, and your approved form. Your I-94 expiration date must be more than two months away from the date you visit the DMV office. If it expires in less than two months, you cannot apply.
Gather your California residency proofs
If you apply for a REAL ID, you must bring two printed documents showing your physical California address. Acceptable documents include a rental agreement signed by you and your landlord, a utility bill, a bank record, or a school document that includes your date of birth.
Apply at the DMV
Complete the driver's license application online or in person, pay the nonrefundable application fee, pass a vision exam, give a thumbprint, and take a photo. You must pass a knowledge test. If you already have a driver's license from another country, you must also schedule and pass a driving test.
Legal sources
These are the exact rules from the California DMV and the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program that decide your eligibility.
SEVP Fact Sheet 1103-02
You must wait 10 days after entering the US and 2 days after your SEVIS record is activated before applying for a license.
Wait at least ten calendar days from the date of entry into the United States before applying for a driver’s license or ID... Wait at least two federal business days from the activation date in SEVIS to apply for a driver’s license or ID
SEVP Fact Sheet 1103-02
If you are not eligible for an SSN, you can use a refusal letter from the Social Security Administration.
No, a nonimmigrant does not need an SSN... A nonimmigrant who is ineligible for an SSN will receive a Form SSA-L676. The nonimmigrant may have to present this letter when applying at the DMV office to fulfill the SSN requirement, if any.
REAL ID Info: Non-U.S. Citizens
To get a REAL ID, you must present your passport, visa, I-94, and two documents proving your California address.
Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form... To prove that you live in California, you must present two documents that contain your California physical address.
Driver's Licenses - California DMV
If you have a driver's license from another country, you must pass a driving test to get a California license.
If you have a DL issued by another country, follow the application process listed above for “I have a DL issued by another state.” You’ll also need to pass a driving test to obtain an original California DL.
SettleKit is not a law firm and this is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm your specific situation with a licensed immigration attorney or your school's designated official.
SettleKit is not a law firm. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
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