You cannot get or renew a driver's license based solely on your 60-day post-OPT grace period. The official rules require you to be within your active program dates or actively on OPT to pass the background check for a license.
“Can I get a driver's license during my 60-day OPT grace period?”
Summary
You do not have to lose your driving privileges if you take action to stay in the US. Starting a new degree program gives you a new document that the DMV can use to issue your license.
Because the grace period itself does not qualify you for a license, you need to transition to a new status that the DMV can verify.
If you are starting a new degree, your new school will issue an updated I-20. You can apply for a license after you check in and register for classes.
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Why the grace period does not work
Even though your 60-day grace period is a legal part of your authorized stay, the system that DMVs use to verify your status requires you to be within your active program dates or actively on OPT.
Once your OPT ends, your {term: "ead"} expires and your program is officially over.
Legal sources
The rules governing driver's licenses during the OPT grace period come from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and state DMV guidelines.
SEVP Fact Sheet 1103-02
You must be within your active program dates or on OPT to get a license.
The nonimmigrant must be within the program start and end dates in SEVIS, unless participating in optional practical training (OPT) or the 17-month extension.
SettleKit is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice. You should confirm these rules with a licensed immigration attorney.
SettleKit is not a law firm and this is general information.
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