US Driving License for International Students: F-1 Guide
Yes, you can get a US driving license for international students on an F-1 visa, but each state sets its own rules. In most states you apply at the state DMV with your passport, I-94 and I-20 as proof of lawful presence, plus your Social Security number or a state form for people who are not eligible for one. Your licence usually expires when your US stay as recorded by DHS ends.
Last checked: 20 October 2026. Rupee figures use the NRB selling rate, 17 Oct 2026 (USD 1 = Rs 152.24).
US driving license for international students: key facts
- No national licence. Licences come from the state you live in. A state licence lets you drive anywhere in the US, according to USA.gov.
- Lawful presence. Non-citizens must prove lawful status. For F-1 students that usually means passport, I-94 and I-20.
- SSN. Rules differ. Many F-1 students are not eligible for an SSN until they have a job, so states have separate options.
- Expiry. Licences for temporary visitors are often “limited term” and tied to your DHS document dates.
- IDP. The US does not issue International Driving Permits to foreign visitors. You must get one before you leave home, and USA.gov says IDPs for use in the US are valid for 1 year.
- Tests. Expect a vision test, a written (knowledge) test and a road test. Your Nepali licence does not exempt you from these in the three states below.
How it works in New York, Texas and California
We picked three states with many international students. If you study elsewhere, check that state’s DMV (sometimes called MVD, BMV or DPS) website, because documents and timelines vary.
| Rule | New York (DMV) | Texas (DPS) | California (DMV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawful presence for F-1 | Foreign passport with valid visa and I-94 is a listed proof; DHS status must be valid and verifiable | DL-53 lists for a foreign academic student: unexpired foreign passport or I-94 or I-20 | Unexpired foreign passport with valid US visa and approved I-94 (REAL ID page) |
| No SSN? | Standard licence: sign an affidavit that you were never issued an SSN. REAL ID: SSA ineligibility letter dated within 30 days | Complete Social Security Number Affidavit (Form DL-13) at the office | If legally present but not able to get an SSN, you are exempt from the DMV SSN requirement |
| Expiry for visitors | REAL ID shows “TEMPORARY VISITOR” and your DHS document end date | Limited-term licence expires with your lawful presence as determined by DHS | REAL ID for temporary legal status expires with your legal presence document; “limited term” if under 5 years |
| Driving on a foreign licence | Allowed with a valid foreign licence; residents should apply for a NY licence | Valid foreign licence may be used up to 1 year or until you become a resident, whichever is sooner (reciprocity rules) | Check the DMV; not covered on the pages we checked |
| After becoming a resident | Apply within 30 days of becoming a NY resident (driver’s manual) | Apply within 90 days of becoming a Texas resident | Not confirmed on the pages we checked |
| Main steps | Written test, 5-hour pre-licensing course, road test; foreign licence handed in after the road test | Application DL-14A, documents, vision, written and driving tests; ITD certificate for road test | Instruction permit, knowledge and vision tests, supervised practice, road test |
Documents to bring (F-1 checklist)
Bring originals. Most DMVs will not accept photocopies, and foreign documents may need a certified English translation (the NY driver’s manual says this).
- Passport with your F-1 visa.
- I-94 record printed from the CBP website. It must show your current admission.
- Form I-20 with a current DSO signature. Texas lists it; other states may ask for it as supporting proof.
- SSN card, SSA letter or the state’s no-SSN form. If you have no job you are often not eligible for an SSN. Some states, like New York for REAL ID, want an SSA ineligibility letter; others use their own affidavit.
- Proof of address in that state. New York asks for 2 proofs for REAL ID and 1 for a standard licence. California asks for 2. Housing contracts, bank statements or university letters are common.
- Nepali driving licence if you have one. In New York you hand it over after passing the road test.
- Fee. Varies by state and licence type. New York’s ID-44 lists about $136 for a learner permit (about Rs 20,705), and notes fees are approximate.
Your first SSN depends on work authorisation. Read our guide to student tax ID numbers including the SSN and to on-campus jobs for F-1 students.
Step by step: getting your licence as an F-1 student
- Wait until your records are in the system. DMVs check your status with DHS. Give your SEVIS registration a little time after arrival. In Texas, DPS cannot issue a licence until DHS verifies your lawful presence.
- Read your state’s handbook and take the free practice tests online.
- Book an appointment at a DMV/DPS office if your state requires it.
- Take the vision and written tests. In New York, you need at least 14 of 20 questions right, including 2 of 4 road-sign questions.
- Complete any course. New York requires a 5-hour pre-licensing course. Texas requires an Impact Texas Drivers certificate dated within 90 days of the road test.
- Practise with a licensed driver. In New York, without a valid foreign licence, a supervising driver aged 21 or over must ride with you on a learner permit.
- Pass the road test. Use a car that is registered and insured.
- Get your licence. Texas gives a temporary paper licence and mails the card, usually within 2 to 3 weeks.
REAL ID: why it matters for flights
Since 7 May 2025, TSA has enforced REAL ID at airport checkpoints for domestic flights. A standard licence marked “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES” will not get you through security by itself. TSA introduced a $45 TSA ConfirmID fee option from 1 February 2026 for travellers without an acceptable ID.
For most F-1 students the simple answer is to carry your passport on domestic flights. TSA lists passports among acceptable IDs on its identification page. A REAL ID licence is still useful as everyday ID, so you do not have to carry your passport around town. New York says non-citizens who can prove lawful presence are eligible for REAL ID; Enhanced licences are for US citizens only.
Before you leave Nepal
- Bring your Nepali licence if you have one, in good condition. Expiring licences cause problems.
- Ask about an International Driving Permit. USA.gov says the US does not issue IDPs to visitors, so you must get one at home. Ask Nepal’s Department of Transport Management for the current process; we could not confirm it from an official page today. An IDP is a translation that goes with your licence, not a licence on its own.
- Get an English translation if your licence is not in English. New York accepts an IDP or certified translation for the road test.
- Budget for a car honestly. Insurance for a new driver with no US history can be expensive. Build a US credit record first; see building credit as an international student.
Also put your licence plan into your Nepal-to-USA packing list.
Common mistakes
- Driving on an expired or limited-term licence after your I-20 end date changes. Renew when you get a new I-20 or OPT EAD.
- Using an old I-94. Print the latest record after every entry.
- Assuming another state’s rules apply. Moving from Texas to New York means new rules and deadlines.
- Driving uninsured. Every state we checked asks about insurance or registration for vehicles you own.
- Buying “international licences” online. Unofficial websites sell documents that DMVs do not accept.
What to do next
- Find your state’s DMV page for non-citizens and download its document checklist.
- Ask your international student office whether you are eligible for an SSN now.
- Collect passport, I-94, I-20 and 2 proofs of address.
- Study the handbook and book your written test.
Frequently asked questions
Can F-1 students get a driver’s license without an SSN?
Often yes, but it depends on the state. Texas uses Form DL-13, California exempts legally present people who cannot get an SSN, and New York uses an affidavit for a standard licence or an SSA ineligibility letter for REAL ID.
Can I drive in the US with a Nepali licence?
In some states, for a limited time. New York allows a valid foreign licence; Texas allows one for up to a year or until you become a resident. Check your state.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in the USA?
USA.gov says IDPs issued for use in the US are valid for 1 year, and you must get one before you travel.
When does an F-1 student’s driver’s license expire?
Usually when your lawful presence ends as recorded by DHS. Texas and California both tie limited-term licences to your status documents.
Do international students need a REAL ID to fly?
You need an acceptable ID. A passport works, so a REAL ID licence is convenient, not essential.
Related guides
- US Visa Interview Day at the US Embassy Kathmandu
- OPT Application Guide: How to File Form I-765 for OPT
- H-1B Lottery Explained for F-1 Students (2026 Rules)
- DS-160 Form Guide for F-1 Students from Nepal (2026)
- Form I-20 Explained: What Nepali F-1 Students Must Check
Sources
- Driving in the US if you are not a citizen – USA.gov
- Resources for non-US citizens – New York DMV
- Drivers from other countries – New York DMV
- Driver licenses and the Green Light law – New York DMV
- ID-44: How to apply for a learner permit or licence – New York DMV
- Driver’s Manual chapter 1 – New York DMV
- Apply for a Texas driver license – Texas DPS
- DL-53 Verifying lawful presence – Texas DPS
- Social Security number rules – Texas DPS
- Driving privilege reciprocity – Texas DPS
- Limited term for legal presence – California DMV
- REAL ID info for non-US citizens – California DMV
- Social Security number fast facts – California DMV
- TSA begins REAL ID full enforcement on 7 May – TSA
- TSA $45 fee option for travellers without REAL ID – TSA
Last checked 20 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. DMV rules and fees change; check your state’s DMV before you go.
Responses