Applying for a Driver’s License or State Identification Card - SEVP Fact Sheet

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai

Fact sheet explains how F, M, and J nonimmigrants in lawful status can apply for a driver’s license or state identification card in the U.S. It outlines eligibility, required supporting documents, and key timing requirements tied to SEVIS Active status and processing delays. Guidance covers actions for designated school officials (DSOs) and responsible officers (ROs), emphasizing data integrity, matching names and dates of birth, and avoiding errors that can lead to denial by the DMV. It also points to known issues and contact resources for SEVP and state DMV offices.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Fact Sheet Overview

General Questions

Known Issues

Contact Information

Getting Started

Documentation

Errors and Discrepancies

Miscellaneous

Student and Exchange Visitor Program U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 500 12th Street SW Stop 5600 Washington, DC 20536-5600 Applying for a Driver’s License or State Identification Card This fact sheet provides information to designated school officials (DSOs) and responsible officers (ROs) in order to help F, M or J nonimmigrants obtain a benefit such as a driver’s license or state identification (ID) card. DSOs, ROs and F, M and J nonimmigrants should familiarize themselves with the information provided here and with the regulations, policies and other applicable information of the state or territory of residence, as each may have different requirements. Fact Sheet Overview • General Questions – provides an overview of the general driver’s license and ID processes, tips, things to know and special cases and consists of the following sections: o Getting Started o Documentation o Errors and Discrepancies o Miscellaneous • Known Issues – discusses known problems without a current resolution, the status of fixes and other relevant information • Contact Information – provides contact information for SEVP, information on how to request help for difficult issues and individual state websites General Questions Getting Started Who is eligible for a driver’s license or ID? Any F, M or J nonimmigrant in lawful status may apply for a driver’s license or ID card, per state or territorial law. The nonimmigrant must present necessary supporting documents required to verify legal presence in the United States. For a list of required documents, see What documentation must a nonimmigrant present to the DMV? For additional information specifically about accompanying spouses and dependents, see What are the requirements for an accompanying dependent? What should a nonimmigrant do before applying for a driver’s license or ID? A nonimmigrant should contact the DSO or RO. The DSO or RO will provide guidance, assist in familiarizing the nonimmigrant with the expectations of the department of motor vehicles (DMV) 1 for that state or territory, and explain the general process for obtaining a driver’s license or ID. When can a nonimmigrant apply for a driver’s license or ID? Please be aware of the following timing requirements before applying for a driver’s license or ID: • The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record must be in Active status when an F, M or J nonimmigrant applies for a benefit. A nonimmigrant with a record in any other status will not have success applying for a benefit. • Wait at least ten calendar days from the date of entry into the United States before applying for a driver’s license or ID to allow time for arrival data processing. Most states and territories use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program to determine a non-citizen’s eligibility for many public benefits, including the issuance of adriver’s license.2 The SAVE Program, an intergovernmental initiative that aids benefitgranting agencies in determining an applicant’s immigration status, uses an online system to check immigration information against millions of records contained in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. SAVE does not make a determination on whether an applicant is eligible for the underlying benefit; the benefit-granting agency makes that determination. For more information about the SAVE Program, please visit the SAVE website. • Wait at least two federal business days from the activation date3 in SEVIS to apply for adriver’s license or ID to ensure that the nonimmigrant’s Active status updates in all relevant databases. • Several states require that a nonimmigrant have at least six months left on the Form I-20,“Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” or Form DS-2019,“Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status,” to be eligible for a driver’s license. Either consult with the state or territory’s DMV

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for a driver’s license or state identification card?

Any F, M, or J nonimmigrant in lawful status may apply under state or territorial law, and must present documents needed to verify legal presence in the United States.

What timing requirements must be met in SEVIS before applying?

SEVIS must be in Active status when applying. Applicants should also wait at least ten calendar days after U.S. entry and at least two federal business days after the SEVIS activation date to allow updates across relevant databases.

What documentation must a nonimmigrant generally present to the DMV?

In general, the nonimmigrant should present a valid passport with visa (if applicable), Form I-94, and either Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, plus an EAD card if on post-completion OPT and Form I-797 if there is a change of status.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai