How to Apply for a Florida Driver’s License for International Students F-1 and J-1 Visa Status

Sep 20, 2026

Guide international students in F-1 and J-1 visa status on how to obtain a Florida driver’s license through the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. It outlines the two nearest DMVs, options for walk-in or appointment via the OASIS portal, required prerequisite education (Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education) when no home-country license exists, and study of the Florida Driver’s Handbook. It lists required documents, fees, address proofs, exam types, and includes final contact guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

How to apply

Closest DMV locations

Appointment and prerequisites

Required documents and fees

Exams and testing

Division of Student Affairs ~ International Services Email (all locations): [isss@fau.edu](isss@fau.edu) Website: [www.fau.edu/isss](www.fau.edu/isss) Boca Raton Campus: 777 Glades Road, DP 49, Boca Raton, FL 33431 ~ Tel. (561) 297-3049 Fax: (561) 297-2446 HOW TO APPLY FOR A FLORIDA DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS F-1 AND J-1 VISA STATUS | You may either walk in make an appointment with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office. Following are the two locations closest to campus: | | | --- | --- | | Broward County: Deerfield Beach Office 100 South Military Trail, Suite 26 Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Phone number: (954) 497-1570
Open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. -5 p.m. | Palm Beach County: Delray Beach Office 501 South Congress Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33445
Phone number: (561) 355-2264
Open: Mon-Fri 8:15 a.m. -3:30 p.m. | | To make an appointment at any office go to:
[https://services.flhsmv.gov/oasis/](https://services.flhsmv.gov/oasis/)
STEP 1: If you do not have a driver’s license from your home country you must first take the Traffic Law &
Substance Abuse Education Course [http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/TLSAE_providers.html](http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/TLSAE_providers.html)
STEP 2: Study the information in the Florida Driver’s Handbook: [http://www.flhsmv.gov/handbooks/](http://www.flhsmv.gov/handbooks/)
[STEP 4: Go to the office with the following documentation:](STEP 4: Go to the office with the following documentation:)
[A. Valid passport](A. Valid passport)
B. Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange visitors)
C. I-94 printout
D. $48.00 processing fee (cash, credit card except Visa, check, or money order)
E. Two of the following documents showing your address in Florida to confirm your residence. The following are acceptable:
1) Educational institution transcript forms for the current school year
2) Utility bills (cell phone, electric bill), not more than two months old
3) Mail from financial institutions; including checking, savings, or investment account statements, not more than two months old
4) Credit card statement
5) A letter from our office confirming your local address STEP 5: Take the exams:
a) Hearing-Drivers applying for a license who are deaf, or cannot hear conversation spoken in a normal tone of voice, are restricted to driving with an outside rearview mirror which should be mounted on the left side of the vehicle, or wearing of a hearing aid.
b) Vision-Vision testing, using an eye machine located on the counter, is conducted in all driver license offices. Visual acuity readings worse than 20/40 are referred to an eye specialist. Color blindness will not cause any special condition for licensing.
c) Knowledge Exam-50 multiple choice questions about traffic laws and traffic signs.
d) Driving Test-You must provide a vehicle for the driving test. The vehicle must have a valid tag, proof of insurance, and pass a vehicle inspection. During the driving test, the examiner will observe your ability to control the vehicle and how well you obey traffic laws.
GOOD LUCK! Please contact our office if you experience any documentation issues. | |

FAQs

How do international students with F-1 or J-1 status schedule a DMV appointment?

Students may walk in or make an appointment with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office. Appointments are made through the FLHSMV OASIS website.

What must students do first if they do not have a driver’s license from their home country?

They must first take the Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education Course. Then they should study information in the Florida Driver’s Handbook.

What documents are required when applying at the DMV office?

Applicants should bring a valid passport, Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), I-94 printout, a $48.00 processing fee, and two address documents acceptable for Florida residence verification.

Sep 20, 2026

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