How to Get a CT Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s Identification (State ID)

Sep 20, 2026

Instructions for international students and scholars on obtaining a Connecticut driver’s license or a non-driver identification (State ID). The guide details the ISSS check-in process, applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) or obtaining a denial letter, completing an 8-hour Safe Driving Program course, passing the written test to receive an Adult Learner’s Permit, and scheduling the road skills test. It also covers DMV verification of immigration status using the SAVE Program, required documents, fees, and transferring an out-of-state license.

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CategoryExam

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Reading Time5 min

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How to Get a CT Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s Identification (State ID)

Step 1. ISSS Check In

Step 2. Social Security Number Application

Step 3. Safe Driving Program course

Step 4. Written Test and Adult Learner’s Permit

Step 5. On the Road Skills Test

Step 6. Get your license!

Transferring your License from Another U.S. State, or France, Germany and Canada

University of Connecticut 􀃞 2011 Hillside Road, Unit 1083; Storrs, CT 06269 􀃞 Phone: 860-486-3855 􀃞 Fax: 860-486-5800 􀃞 Web: [http://www.isss.uconn.edu](http://www.isss.uconn.edu) 􀃞 [international@uconn.edu](international@uconn.edu) How to Get a CT Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s Identification (State ID) Step 1. ISSS Check In 􀂾 New students and scholars must complete ISSS online check-in and register for classes before applying for a license or state ID. Continuing students or dependents of students may go to step 2. Step 2. Social Security Number Application 􀂾 Visit the Social Security Administration to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) . F-1 and J-1 students must have legal employment to be approved for the SSN. If you are an F-1/J-1 student and you do not work, you will be issued a Social Security denial letter confirming that you are not eligible for the SSN. You will need either the SSN or the denial letter for your DMV application. Bring the following to Social Security office: 􀂙 Passport 􀂙 I-94 admission printout 􀂙 Form I-20 or DS-2019 􀂙 F-1 and J-1 Students with employment: Job offer letter, and letter confirming employment from ISSS. 􀀹 NOTE: If you are applying for a State ID, go directly to DMV after completing this step to obtain your ID card, and bring the documents listed in Step 4. Social Security office locations can be found [at](at www.ssa.gov)[ ](at www.ssa.gov)[www.ssa.gov](at www.ssa.gov) > Contact > Find an Office Step 3. Safe Driving Program course 􀂾 Complete a mandatory 8-hour Safe Driving Course. Obtain certificate of completion when done. Please note that you can take this course at any point before the road test (Step 5) . Step 4. Written Test and Adult Learner’s Permit 􀂾 Schedule an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles fora written test and Adult Learner’s Permit. You must hold the learner’spermit for 90 days before you can move on to the next step (road test) . AAA offers a Safe Driving Course on the UConn Storrs campus. [www.aaa.com/drivingschool](www.aaa.com/drivingschool) For courses in other towns, visit the DMV website [www.ct.gov/dmv/](www.ct.gov/dmv/. Search)[. Search](www.ct.gov/dmv/. Search) “Commercial School Locations”. 􀂾 If you have a current or previous license from your home country, or a previous U.S. license, the 90-day waiting period maybe waived. You must provide that license (even if expired) in order to be waived. 􀂾 Schedule your appointment online at [https://www.dmvteen.ct.gov/dmv/do-it-online](https://www.dmvteen.ct.gov/dmv/do-it-online), or visit [www.ct.gov/dmv/](www.ct.gov/dmv/) and search term “Adult Learner’s Permit” 􀂾 Bring the following to your appointment: 􀂙 Passport 􀂙 I-94 admission printout 􀂙 Form I-20 or DS-2019 􀂙 Social Security Card or Social Security office denial letter (from Step 2) 􀂙 Certified school transcript or Marriage Certificate (if you don’t have a Social Security card) . Must be translated by an approved translation company if not in English. 􀂙 Two documents to show proof that you live in CT (refer to list) . 􀂙 Fees: $40 Testing Fee, $19 for Learner’s Permit 􀀹 NOTE: When you apply for a driver’s license or state ID, the DMV must verify your immigration status to complete the application. To do this, they use a program called the SAVE Program. If they cannot verify your status they will advise you that your request cannot be completed. They should give you a 15 digit verification number that you can use to check the progress of your case online. You can use that number to check your case here [https://www.uscis.gov/save/casecheck](https://www.uscis.gov/save/casecheck and wait)[ and wait](https://www.uscis.gov/save/casecheck and wait) until the status has been verified to return to the DMV for your learner’s permit. You may also be advised to visit your school – visit ISSS during Walk-In hours to check that your SEVIS record is active, which is required for SAVE. Step 5. On t

FAQs

Who must complete ISSS online check-in before applying for a CT license or State ID?

New students and scholars must complete ISSS online check-in and register for classes before applying. Continuing students or dependents may go to Step 2.

What documents are needed for the Social Security Number application?

Applicants are instructed to visit the Social Security Administration and bring a passport, I-94 admission printout, and Form I-20 or DS-2019. For F-1/J-1 students, legal employment is required for approval, and a denial letter is issued if not eligible.

What happens if DMV cannot verify immigration status through the SAVE Program?

DMV uses the SAVE Program to verify immigration status. If they cannot verify it, they advise that the request cannot be completed and they provide a 15-digit verification number to check progress online before returning for the learner’s permit.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Maya Linwood