International Student Services - Driver's License Application Process for International F1 Students - Steps for Nashville, TN

Sep 29, 2026

Guidance for international F-1 students on applying for a driver’s license in Nashville, Tennessee. The process includes consulting the university DSO, confirming active SEVIS status, waiting 10 days for I-94 system updates, obtaining an SSN when required, and preparing specific documents for the local DMV. It also covers F-2 dependent steps, test requirements, possible temporary licensing, and next-step instructions after submitting paperwork, plus appointment details and operating hours for the Hart Lane Driver Services Center.

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Driver's License Application Process for International F1 Students

Steps to Get a Driver's License in Nashville, TN

Nashville/Hart Lane Driver Services Center

Appointment and Hours of Operation

Driver's License Application Process for International F1 Students Steps to getting a driver's license in Nashville, TN Talk with Dolly DeLong, the DSO of Lipscomb University, to understand the steps you will need to take in order to obtain a Drivers License. Speak with your DSO (Dolly DeLong) to make sure that you are Active in SEVIS. Wait 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for a driver's license so that your Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record" information can update in all the government systems. If your state requires a Social Security number (SSN) to apply for a driver's license, go to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office and apply for an SSN. If you are eligible to work (on campus), you may receive an SSN. When you go to your local DMV, bring originals ofthe following documents: • All signed versions of your Form I-20 • Proof of your attendance at Lipscomb University (bring your Lipscomb University acceptance letter with you) • A valid passport with visa (You do not need a visa if you are from a visa-exempt country, such as Canada or Bermuda) • Proof of residence. This varies from state to state and might be a bill or a letter addressed to you. (Make sure it is addressed to your Lipscomb University address or where you are living in Nashville, TN while you are taking classes at Lipscomb) • Your SSN card (You must apply for SSN first before getting your Drivers License) • If you are on optional practical training (OPT), bring your Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document. The DMV will use the A number on this card to verify your status. If you are an F-2 dependent, go to the DMV with your primary F-1. Please make sure you both have all your required documents. You may have to take both a driving test and a written test. In many states, if you have a license from your home country or another state, the DMV may not require you to take the tests. Please note that not all states accept driver's licenses from other countries. Once you pass the tests, if required, and submit all the necessary paperwork, an associate at the DMV will explain the next steps. It is normal for some nonimmigrants to only get temporary licenses. In addition, you may receive the license immediately or you may have to wait several weeks, depending on the state. Nashville/Hart Lane Driver Services Center Office Address To make an appointment for a non-commercial road skills test, please call 866-849-3548. 624 Hart Lane Nashville, TN 37216 Days and Hours of Operation Monday-Friday 8:30 [a.m. to](a.m. to) 5:00 p.m. NOTE: Before proceeding to a Driver Services Center, be sure to review Closure Advisories for the latest updates. IMPORTANT: Closing times listed do not always reflect applicants will be accepted up to that time. It maybe necessary to cease taking applicants earlier in order to complete processing by the end of the business day. For example: ADriver Services Center closing time maybe listed as 5:00 p.m. but taking applicants maybe stopped at 3:00 p.m. in order to process applicants by 5:00 p.m.

FAQs

What are the first steps an F-1 student should take before applying for a driver’s license?

Talk with the university DSO to understand required steps and confirm you are Active in SEVIS. Then wait 10 days after arriving so your Form I-94 information updates in government systems.

Which documents should be brought to the local DMV for an F-1 driver’s license application?

Bring signed Forms I-20, proof of attendance (acceptance letter), a valid passport with visa (unless visa-exempt), proof of residence, your SSN card, and if on OPT, your Form I-766 to allow the DMV to verify your status using the A number.

How does the driver’s license testing and timing work after submitting paperwork?

You may need both a driving test and a written test, depending on state rules and whether you hold a license from elsewhere. After passing tests (if required) and submitting paperwork, the DMV associate explains next steps; some nonimmigrants may receive temporary licenses, or the license may take weeks depending on the state.

Sep 29, 2026

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