Be sure to bring your driver’s license from your home country to present to the officer at the DMV as it may exempt you from the driving test. If these documents expire in less than 60 days, you cannot apply. The DMV requires that you present the originals of all immigration documents: passport, printout of your I-94 Arrival/Departure record and I-20 or DS-2019. Your passport or I-20/DS-2019 CANNOT expire less than 60 days from the date of application. Students and Scholars who have a driver’s license from their home country may be exempt from the driving skills test.SEVIS class registration takes place approximately one week AFTER the add/drop period occurs to allow OIS to confirm your final class registration for the semester. Wait patiently to ensure that their SEVIS record has been registered in SEVIS.Failure to meet these requirements will cause significant problems and delays with your application. Be enrolled full-time and must have paid the I-901 SEVIS fee.To allow for sufficient testing time, the DMV does not administer knowledge tests within 30 minutes of the DMV office closing. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you will need to reapply. You are allowed three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests. Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months).Prove your identity and provide proof of residency by presenting the documents listed above.J-1 Students only: To request a Social Security denial letter for DMV purposes, please visit the SSA.J-1 scholars with paid or unpaid appointments at USC are automatically eligible for an SSN.J-1 Scholars (Research Scholar, Professor, and Short-term Scholar Categories) only: Social Security Card.Two residency documents (lease, utility bill, etc.).You will need to bring the following documents to the DMV: To reduce wait time at the DMV office, schedule an appointment online. OIS recommends visiting a DMV office close the the USC UPC or HSC campuses. There is an application fee for original, renewal, and replacement DLs. You can start your application for a DL online and finish the process at a DMV office. Be sure to review the DMV’s Educational Materials for information on the written and driving skills tests, sample exams, safety videos, and more.ĭriver’s License Application Process STEP 1: Complete Driver’s License (DL) application

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website outlines the process for obtaining a California Driver’s License (DL).

The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP)/International Driver’s License/International License as a valid form of driver’s license. A California Driver’s License is required to purchase a car and obtain auto insurance. Students and scholars are encouraged to obtain a California Driver’s License (DL) if they plan to drive a car in the United States.

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