USA Driver’s License Form Pdf Download : How To Fill Out Driver’s License Form

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USA Driver’s License:-Driving a car is an important part of the “American way of life.” All sorts of things can be done at the drive-in counter in the United States, from picking up prescription drugs to banking. But how can the all-important driver’s license be obtained in the USA, and what other functions does it have? Find out more!

Driver’s license in the USA: how to request

The US driver’s license is an essential document for anyone starting a new life in America, as it not only allows you to drive a car but also serves many other functions. Therefore, obtaining your driver’s license should be one of the first things to tackle after moving to the USA.

During your first year in the USA, your driver’s license from your home country is usually still valid. The USA has concluded agreements with several countries thanks to which non-American driver’s licenses remain valid for a period of up to one year. However, the exact time limits and regulations vary from state to state.

If you wish to obtain a driver’s license in the USA, you must do so in the state in which you are a permanent resident. The authority responsible for issuing the driver’s license is the respective Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in each state.

If you are driving with an American driver’s license outside your state of residence, all other states will recognize your document. However, if you relocate within the US to another state, you will need to obtain a new driver’s license in the new state.

Attention :- The federal system in the USA is particularly apparent when it comes to driver’s licenses. Different regulations apply in every US state! These are determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your respective state.

What is a US driver’s license and its functions?

The driver’s license in the USA is not only the permission to drive a vehicle. It fulfills a number of other purposes, but above all, it also serves as an ID document. Those who neither have a driver’s license nor wish to obtain one can apply to their local DMV for an ID card as a substitute, which then fulfills the ID card function.

However, there are also other reasons why it is highly advisable to apply for a driver’s license as soon as you arrive in America. Having a driver’s license in the USA is also an advantage when:

• when dealing with authorities,
• when concluding insurances, or
• when applying for credit.

Exchanging a driver’s license in the USA

If you have a driver’s license from your home country, you must have it renewed in the United States. However, each state has its own guidelines and requirements for doing so.

Some US states have an agreement with other countries, and the exchange of a driver’s license is relatively uncomplicated. Yet, some states require a theoretical test, while others require a practical driving test as well. Moreover, a vision test and the submission of other documents are often requested as well.

While particularly strict regulations apply in the state of New York or in Washington, D.C., the hurdles to obtaining a US driver’s license are significantly lower in Florida, for example. Below, we have listed the different driver’s license requirements for some of the most popular states among immigrants:

USA Driver’s License Form Pdf Download

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.

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 a driver’s license.
• 2 The SAVE Program, an intergovernmental initiative that aids benefit granting 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 a driver’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 or visit its website to see if this is a requirement.

What can a DSO or RO do with a nonimmigrant’s information to ensure a smooth application process?

• The nonimmigrant’s name must match all supporting documents. See What documentation must a nonimmigrant present to the DMV?
• The nonimmigrant’s status, name, and date of birth must be correct in SEVIS before sending the nonimmigrant to the local DMV office. The nonimmigrant must also have an Active SEVIS record before applying.
• The supporting documents must be consistent and reflect the nonimmigrant’s proper name, date of birth and nonimmigrant status. Otherwise, the DMV will deny the application. Review all supporting documents before the nonimmigrant applies. For assistance, see SEVP’s FAQ on Data Integrity.
• The nonimmigrant must be within the program start and end dates in SEVIS, unless participating in optional practical training (OPT) or the 17-month extension.

Documents required for USA license

What documentation must an F, M or J nonimmigrant present to the DMV?
For specific requirements for your state, please refer to the DMV website or contact a local DMV office. In general, the nonimmigrant should present the following:

• Valid passport with visa (if applicable)
• Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record”
• Form I-20 (for an F or M student) or Form DS-2019 (for a J exchange visitor)
• EAD card (Form I-766 “Employment Authorization Document”), if on post-completion
  OPT
• Form I-797, “Notice of Action,” in cases of a change of status (e.g., from F-1 to H-1B)
• Social Security number (SSN) on a Social Security card or a Social Security
  Administration (SSA) Form SSA-L676, “Refusal to Process SSN Application.” Please
  visit this SSA website for more information.

Does an F, M or J nonimmigrant need an SSN to apply for a driver’s license or ID?
No, a nonimmigrant does not need an SSN. In most states, however, the nonimmigrant will need to apply for an SSN. Follow the instructions on how to apply for a Social Security card as described on this SSA website

What if the SSA refuses to give an F, M, or J nonimmigrant an SSN?

A nonimmigrant who is ineligible for an SSN will receive a Form SSA-L676. The nonimmigrant may have to present this letter when applying at the DMV office to fulfill the SSN requirement, if any

What documents should a nonimmigrant on the cap gap extension present to verify legal presence?

A nonimmigrant should inform the DSO immediately after receiving an approval notice from USCIS for a change of status to H-1B. The DSO will print a new Form I-20 and give it to the nonimmigrant. In the comments section on Page 3 of the Form I-20, SEVIS will automatically
update and will insert new language in the nonimmigrant’s SEVIS record indicating the following: 4

• The student’s F-1 status and employment authorization, if applicable, have automatically extended to September 30, 20XX5
  .
• The student has authorization to remain in the United States and continue employment, if applicable, with an expired EAD. The local DMV office will use the information on Page 3 of the Form I-20 to validate the nonimmigrant’s duration of status through September 30.
• Upon receiving approval for H-1B status, the nonimmigrant should wait 10 days and then return to the DMV to present the Form I-797 or Form I-797A and request that the DMV extend the driver’s license expiration date for a period of one year. The nonimmigrant must return to the DMV every year to extend the license for the period of stay in the United States, unless otherwise stated by the local DMV office

What are the requirements for an F or M nonimmigrant on post-completion optional practical training (OPT)?

F or M nonimmigrants on post-completion OPT should present their Form I-766, “Employment Authorization Document,” (EAD) for verification, as this is the most recent immigration document with the current information. While the DMV uses the EAD card’s A number (USCIS number) for verification rather than the Form I-20’s SEVIS ID, the DMV still requires an endorsed Form I-20 with OPT authorization

What are the requirements for an accompanying dependent?

An accompanying dependent who applies for a driver’s license or state ID should present supporting personal status documentation as well as status documentation of the primary status holder. Information on a practical training period or cap-gap period reflects the duration of
status The DMV will look for consistency between the dependent’s duration of status and that of the primary status holder. Sometimes DMV offices have difficulty when verifying dependents. The best way to alleviate this problem is for all nonimmigrants in this position to do the following:

• Always go to the DMV office with the primary (F-1, M-1 or J-1) status holder
• Bring the following paperwork:
  o The primary and dependent’s most current Form I-94
  o The primary and dependent’s valid passport with visa (when applicable)
  o Proof of identity (per state requirements)
  o Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate)
  o The primary and dependent’s most current Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (This is
  critical when the primary F-1 or M-1 is on OPT)
  o EAD if on post-completion OPT (for F or M only)

Driver’s license requirements in Florida

• Theoretical test
• Vision test
• International driver’s license (if applicable)

Driver’s license requirements in California

• Submitting of request within ten days after the change of residence
• Theoretical test
• Fee: $31
• Vision test
• Visa valid for at least 60 days
• Social Security Number
• Proof of residence in the US
• Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection every two years for vehicles older than six years

Driver’s license requirements in Washington, D.C.

• Theoretical test
• Fee: issuing $44 + test $10
• Vision test
• ID card
• Social Security Number
• No outstanding debt with the District of Columbia
• Proof of residence in the US
• Translation of the existing driver’s license
• Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection every two years

Driver’s license requirements in New York

• Submitting of request within 30 days after the change of residence
• Theoretical test
• A 5-hour driving class followed by a road test
• Social Security Number
• Car liability insurance mandatory
• Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection every year

For detailed information, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website of your state. You can find the authority responsible for you via the DMV online search.

Take a driver’s license in the USA

If you want to take the driver’s license in the USA, you will go through a multi-step process. Although all states have their own guidelines, the following steps are usually required to obtain a US driver’s license:

• Vision test
• Proof of legal residency in the US
• Theoretical test (multiple choice questions)
• Test of knowledge about the American road signs (incl. sufficient knowledge of English to understand the road signs)
• Practical driving test

Tip: When you get your U.S. driver’s license, look for the note for organ donation. Often, an “X” is automatically added to the appropriate box. This makes you a possible organ donor. If you do not want this, you must expressly object in advance.

What is the minimum age for a US driver’s license?

The minimum age for a “full license” or “unrestricted license” varies between 16 and 18 years, depending on the state. However, new drivers have the option of obtaining a restricted license or learner’s permit beforehand. The minimum age for a learner’s permit is 14 to 16 years, depending on the state.

Which driver’s license categories are there in the USA?

Driver’s license classes are named and defined differently from state to state. You can find out the exact regulations in your home state on the page of your responsible Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Do I have to turn in my old driver’s license?

Whether you have to turn in your driver’s license from your home country varies depending on the US state you are moving to. In some states, it is not legal to have two driver’s licenses and the old one has to be given up as soon as you get your new American driver’s license.

Certainly, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about obtaining and using a driver’s license in the USA:

Q 1. What is a driver’s license, and why do I need one?

A driver’s license is an official government-issued document that grants you the legal authority to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. It serves as proof of your ability to drive safely and responsibly.

Q 2. How old do I need to be to apply for a driver’s license in the USA?

The minimum age for obtaining a driver’s license varies by state. Typically, you can apply for a learner’s permit at around age 15 or 16, and then a full, unrestricted license at a later age.

Q 3. What is a learner’s permit, and how do I get one?

A learner’s permit is a temporary license that allows new drivers to practice driving under supervision. To obtain one, you typically need to pass a written knowledge test and meet age requirements set by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Q 4. What’s the process for getting a full driver’s license in the USA?

The process generally includes obtaining a learner’s permit, completing driver’s education or training if required, practicing driving under supervision, and then applying for a provisional or intermediate license before finally getting a full, unrestricted driver’s license. The specific steps and requirements can vary by state.

Q 5. Are there any restrictions on new drivers with a provisional or intermediate license?

Yes, provisional or intermediate licenses often come with restrictions. Common restrictions include limitations on nighttime driving and the number of passengers, especially for young drivers.

Q 6. Do I need to take a driving test to get a driver’s license?

Yes, you usually need to pass a road skills test, which assesses your ability to drive safely and follow traffic rules. There may also be a written test on traffic laws and regulations.

Q 7. Can I use my driver’s license from another country to drive in the USA?

In most cases, tourists and visitors can use their valid foreign driver’s licenses for a limited time. However, if you become a resident, you may need to obtain a state-issued driver’s license.

Q 8. Is there a national driver’s license in the USA, or do I need to get one in each state I reside in?

The USA does not have a national driver’s license. Driver’s licenses are issued by individual states, and you typically need to obtain a license from the state in which you reside.

Q 9. How long is a driver’s license valid for in the USA?

The validity of a driver’s license varies by state. In many states, a standard driver’s license is valid for about 4 to 8 years. It’s important to check with your state’s DMV for specific details.

Q 10. What should I do if I lose my driver’s license or if it gets stolen?

If you lose your driver’s license or it gets stolen, you should report it to the local DMV and request a replacement. The process for obtaining a replacement license can vary by state.