Tag Archives: license

Getting a Driver’s License

Eligibility for getting a driver’s license

Many non-immigrants and their dependents obtain a Pennsylvania (PA) driver’s license through the PA Department of Transportation (PennDOT).Each state has different requirements for the issuance of driver’s licenses and state ID cards. This post provides detailed information for  F-1 and  J-1 visitors who wish to obtain a PA driver’s license. To be eligible for a PA driver’s license, a non-immigrant must have at least one year remaining on their immigration document (I-20 or DS- 2019). Generally, visitors who will be in the US for less than one year are expected to use their home country driver’s license plus the international driver’s permit (in English). International driver’s permits must be obtained outside of the US.

Steps to getting a driver’s license

  1. Read the driving rules and regulations for Pennsylvania. PA Driving Manual Know the rules of driving in the U.S.! They can be very different from your home country.
  2. Wait at least ten 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.
  3. 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. Pennsylvania requires you to have a Social Security number.
  4. Visit Lancaster’s Driver’s License Center here. 
  5. When you go to your local DMV, bring originals of the following documents:
    1. Driver’s License Application
    2. I-20.
    3. I-94
    4. A valid passport with visa
    5. Proof of residence. This varies from state to state and might be a bill or a letter addressed to you, a lease, a utility bill, US bank statement,  an official letter from the Housing Office or Landlord.
    6. Your Social Security card or a Form SSA-L676
    7. Verification Letter from the Office of Global Education

You may have to take a driving test and a written test, in addition to a vision exam at the office. 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 non-immigrants to only get temporary licenses. In Pennsylvania, you are issued a temporary license and your official license gets mailed to your local address.

Notes for Driving in Pennsylvania

Many roads in Pennsylvania are very dangerous to drive in. This area of PA has many small farm roads, and sometimes there are one lane bridges where two lanes of traffic meet together. Pay attention to the road signs. They will tell you if the road converges into one lane. Other signs will tell you if you are driving in a deer area. Be careful of driving during the early evening when deer some out and wander near the roads.

In addition, Lancaster County has a high population of Amish and Mennonite families that drive horse and buggies, seen in the above picture. Small narrow roads and horse and buggies can be a dangerous combination. Slow down, and wait until oncoming traffic is clear and you can slowly pass them to drive around.

In the winter time, Lancaster County gets a lot of snow and the roads can become blocked or slippery. Ice and snow are common during the winter. Please use your judgement while driving under harsh conditions.

Be safe while Driving!