Driver's Licence For International Visitors (F-1 and J-1)

Students and scholars who will be in the U.S. for longer than 30 days and plan to drive a car should obtain a Texas Driver's Licence at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Access to a car, knowledge of Texas driving regulations, as well as testable driving skills is basic requirements for a driver's licence. You must provide your own vehicle when taking the driving test.

Take the following steps to obtain your driver's licence:

1. Study the information about traffic laws in the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is available in both English and Spanish, from the Department of Public Safety, as well as, on-line at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/internetforms/Forms/DL-57.pdf
2.  Take the written and in-car examinations for driving at any DPS office. If you do not have a driver's licence from another state, you must take both a written and a driving test. There is an $11.00 fee, valid for three opportunities to take the test within a 90-day period.
3. Pay the $25.00 fee for Driving's Licence.
4. You will need the following documents in order to make your applications: passport, I-20 or DS-2019, Form I-94, current enrollment letter (Register's Office, MAI Room 1), a completed application (http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/internetforms/Forms/DL-14A.pdf), and Social Security card (if you are eligible to obtain an SSN). If you are not eligible SSN, you will need to sign a "Social Security Affidavit" at the DPS office when applying for your Texas Driver's Licence. You may be asked to show two items proving your current address, such as a lease or piece or mail with your name and address (cable, gas or electric bills are good choices).

Note: If you have own car but do not have insurance, you will NOT be permitted to apply for a driver's licence. If possible, it is recommended that you apply for a driver's licence before you purchase a car.