International Student Driving Licenses! Non-US Citizens,
Learn to Drive like a Pro
and get your Florida License

Students can obtain a driver’s license at the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles office. The driver’s license remains valid for a single year and you can renew it until the end of your study program. Any F-1 student who has completed his/her course of study or the optional practical training may apply for another license that remains valid for 60 days.

The license allows them to complete transfer process or to prepare for departure. If you are a J-1 student or a scholar who has finished the exchange visitor program, you can get an extra 30-day period.

The department also allows the same amount of time for dependents of both F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. To get a driver’s license in the state of Florida, you will need the following items:

• Passport
• Non-immigration classification proof which the United States’ Department of Homeland Security provides
• Documents to prove your F-1 or J-1 student status
• Two original documents to show proof of your residence. That includes cell phone bills, original transcripts, apartment lease and utility bills. If you live on campus, you will have to visit the Department of Housing and Residential Life for the proof. Any official letter such as a bank letter that you received through the on-campus address is adequate proof of residence. If you are living with your parents, ensure that they have signed the statement available at the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles office. They should also provide proof of residence both in the student’s name and in their name.
• SSN Card, if you have one

If you already have your foreign driver’s license, you should take it with you. You might be exempted from the compulsory driving tests and the Drug and Alcohol Traffic Education course.

Driving Under the Influence of Chemical Substances, Alcoholic Beverages or Controlled Substances

Under the law of Florida, DUI is an offense that is proved by unlawful breath alcohol or blood alcohol level above .08. Upon conviction, the penalties are the same regardless of the method of proving the offense. You might have your Visa revoked following a DUI.

The United States’ Department of State has been revoking visa foils of foreign nationals convicted or arrested for driving under influence (DUI), driving when intoxicated (DWI) or the related criminal charges. The department notifies people of their visa cancellation through the email address they used to apply for the visa.

If your visa is prudentially revoked, you will have to get another one to remain in the United States after travelling abroad temporarily. To get the visa, a panel physician has to conduct a medical screening, which might result in visa delay or denial. Students with a revoked visa should consult an immigration attorney.

Operating a vehicle without a driver’s license in Florida is a serious crime. The driver’s license displays your picture and contact information and it is therefore a universally accepted personal identification document. It also helps identification of the driver if an accident occurs.

If you are unable to communicate with first responders due to severe injuries, they will search your wallet and pockets for the driver’s licence to identify you. The name and address will help them contact your family.