Driver’s License

Updated 9/16/2021

Students and scholars are encouraged to obtain a California Driver’s License (DL) if they plan to drive a car in the United States. A California Driver’s License is required to purchase a car and obtain auto insurance. 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.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website outlines the process for obtaining a California Driver’s License (DL). Be sure to review the DMV’s Educational Materials for information on the written and driving skills tests, sample exams, safety videos, and more.

Driver’s License Application Process

STEP 1: Complete Driver’s License (DL) application

You can start your application for a DL online and finish the process at a DMV office. There is an application fee for original, renewal, and replacement DLs.

STEP 2: Visit a DMV office

OIS recommends visiting a DMV office close the the USC UPC or HSC campuses. To reduce wait time at the DMV office, schedule an appointment online. You will need to bring the following documents to the DMV:

  1. Valid passport
  2. Printout of I-94 admission record
  3. USC I-20/DS-2019
  4. Two residency documents (lease, utility bill, etc.)
  5. J-1 Scholars (Research Scholar, Professor, and Short-term Scholar Categories) only: Social Security Card
    • J-1 scholars with paid or unpaid appointments at USC are automatically eligible for an SSN
  6. J-1 Students only: To request a Social Security denial letter for DMV purposes, please visit the SSA.

At the DMV, you will:

  • Prove your identity and provide proof of residency by presenting the documents listed above
  • Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months)
  • Have your thumbprint scanned.
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • Have your photo taken.
  • Pass the knowledge test(s). You are allowed three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you will need to reapply. To allow for sufficient testing time, the DMV does not administer knowledge tests within 30 minutes of the DMV office closing.
Additional eligibility requirements:
  • F-1/J-1 students must:
    •  Be enrolled full-time and must have paid the I-901 SEVIS fee. Failure to meet these requirements will cause significant problems and delays with your application.
    •  Wait patiently to ensure that their SEVIS record has been registered in SEVIS. 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.
  • Students and Scholars who have a driver’s license from their home country may be exempt from the driving skills test. 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. If these documents expire in less than 60 days, you cannot apply. 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 you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) and are not in the process of applying for one, mark on the DMV application that you are not eligible for a SSN. You are only eligible for a SSN if you have a job offer for authorized paid on-campus or off-campus employment.
  • OIS strongly advises that you visit the Hope Street DMV office on Thursdays and Fridays after 1pm.
  • If you have problems with your application, record the name of the DMV employee(s) you spoke with and make an appointment to meet with OIS for further assistance.
  • You must wait at least 30 days before calling the DMV office to inquire about your application. Most licenses will be issued within two weeks of the appointment. They cannot assist you before the 30-day window ends.
Additional Guidance For Students on OPT

Students on OPT who wish to renew their driver’s license are required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Without a SSN, the DMV will not approve of the driver’s license extension. First, take your OPT EAD card and F-1 documents to the Social Security Office to get a SSN. Then take your SSN, EAD card and F-1 documents to the DMV to obtain a license. You must also wait until the start date on your EAD card to submit your driver’s license application for it to be accepted.

California Identification Card 

A California driver’s license is the primary form of identification. International students and scholars who do not drive can obtain a California Identification (ID) card instead. The DMV website offers detailed guidelines on obtaining an ID card.

Visiting the DMV

DMV office located closest to the USC main campus:
3615 S. Hope St.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(800) 777-0133

Office Hours and Customer Wait Time Information

USC students and scholars are encouraged to visit this office because of its proximity to campus. The staff at this location is familiar with assisting the USC international community.

DMV office located closest to the Health Sciences campus:
3529 N. Mission Road
Los Angeles, CA 90031

Office Hours and Customer Wait Time Information

To reduce wait time at the DMV office, make an appointment online.