U.S. Driver's License

U.S. Driver's License

Driver’s License & Driving in the U.S.

The following information is specifically for foreign nationals and their dependents in the U.S. Nonimmigrants in the U.S. can only obtain a driver’s license from the state in which they reside. Each state has its own driving rules and regulations. This page only contains information on obtaining a New Jersey driver’s license.

International Driving Permits

If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you may be eligible to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP will allow you to temporarily drive in the U.S. using your home country driver’s license and is a good short-term option for visitors to the U.S.

Please contact the authorities in your home country to get an International Driving Permit, as the United States does not issue IDPs to international visitors.

An IDP is not the same as a U.S. driver’s license.

Obtaining a New Jersey Driver’s License

For detailed information, visit the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission’s website. Here you will find guides to assist you with studying for the driving exams as well as assistance in meeting the MVC’s required six points of identification. You may also call the Department of Motor Vehicles at 1-888-486-3339.

All nonimmigrant visa holders (including F-1 and J-1 students and scholars) who want to apply for a New Jersey driver’s license can do so at one of the MVC’s regional centers. The MVC center closest to Rowan University is located at 5200 Rt. 42 North, Turnersville, NJ 08012.

Documents Needed

We recommend that you take the following documents with you when applying for a New Jersey driver’s license, driver’s permit, or state ID card:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid I-94 (you can print your I-94 record on the CBP’s website)
  • Valid visa document to correspond with non-immigrant status:
    • F-1/F-2: valid I-20
    • J-1/J-2: valid DS-2019
  • Proof of address (bills, checkbook, bank statement or university letter)
  • Student ID and proof of enrollment (recent acceptance letter, official transcript, enrollment verification letter)
  • Social Security Number (if you have one)
    • If you do not have an SSN, you must get a SSN ineligibility letter. 
    • You can get a social security ineligibility letter at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) Office. Bring your I-20, passport, I-94, and visa, and they will be able to provide you with the social security ineligibility letter for your license.
    • Nearest SSA locations to Rowan University:
      • 830 Delsea Dr., Glassboro, NJ 08028; phone: 866-883-5305
      • 6 Executive Campus, Suite 200, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002; phone: 866-931-2879
      • 532 Fellowship Rd., Suite E, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054; phone: 866-837-5002
  • If you are not eligible for a Social Security card, you must also complete the DMV’s Affidavit of No Social Security form

Road Tests & Other Requirements

According to the NJ MVC, a road test waiver cannot be guaranteed when a license from another country is presented to the NJ MVC to transfer.

The Licensing Center representatives have the authority to verify and grant a road test waiver based upon a full review of the documents provided. If a road test waiver cannot be granted, the applicant will be required to schedule a road test. Once the road test waiver or requirement has been made, the decision cannot be reversed or overturned by any other License Center.

Please contact the NJ MVC for additional information: Contact Us