Driver's License For International Students
International students who are studying in the U.S. under an F-1 visa may be eligible to receive a North Dakota driver's license. They must:
- be at least 16 years old
- have a valid passport
- have an I-20 in "active" status
- Students with an I-20 that is in "initial", "completed" or "terminated" status are not eligible
Apply for Drivers License
- Go to a ND Department of Transportation Appointment Scheduler (Valley City location is the closest, but appointments are limited. Jamestown is approximately 35 minutes away and Fargo is approximately 50 minutes away.)
- Book an appointment for a Knowledge Test.
- If you pass the Knowledge Test you may schedule your Road Test appointment for a later date. If you fail the Knowledge Test, you will need to take the test again, at a later date.
To apply for a drivers license, you'll need:
- Social Security Number (SSN) card
- $25 or more for test/and application fees
- Preparation for written test
- Passport valid at least six months into the future
- Active I-20
- Most recent I-94 Arrival Record
What if I already have a drivers license that is not from North Dakota?
- F-1 International Students with a valid driver’s license from other states or their home countries may use that license to driver motor vehicles up to 5 months after arriving in North Dakota.
- After living in North Dakota for 5 months, you are considered a “resident” of North Dakota, and must obtain a North Dakota driver’s license if you wish to continue operating a motor vehicle.
- Police and other law enforcement officials must be able to interpret your driver’s license. This means that if your driver’s license is not in English, you must provide a translation if requested.
- Failure to not obtain an North Dakota Driver’s license after 5 months of living in North Dakota can result in fine or even criminal charges.
How long will my drivers license be valid for?
- You drivers license will be valid for the duration of your I-20 or DS-2019.
- Students who extend their program should remember to renew their drivers license.
- Students with pending OPT my have trouble getting their drivers license renewed until their OPT is approved because Department of Motor Vehicles verification system cannot see pending OPT. The DMV staff can request that records be manually verified, so make to request this service if you are having problems.