Obtaining a Driver’s License or State ID
Submission for DMV Letter from International Affairs Here: https://forms.gle/BDP1qgA22DfnBu2LA
After receiving your DMV Letter:
The nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) where you may process your Florida ID or Florida Driver’s License is at the following location:
Brentwood Location
5045 N. Palafox Street
Pensacola, FL 32505
Phone: (850) 438-6500
Information is available at https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/general-information/. Links to fees and what to bring with you are also provided on this website.
https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/escambia/ This page has links to schedule an appointment or join the line to walk in. Each location is different, so be sure to click for the Marcus Point location.
Even if you do not plan to get a driver’s license, we strongly encourage you to get a Florida ID so that you will not need to carry your passport as proof of identification. Non-U.S. citizens applying for an original driver's license will be issued a 60-day temporary paper permit without a photo and a receipt. Non-U.S. citizens applying for an ID card will be issued a receipt. Upon identity and legal status verification, a driver's license or ID card will be issued within 60 days and mailed to the address on the driver record. The driver's license or ID card will be issued for the period of time specified on the USCIS document, up to a maximum of four years.
To apply for a Florida ID or driver’s license, you will need to bring the following documents to the DMV office: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/what-to-bring/non-immigrant/
- Primary Identification
- Valid Passport and Visa with date of entry stamp;
- I-94 Departure Record;
- Current I-20 or DS-2019;
- University of West Florida Student ID Card;
- Social Security Card if one has been issued;
- A letter from the Office of International Affairs confirming immigration and academic status is maintained.
- Proofs of Residential Address (Two proofs of residential address required. Your letter for the Office of International Affairs provides one proof. Select one of the below additional proof of residential address. You may not use their current driver license or ID card as proof of residential address. Other examples on DMV website):
- Residential rental or lease agreement;
- Utility bill showing name and address;
- Medical or health card with address listed;
- Rental insurance policy or bill with name and address listed;
- Form DS2019 certificate of eligibility for exchange visitor (J-1) status;
- Educational institution transcript form for the current academic year.
If you are planning to get a Florida Driver's License, you should first study the Florida Driver’s Handbook: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/handbooks/englishdriverhandbook.pdf
You will be required to take a vision test, a written exam, and a driving exam, and pay a fee before your license can be issued. Students with a current home country driver’s license with information in English may be exempt from taking the four-hour Florida Drug and Alcohol Course. Otherwise, this course will be required.
Buying a Car as an International Student
As an international student, you will have the ability to purchase a car from a car dealership or a private individual who has advertised a car for sale. In any case, you should have with you a U.S. American acquaintance who is both knowledgeable about cars and skeptical by nature. Such a person could help you evaluate both the condition of the car and the claims made by the person who is trying to sell it. These evaluations are essential because buying a car, especially a used one, can be very difficult to understand. When you buy a car, the “Certificate of Ownership” or “Certificate of Title” must be transferred from the previous owner to the current car buyer.
All cars in the State of Florida must be registered. If you buy a car, you must register it and obtain a license plate for the car. Information about this process is available at: https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/license-plates-registration/renew-replace-registration/
The law requires automobile insurance. Check with the Division of Motor Vehicles regarding minimum insurance requirements and contact automobile insurance agencies regarding differences in insurance costs and coverage in order to make the most informed decision.