Drivers License

F-1 and J-1 Student who in “ACTIVE” status, at least 16 years old, with a valid passport and I-20 are eligible to apply for a North Dakota drivers license. Students in Initial, Completed and Terminated status are not eligible to apply.

Apply for Drivers License

• Go to the ND Department of Transportation at 1951 N. Washington St.
• Upon arrival you can register to take the written examination. You must start the exam no later than 3:45 p.m.
• If you pass the written examination you may schedule your Road Test appointment for a later date. If you fail the written examination , you will need to take the examination again, at a later date.

To apply for a drivers license, you'll need:

1. Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Office saying you are not eligible for a Social Security Number. How to obtain a Social Security denial letter.
2. $25 or more for test/and application fees
3. Preparation for written test.
4. Passport valid at least six months into the future
5. Valid I-20 or DS-2019
6. Most recent I-94. You can find and print your I-94 by visiting the I-94 website, clicking "Get Most Recent I-94" and entering your passport information.

What if I already have a drivers license that is not from North Dakota?

• F-1 and J-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