Can I apply for US driver's licence when visiting for a couple of months with J-1 visa?
I am visiting Illinois for a couple of months with J-1 visa for work and I could use a driver's licence, but I do not have one. I am wondering if I would be eligible to apply for one.
What I have already figured out is that there are three types of licenses: (1) Regular driver license, (2) Temporary visitor driver's license, (3) Non-visa status applicant temporary visitor driver's license. I found that options (2) and (3) require at least 12-month stay in the US, so I am not eligible. But as far as I can find, there do not seem to be limitations in the regular option (1).
Just to clarify, I am a foreign citizen visiting with J-1 visa. I have a US social security number, rental contract, utility bills, US bank account, etc (I have lived in US before). I do not have a driver's licence from any country.
Best Answer
For Illinois, nformation regarding driving licences for immigrants with permanent resident status or a nonimmigrant visa is available here. The relevant conditions for your status appear to be:
- Are an alien lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence
- Have a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant visa or nonimmigrant visa status
To get an Illinois Driver's license you must:
- Visit a Driver Services Facility, show your identification, and have your photo taken; To find the Driver Services Facility near you, see the Secretary of State Facility Finder;
- Pass the vision, written, and driving tests;
- Pay the Fee.
This site also gives relevant information and a list of the documentation that must be provided. Note that two documents proving residency must be provided.
Neither of those sites appear to list a minimum residency period.
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Can I get USA driving license on visit visa?
Yes. Using your national license plus your passport is acceptable in most states and car rental agencies. You can drive for three months on a foreign driver's license.Can a foreigner get a US driver license?
U.S. Driver's License Requirements for ImmigrantsMost require a green card, but as previously mentioned, not all. Typically, some of the requirements for obtaining your license include your I.D., proof of residency in your state, proof of social security, driver's license from the native country, and a passport.Can I drive in the US as a tourist?
If you're a tourist in the U.S and you plan on driving, you'll be required to have an International Driver's Permit (IDP), as well as a valid license from your own country.Applying for a U.S. Driver's License as an Immigrant
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Answer 2
You don't need a Driver's license if you're just visiting for a couple months.
An international driver's license will do, and most often your own country's driver's license is all you need to rent a car. The international driver's license is only a translation of your driver's license in a bunch of other languages, and is meant to be presented with the actual license.
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