Using a foreign driver's license in California when staying with a J-1 visa
I'm planning to attend a Californian university as a visiting scholar (not paid by the university) on a J-1 visa, for a total of four weeks; a colleague of mine will do the same, but for 12 weeks. I've been told (personally, ie. no citable sources) that, if you're staying on a J-1, you're effectively a California resident for the time you're there, and, therefore, need a Californian driver's license.
I've read up on this and found this DMV page that states:
If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.
If you become a California resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.
I'm not planning to vote in any elections, nor will I own a home there, but I'm not sure what would constitute "privileges or benefits not ordinarily extended to nonresidents".
Do we need to get driver's licenses in California, or can we use our foreign licenses? How about day trips to Arizona or Nevada?
Note: this seems to be related to What are the residence requirements to use a foreign driving licence in California?, but my question is specifically about staying there on a J-1.
Best Answer
J-1 is an exchange visitor category. By definition, you are a visitor to the United States and a nonresident of the United States. Therefore, you may drive with a valid, unexpired license from your home country for the duration of your J-1 program.
If your license does not contain your biographic information in English (so a U.S. law enforcement officer can read it), you should get a translation to keep with your physical license. The translation can be in the form of an International Driving Permit (IDP) or may be an alternate format. The translator should attest that he/she is competent to translate from the other language to English, and that the translation is correct to the best of his/her ability.
I happen to advise J-1 scholars and students on this issue quite often. We have many who come to USD for J-1 exchange visitor programs.
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Can foreign driver license used in California?
People with a current valid driver's license from a foreign country can legally drive in California. They do not need to get a California driver's license or international driving permit (\u201cIDP\u201d) as long as: They are at least 18 years of age, The license was lawfully issued in the country where they reside, and.How long can you drive in California with a foreign license?
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), State of California Individuals who have entered the United States, other than as a tourist, who wish to drive in the state of California, must obtain a California driver's license. For non-tourists, foreign driver's licenses are valid for only 10 days.Can I drive in the US on a j1 visa?
Any F, M or J nonimmigrant in lawful status may apply for a driver's license or ID card, per state or territorial law. The nonimmigrant must present necessary supporting documents required to verify legal presence in the United States.Can I exchange my foreign license for a US license or do I have to take the test?
How to Get a U.S. Driver's License. A newcomer might be able to exchange a home country license for a U.S. license, but others will be required to test for their licenses. There are two tests required to earn your driver's license in all 50 states\u2014the written exam and the road test.How to drive in the US with foreign country driver's license
More answers regarding using a foreign driver's license in California when staying with a J-1 visa
Answer 2
Depends if you are paying resident tuition or nonresident tuition. If paying nonresident then as long as your home state or country's driving licence is valid you are fine using that.
New California Residents
want to drive in California, you must apply for a California DL within 10 days. Residency is established in a variety of ways, including the following:
- Being registered to vote in California elections.
- Paying resident tuition at a California college or university.
- Filing for a home owner’s property tax exemption.
- Receiving any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.
Adults Visiting California
from their home state or country may drive in California without getting a California DL as long as their home state or country DL is valid.
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