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Driver's License

If you will be driving in California, we recommend that you get a California Driver’s license.

Information on applying for a California drivers license

**Students applying online for an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must have a social security number.  If you do not have a social security number you will be required to physically go to the DMV to make an appointment.

When to apply?

  • If you are a new J-1 Visitor, wait two weeks after you have submitted the arrival confirmation web form before applying for a California driver's license.
  • If you are a new F-1 or J-1 student, wait 30 days after the I-20/DS-2019 program start date before completing the DMV Certification request form with Bechtel or applying for a California driver's license.  
  • In your application for a Driver's License you will need to provide 1 form of CA residency. For student visa holders only, options include a copy of your housing agreement, a certification letter from our office, a piece of mail, or an online statement with your address on it.  If you wish to request a DMV certification letter, please complete the DMV Letter Request  available from 'My Student Home' in Bechtel Connect. Allow 5-10 days for processing.