Getting a Florida Driver's License
Even if you do not plan to get a driver’s license, we strongly encourage you to get a Florida ID in order that you will not need to carry your passport as proof of identification.
Non-U.S. citizens applying for an original driver 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 license or ID card will be issued within 60 days and mailed to the address on the driver record. The driver license or ID card will be issued for the period of time specified on the USCIS document, up to a maximum of four years.
There is a Knowledge-based Exam and a Driving Skills exam as apart of this process.
Duval County DMV office close to JU:
7120-15 Hogan Road, Jacksonville, FL 32216
+1 (904) 630-1916
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
For first-time issuance of a State of Florida driver's license or identification card, Florida law requires the following items from students in F-1 or J-1 status:
- Official Valid Passport and Visa
- Form I-94 Departure Record
- Form I-20 or DS-2019 (F-1 or J-1 status documentation);
- Two (2) original proof of residence documents with your address on it such as cell phone bill, utility bill, residential lease, original transcripts from your college, an official letter from your college sent to your local address, or if you live on campus you can obtain a proof of residence from the Office of Residential Life. Also, any official letter, for example a bank letter or letter from JU sent to your on-campus address will suffice as proof of residence. If living with a parent, the parent must sign a statement (available at the local DMV office) and provide proof of residence (one in the parent’s name and one in the student’s name).
- Valid Driver's License from Your Country
- If you plan to get a Florida driver's license and you already have a driver's license from your country be sure to bring it. You may be exempt from having to complete Florida's required course and tests if you have a valid driver's license from your country.
- SSN cards if one has been issued. If one has not, you will need to visit a Social Security Office to request an ineligibility letter.
You are strongly advised to make an appointment. If you go without an appointment, expect various wait times (can be 30 minutes or 4 hours). To schedule an appointment and for the most up-to-date information on driver's license requirements, check the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles' website.