International students and scholars will be able to apply for a driver’s license after arriving in the US and after completing check-in with International Student and Scholar Services.

Required Documents

There are several documents that international students, exchange visitors, scholars, and dependents must show in order to obtain a driver’s license. Some of these documents are specific to the applicant’s visa status while others are applicable for all statuses.

  • You DO NOT need a Social Security Number to apply for a driver’s license.
  • All dependents must submit their documents along with the primary visa holder.

  • Valid Passport
  • Copy of F visa
    • Canadian students and dependents will not have a visa stamp in their passport.
  • Signed “Continued Attendance” I-20
  • Most Recent I-94
    • Sometimes this is the I-797A Approval Notice if the application changed status in the US.
  • EAD card
    • If the student is on OPT
  • Any additional documents required by the DMV

Note: It can take up to two weeks before the “Continued Attendance” I-20 is registered in the DMV’s system. 

 

  • Valid Passport
  • Copy of J visa
    • Canadian exchange visitors and dependents will not have a visa stamp in their passport.
  • Signed DS-2019
    • It can take up to 2 weeks before the validated DS-2019 is registered in the DMV’s system.
  • Most recent I-94
    • Sometimes this is the I-797A Approval Notice if the applicant changed status in the US.
  • Any additional documents required by the DMV

Note: It can take up to two weeks before the validated DS-2019 is registered in the DMV’s system. 

  • Valid Passport
  • Valid H visa
    • Canadian scholars and dependents will not have a visa stamp in their passport.
  • I-797A Approval Notice
  • Offer letter
  • Most recent I-94
    • Sometimes this is the I-797A Approval Notice if the applicant changed status in the US.
  • Any additional documents required by the DMV
  • If you have received a notice of cancellation or another similar issue, please contact scholar@unlv.edu directly

Length of License Validation

For F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles typically issues a driver's license that is valid for a maximum of one year.

Passport Errors

The student, exchange visitor, scholar, and/or dependent will need to consult their home country’s embassy or consulate to find out how to correct, update, or renew the passport. Most embassies and consulates have a website with information regarding this issue.

I-94 Errors

Refer to the I-94 corrections page and contact ISSS.