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International Affairs

Want to get a U.S. Driver's License?

Using Foreign Driver’s License

So one of the questions that students quite frequently ask us is whether they can use the driver’s license from their home country while in the states.

Answer? Students are allowed to use their foreign driver’s license for 60 days. By the end of the 60 days, students need to obtain a U.S. driver’s license.

Getting U.S. Driver’s License

South Dakota Driver's License Info

How do students do this? 

In order to obtain a S.D. driver’s license you must be able to verify your identity. You must provide the Department of Public Safety office with primary documents and secondary documents. (This information applies to both F1 and J1 Students.)

Blue car with car keys

Items needed to obtain a Driver’s License:

Proof of Identity

  1. Unexpired foreign passport w/US visa and approved I-94 form (white card in passport)   documenting the applicant’s most recent admittance to the United States.
  2. Unexpired SEVIS I-20 for a student in F-1 status or SEVIS DS-2019 for a student in J-1 status.
  3. If your name has a different spelling or order on your documents, please provide an explanation to the driver’s license examiner.

Date of Birth

  1. Please note that in the US we use Month/Day/Year, or MM/DD/YYYY. These numbers need to match on all documents.

Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) or Proof of Ineligibility for a SSN. 

  1. If you have a SSN, please take the card with you or a recent pay stub.
  2. If you do not have the SSN, you will need a letter from the International Student Advisor stating that you are not eligible for the SSN.

Documents demonstrating principal place of residence.

  1. Items listed on the SD web page include the following: utility bill, credit card statement, pay stub, rent receipt, phone bill, transcript, bank statement, renter’s insurance policy.
  2. Transcript or report card from an accredited school.
  3. School payment receipt with local address.
  4. Bank account info or letter from bank with principal place of residence.
  5. If you are new to campus and the area, you may need a letter from the International Student Advisor that includes your address.

Evidence of lawful status in the US. (This information is the same as in item No. 1.)

  1. Unexpired foreign passport w/US visa and approved I-94 form documenting the applicant’s most recent admittance to the United States.
  2. Unexpired SEVIS I-20 for a student in F-1 status or SEVIS DS-2019 for a student in J-1 status.
  3. Unexpired EAD card (Work Authorization Card.)