What is a driver’s license?

A driver’s license is an important document in the United States that allows you to operate a motor vehicle legally. Driver’s licenses are issued by each state, and are about the size of a credit card. 

Why do I need a driver’s license?

A driver’s license is required to legally drive in the United States. Your license is used to verify to law enforcement that you are legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle, and are approved to do so in your state. Driving without a license is considered a crime in the United States.

Do I need a driver’s license if I do not plan on driving a motor vehicle?

A driver’s license is not required if you do not plan on operating a motor vehicle, but could still prove useful. You would still need a driver’s license if you were to operate a motor vehicle for work or any other reason.

Why else would I need a driver’s license?

• A driver’s license also serves the purpose of being a personal ID verified by the government. It is universally accepted as a form of personal identification, showing contact information and being a legal document.
  • You may need a license in situations where you are required proof of who you say you are
    • Writing a check
    • Opening a bank account
    • Using a debit or credit card
    • Boarding a plane
    • Enrolling in school
    • Applying for government benefits
    • Applying for loans

• It allows emergency officials to identify you if you are involved in an accident
  • If you have an accident and you cannot communicate with responders, they will search your wallet for your driver’s license to identify who you are. This can help them get information on your health, allergies, and help them decide what can and cannot be done to help you.
  • Your name and address will help them locate and contact family members about your status, and hospital staff can use this information to begin your admission process. 
  • If you pass away unexpectedly, your license will state whether or not you are an organ donor as well. Organs must be removed shortly after passing away, making this vital information.
  • Can be a way to identify lost or stolen objects
    • If you lose a purse or wallet, your driver’s license can determine who it belongs to if someone is looking to return the lost item
  • If you are to go missing, news agencies will use your demographics from your driver’s license
  • Update your identifying information as you change in looks each time you renew your license
    • You want your information to be accurate so if people are looking for you they have the right description
  • You can use it to buy tobacco and alcohol
    • Cashiers and clerks will ask you for proof of your age when you are purchasing tobacco or alcohol
    • They will accept only official and current driver’s licenses as proof of age (they do accept a passport as well)
    • Many states issue a vertical license for individuals under 21, and a horizontal one for those 21 and older. This makes it easier to tell your age from a quick glance.
  • A driver’s license is safer to carry on you at all times than a passport
  • Passports are hard to replace and hold a lot of importance. Carrying a driver’s license would allow another form of identification without you carrying your passport everywhere you go
  • If you want to go to a bar or a club, you will need a license
  • You will need to show a bartender, a waiter/waitress, or a bouncer your ID to order a drink or to get into these locations
  • A license will prove that you are of age and you are allowed to attend that establishment

Step-by-Step Guide for Getting a Driver’s License

• Get your Documents prepared: They will require you to show some forms of identification at the Department of Motor Vehicles. You will need
  • A form of ID that has your name, picture, and date of birth, such as a passport

• Your Social Security Number (SSN) or proof that you cannot obtain one (this is based on each state. Some states will not require a Social Security Number)
• Proof of lawful presence in the U.S such as a visa, a permanent resident card, or a citizenship certification. This is based on each state and some states will not require you to show lawful presence
• Proof of residence in the state, such as a State I.D, a utility bill, or a bank statement
  • Your international driver’s license
  • Passport photo

• You will then fill out an application form with your personal details.
  • The legal age for driving will vary depending on the state you are in, so you must check your local guidelines to ensure you are old enough to receive a license. If you are over 21, this will not be an issue in any state.
  • Pay the fees associated with getting a driver’s license. This fee will depend on the state you are residing in
    • Some states charge a one-time fee ($30-$90,) while others may charge you a small amount every year (~$5)

• Take the two tests required to obtain a license
  • There is both a written exam and practical driving exam that is required to be passed to obtain a driver’s license

• Written tests consist of 20 to 50 questions about traffic laws and regulations of the state. This test may be timed or not, and you may have the option to take this test in your native language. Check your state’s DMV website to gain more information.
• After successfully passing a written exam, you will be able to schedule a driving exam.
  • The driving exam shows that you know how to safely drive a car, understand the functions of a car, and have an understanding of the laws of the road. Expect this exam to take 30-45 minutes.
• If you fail to pass either exam, some states may require you to wait a few days or weeks before you can try again
  • In some states, three failed attempts requires you to restart the application process over again

• Get your vision tested
  • The law does not require you to pass a thorough medical exam, but you must get your vision tested before you can become certified to drive
  • You can achieve this at your local DMV office or a medical professional to issue you a vision test report
  • If you wear glasses or contact, a special restriction might be placed on your license, as well as driver’s with low vision (may only be allowed to drive during the daytime or only if they are wearing certain lenses)
• Obtain your license
  • Once you have submitted all of your documents and you passed both of your exams, you will get issued a temporary license that will be valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on the state. Your official license will be mailed to your permanent address.
  • In most states, driver licenses are valid for 8 years, but it varies based on your location
  • Some states require a renewal after four years, while others will allow you to keep your license until you are 65 years old
  • Look up your state’s renewal requirements to get the most accurate information.
• Reciprocity Agreements: If your driving permit was issued in one of the following countries, you can exchange your origin country’s license for a U.S. driving license of that state without having to take any tests
  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Japan
    • The eligibility for the exchange depends on the state you are in and you may still be required to pay fees and get your vision checked
      • If your country is not on the list, you can enquire with your country on if any new agreements have been made