Driving in the U.S

INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE

In some instances, full-time students living in Virginia may drive using an international driver’s license. Contact the local DMV to find out if you are eligible. If you become gainfully employed in the U.S., you will need a U.S. driver's license in order to continue driving.

LICENSE FROM ANOTHER STATE

If you already have a valid driver’s license from another state in the U.S. and are currently enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited university, you do not need to get a Virginia driver’s license.

GETTING A VIRGINIA DRIVER’S LICENSE

If you are a new student, you must report to your ISA — contact MyStatus@liberty.edu or call (434) 592-4118. This step is required so that your SEVIS record can be registered with the U.S. government. You must wait at least two days after you are registered on SEVIS to apply for a driver’s license — and at least 10 days after your initial entry into the United States. The name of the legal department in charge of giving you your driver’s license is the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Please see the DMV website (DMVNow.com) for more information, or contact the department at:

Lynchburg DMV

 3236 Odd Fellows Road, Lynchburg, Va. 24501 phone-alt (804) 497-7100

Note:

• Your Virginia driver’s license will expire at the end date of your I-20. • If you remain in the U.S. on OPT, you will need to take your Employment

Authorization Document (EAD) card, I-20 authorizing OPT, and I-94 card or stamp to the DMV to extend your license. • Temporary documents and photocopies will not be accepted. Allow plenty of time to complete the process.

Documents Needed

You must present two documents to prove Virginia residency as well as documented proof of your legal status in the U.S. Proof of Virginia residency can be an official letter, bill, statement, or envelope from a utility company or bank with your name and local legal mailing address. Acceptable forms to prove your legal presence in the U.S. include: • Valid passport from your home country • SEVIS I-20 • Proof of Social Security Number (only if you are or have been employed in the U.S.)