International students are allowed to drive in New York State using their home country driver’s license and do not need to apply for a New York State driver’s license until they become a New York State resident. If you will use your home country’s driver’s license, you should consider obtaining an International Driving Permit. An International Driving Permit provides verification in multiple languages that you have a valid driver’s license. An International Driving Permit is not required, but it is very helpful, as police officers may not be able to read the language on your foreign driver’s license.
Getting your Driver’s License
If you would like to apply for a NYS Learner’s Permit or a NYS Driver’s License, please follow the steps on the DMV’s website.
Documents:
To apply for a learner’s permit or driver’s license, you need to bring the following documents with you to the NYS DMV:
- A Letter of Certification prepared for you by the International Student Services Office. This letter will confirm your valid visa status and enrollment in full-time study at SUNY-Brockport. You can request this letter using our ISS Letter Request Form.
- Your immigration documents: Most recent I-20, visa, passport, and I-94.
- Please note: At the time of your application, your I-20 must be issued for a minimum of one academic year, and six months must remain before the program completion date. Your name must be presented in the same way on all of your identifying documents. Your name must match on your immigration papers, Social Security card, and other documents.
- U.S. Social Security card. If you do not have a US Social Security Number, you must complete an Affidavit Stating No Social Security Number:
- Any additional proof of identity to meet the 6 points of identity required by the NYS DMV (see the acceptable proofs of identity on the DMV Document Guide).
- NYS DMV application for the NYS Learner’s Permit or NYS Driver’s License.
- Pay the required fees.
- If you have applied for OPT, you need to have received your EAD card to apply for a new driver’s license. Your OPT I-20 must also have a minimum of 6 months left before the end of your OPT authorization.
For more information about the process, visit the New York State DMV website.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Location & Rules
All persons in F-1 status who want to apply for a permit or a license must go to one of the NYS DMV offices in the Greater Rochester Area. The nearest one to the Brockport main campus is located in Greece. Office hours may change, so be sure to check for the hours during the week you plan to visit by calling the number on the contact page.
It is against the law to drive a motor vehicle that is not registered or not covered by auto insurance. The NYS DMV has the legal authority to seize your vehicle and impound it (keep it) if you break the law. You will be ticketed for a violation of the law and you may be fined. To avoid this, please be sure to register your vehicle and purchase car insurance.