Driving in the U.S.

If you plan to drive in the U.S., we generally advise that students and scholars get an Indiana driver's license as quickly as possible. Though the BMV provides information about applying for an Indiana driver's license and supports international driving permits, there is some risk in utilizing that international driving permit to drive in the U.S. as local municipalities are not required to honor them. 

If you do not plan to drive in the U.S. but want an Indiana state ID card, you will still apply through the BMV. More info can be found here. Generally, applications for the state ID require the same documents required for a driver's license but without the exams.

Important Definitions

Options to Drive in the U.S.

It is important that you do not assume you are eligible to drive in Indiana without investigating the driving regulations. Each state in the U.S. has different rules regulating driving and car registration.

Application Instructions for Obtaining an Indiana Driver’s Permit and License

1. Wait to reach your program start date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. The BMV cannot issue IDs or licenses until the program start date.
2. Prepare for the written knowledge exam. Review the Driver’s Manual before attempting the exam.
3. Collect the following documents:
   • Passport with student visa (citizens of Canada will NOT have a visa)
   • a copy of I-94 record
   • Current Form I-20 or DS-2019
   • Social Security Card or Letter of Social Security Number Ineligibility letter (see the SSN page for more info)
   • Two documents with your name and address proving your Indiana residency, i.e. utility bill, bank statement, your student account statement, an official transcript, etc.
   • Driver’s license from your home country and an official translation, if applicable.
     • If you have an International Driver's Permit, this serves as an official translation.
     • If your license is in English, you do not need a translation.
   • Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) will need the valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
4. At the BMV, you must have all documents listed above to take the written knowledge exam. After you have passed the written exam, you will complete the vision screening and driving skills exam. You must arrive at least one hour before the branch closes in order to take the exam.
   
   Driving Skills Exam
   • If you have a valid license from your home country (with valid translation), you can schedule the driving skills exam immediately.
   • If you DO NOT have a valid license, you will receive a learner’s permit and can take the exam after 180 days.
5. Once you’ve passed the exams, the BMV will give you a temporary 30-day license. When the BMV has determined that you are lawfully present in the U.S. and you have passed all the exams, they will mail your driver’s license or driver’s permit to you.

BMV Branch Options

Obtaining a Translation of Your Non-U.S. Driver’s License

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles' policy states "Translations of documents that are in a language other than English without English subheadings must include a complete translation into English of pertinent information required to complete the application process. Translation must be typed on a separate page on the letterhead of a government entity, accredited educational institution, translation company or organization providing translation services to the public.”

To obtain a translation of your international driver’s license, you may choose one of the following options:

1. Obtain an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in your home country. An IDP serves as an official driver’s license translation.
2. Use a U.S.-based translation agency.
   • Translations must be printed on the agency’s letterhead.
   • Translations should include a signed statement from the translator that indicates the translation is complete and accurate, attests to his or her competence as a translator and states that the document has not been translated for a family member, friend or business associate
   • The translation agency must be located in the United States.
   • Many translation agencies, such as Prime Language Services and Certified Translate will provide translations of small documents for less than $50. These agencies are examples and are not endorsed by or affiliated with the University of Notre Dame.

Assisting a Spouse with Identification Documents

For international student and scholar spouses who lack the documents required, the student or scholar should go to the BMV with your spouse. Along with whatever identification documents you do possess, your spouse may present his/her own documents which establish that the two of you are married (marriage license, translated into English, if necessary) and reside at the same address. You will be asked to sign an affidavit attesting to this.