How to apply for the driver license or learner’s permit or photo ID ?

A driver’s license is perhaps the most commonly and widely accepted state-issued government identification document (I.D). It is used for domestic travel, applying for the right to vote or a library card, for bank transactions, and in most places, generally, where identification needs to be substantiated.

What’s a photo ID ?

Photo ID is nothing but a US Governmen-issued photo identification card. It looks similar to the US driving license. Any US government-issued document which shows person’s name, age, picture, and current residence address of the USA is called a photo ID in a nutshell. It includes the Driving License, Learner’s Permit, and Photo Identification card. The photo identification card is usually issued to those folks who can not drive ( such as children) and to those who choose not to drive. If one has a driving license it means he/she also has a photo ID.

Why a photo ID Needed?

So whether one has a photo ID, learner’s permit or a driving license, any one of them could act as US Government-issued photo identification. The real use of photo ID comes in-to picture when one is traveling by air within the USA or going to bar/pubs/casino where age restrictions apply, one needs to show a photo ID ( something which shows one’s photo , name , date of birth and US address). The passport carries above-mentioned information other than US address; however, carrying a passport around while keeping it safe, secure, and intact is a hassle. Also, one can easily obtain another copy of the driving license/photo ID , however obtaining the replacement passport is an uphill task. Also passport is very bulky compared to any other photo ID.
Click here to know the uses of the photo ID.

US Driving License

US Driving License


If someone would like to wait for few months before applying for learner’s permit or driving license, then it is strongly recommended that s/he should obtain US Government-issued photo identification.

Applying for the Driver License or Learner’s Permit or Photo ID

Car is not a luxury but it is a necessity in the USA. As a foreign citizen one just cannot convert his Indian driving license or international driving license in to domestic/local driving license in the USA. One needs to apply for learner’s permit. This permit allows him to drive with limited privileges. And more details can be obtained from the respective DMV web site.

Every state in USA has a Department of Motor Vehicles, also known as DMV. If one is looking for a particular DMV office in his city or state then just Goggle it using the following example.

For example, for Virginia , one has to search Google as DMV “Virginia” and thus will be easily able to locate the DMV office web site of the respective state.

There are other phony sites such as dmv.org too. Don’t rely on such site. Instead the legitimate site particular to the respective state should be used, which also provides up-to-date information.

Very Helpful Resources

  • http://immigrationvoice.org/wiki/index.php/US_Driver_License
  • DMV Fact sheet at http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/dmv_factsheet.pdf
  • Documents that May be Needed..

    • At the time of applying for driver’s license or learner’s permit, one needs to show his/her original SSN card at the DMV office.
    • One’s spouse may not be eligible to get the SSN, or maybe want to postpone getting driver’s license while s/he is new in the USA. Yet , it is really good to have US Government-issued photo ID. And guess what? To get the photo identification card issued by DMV one does not need a SSN (although having a proof of SSN does help!).
    • The applicant needs to show a proof of residence to obtain driving license or learner’s permit.
    • One cannot just walk-in-to DMV with appropriate document requirements and simply walks out with a learner’s permit. One must pass the knowledge exam about traffic signs/rules and regulations to obtain it. Check out more details at the respective state’s DMV web site.
    • Note that REAL driving license also includes the road test.

    Helpful Hints

    • When someone arrives in the USA with the intent of studying/working in USA which means that person has temporary residence , and after living for few months means one becomes an official resident of the USA ( a specific location within the USA). Hence, one should do not rely on his/her international driving license permit. International driving license may become null and void in such case. It is better to call the toll free number listed on state’s DMV web site and verify with them that is it allowed to drive using international driving license? Also, certain states do not allow a combination of international driving license and learner’s permit. So it is better to cross check with DMV. Do not hesitate to call DMV; you will get the correct guidance immediately.
    • Driving license obtained in one state of USA is valid in another state too. If one obtains a driving license in California, and then later on start living in Virginia, thhe existing California Driving License can be converted to Virginia Driving License. Check with Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific rules.
    • If someone or their friend/spouse is coming to the USA, it would be good for them in advance to read the driver’s manual to pass the knowledge examination in order to obtain learner’s permit. It will be one less thing to spend time on once he/she is in the USA.
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See Also