U.S. Driver Licenses
by Carmen M. Albuerne

U.S. Driver Licenses
License Locator

In need of a driver license? What are the steps involved?

In the United States, driver licenses are issued by the individual states for their residents. Required for operating motor vehicles, driver licenses are also used as a primary form of photo identification in the U.S., particularly in many non-driving situations where proof of identity or age is required, such as for boarding airline flights, for cashing checks, and for purchasing alcoholic beverages. Many states issue identification cards to assist people who do not drive but would still like a state issued identification (ID) card. The requirements for these ID cards are different from driver licenses, but they may be issued from the same department and locations.

Specific requirements and procedures for driver licenses vary from state to state. For example, some states may allow students and temporary residents to use the driver license from their home countries until the license expires. General guidelines are provided below, but for specific details, driver applicants should contact their appropriate state office, usually called the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Search foreignborn.com's online License Locator to find the website of the appropriate office for your state, which will have essential information, as well as a list of local offices, phone numbers, and hours of operation.

• Determine the type or "class" of license needed, depending on the vehicle you will be driving. Most people are interested in passenger vehicle licenses. However, you may need a different class of license if you want to operate vehicles such as motorcycles, trucks, mopeds, and other vehicles. Typically, passenger car drivers must be at least 16 years old (the minimum license age for many states).
  
  
• Be prepared to provide two forms of identification (known as primary and secondary forms) to prove identity and birth date. Each state's requirements vary but most request document originals or certified copies.
  
  
• Become familiar with driver testing procedures. Most driver license offices have free handbooks available for drivers to prepare for the test(s) in advance. Be aware that there are minimum test scores required, which vary from state to state. Examples of driver license test(s) may include: written, driving, vision, and hearing. For the driving test, or "road test", applicant must provide the vehicle and will be accompanied by the driver license examiner who will determine the driver's ability to operate the vehicle and obey traffic laws. All drivers licenses issued in the U.S. require that the applicant pass an eye examination. If you need to wear eyeglasses to pass this exam, you will be required to wear them while you drive. This requirement, usually printed as "corrective lenses" will be identified on your license.

In addition to documentation and testing, applicants can expect the following during driver license application:

• A picture to be taken
• Submission of license from another jurisdiction, or completion of appropriate courses
• Completion of application form
• Completion of parental consent form (for drivers under age 18)
• Payment of application fee

In addition, fees vary from state to state with regard to driver licenses, duplicates, lost and stolen licenses, renewals and replacements.

Driver license offices are usually open Monday through Friday during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Some offices offer extended hours (until 7 p.m.) a few nights per week. Scheduling an appointment may be helpful but isn't always necessary. After the successful completion of the test(s), a driver license is issued. If the driver fails, the driver can re-test after a specified period of time. A driver license card, usually given at license office or mailed at a later date, contains a number (sometimes the driver's social security number) and information such as the driver's name, address, date of birth, eye color, height and weight. License class, the license's issue and expiration dates and any restrictions may be included on the driver license, as well. Driver licenses, valid for a variable number of years, should be with the driver all the times he/she drives.

Lastly, maintain accurate driver license information. It's important for drivers to report any address or name changes to their state DMV in an effort to avoid unnecessary citations and fees. In circumstances such as duplicate, lost and stolen, renewal and replacement licenses, drivers must report the status of their license to their DMV and attain a new license.

To visit the website of the appropiate office for your state, see our License Locator.