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Driving in New York State and Driver's Licenses

Information for International Students, Scholars & Employees

Before I travel to the U.S., what should I prepare if I want to drive in New York State (“NYS”)?

Driver's Manual

Online driver's manual from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.

Bring your Valid Driver's License from your home country. You can drive in NYS if you have an unexpired foreign driver's license with you. However, some police officers and automobile insurers believe that you need a NYS driver's license (as U.S. drivers do). Therefore, we recommend that you obtain a NYS driver's license if you are eligible.

Get an International Driving Permit. An International Driving Permit is not required in NYS but it is helpful (especially if your license is not in English) because it informs authorities in several languages that you have a valid driver's license. By itself, the International Driving Permit is not valid for driving in NYS. You cannot obtain an International Driving Permit when you get to the U.S. so please bring one with you if you plan to drive in NYS.

Can I buy car insurance and register my car in New York State if I only have a foreign driver's license?

Yes, you can do both. HOWEVER,

• Car insurance, which is mandatory in New York State, may be more expensive if you don't have a U.S. license.
• Insurance companies often add a surcharge to the cost of your insurance if you don't have a U.S. driver's license (the "Inexperienced Driver" surcharge).
• Some automobile insurers believe that you need a NYS driver's license (as U.S. drivers do).

Therefore, we recommend that you obtain a NYS driver's license if you are eligible.

Will I be able to rent a car if I only have my foreign license?

Yes. But, rental car companies may have their own requirements (e.g. minimum age requirement of 25).

New York State Driver's License

When I get to the U.S., will I be eligible to apply for a New York State driver's license?

You will be eligible to apply for a NYS license if:

• Your I-20, DS-2019 or H-1B approval notice (I-797) is valid for a duration of at least one calendar year AND
• Your I-20, DS-2019 or H-1B approval notice (I-797) has at least 6 months remaining before its expiration date.

How do I apply for a NYS driver's license?

1. Study the New York State “Driver's Manual”. This is the “rules of the road” book. When you drive in NYS, you are expected to know, and abide by, these rules. You can get a manual at the Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) office or you can download it from the DMV website: www.nysdmv.com/dmanual/default.html
2. Go to the DMV, fill out the application and pay the fee for the Driver's License. You must bring proof of your name AND proof of your date of birth to complete this application. See the requirements below.
3. Take a written test and eye exam. The written test is based on the information in the Manual. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please wear them for the eye exam.
4. Complete a 5-hour “mandatory pre-licensing course”. Look in the telephone book under “Driving Instruction” to find out where you can take this course.
5. Pass a road test. After you have completed steps #1-4, you may make an appointment for a road test when you are ready to be tested.

What kind of documents can I show that will prove my name?

With the increase in security requirements, the DMV frequently updates the list of acceptable proofs of identity and date of birth. Therefore, please consult their list of proofs and point values before going to the DMV.

To prove your name, you must show 6 points of identification from the following:

• (3 points) Passport. Your passport must be in English, and have your U.S. Visa and a valid I-94 card
• (2 points) U.S. Social Security Card. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Card, you must get a letter from the Social Security Office (see below for link to directions) stating that you are ineligible for a Social Security number  The letter of ineligibility does not have any point value, but is required. Note: The Social Security letter must not be more than 30 days old at time of application.
• (2 points) Photo Driver's License issued by another U.S. state (not expired for more than 12 months)
• (2 points) Your UB Student ID Card + transcripts from UB
• (1 point) Supermarket Check Cashing Card.  The card must have yoursignature and pre-printed name on it)
• (1 point) Utility Bill (must have your name and address)
• (1 point) U.S Health Insurance Card
• (1 point) Cancelled check from a U.S. Bank (must have your pre-printed name on it)
• (1 point) Computer printed pay stub from a U.S. Employer
• (1 point) Valid Major U.S. Credit Card
• (1 point) Bank Statement (with your name and address on it)
• (1 point) ATM Cash Card (with your name preprinted and your signature)
  • Note: If you U.S. Credit Card, Bank Statement and ATM Cash Card were all issued by the same bank, they only count as one point

What kind of documents can I show that will prove my date of birth?

To prove your date of birth, you must submit one of the following:

• Your Foreign Passport, U.S. Visa and I-94 Card. Your passport must be in English, and have the visa and I-94 card attached. If your passport is not in English, you should get a certified translation from your country's Embassy or Consulate
• Canadian Birth Certificate AND Driver's License
• Refugee Travel Document (I-571)
  

Directions to the Social Security Office:

Please refer to the map at:

www.buffalo.edu/intlservices/documents/MaptoSocialSecurityOffice.phf

More Important Information

• Driving while intoxicated (“DWI”) is a very serious crime in New York State.
• Cell Phones: In New York State, you must have a “hands-free device” to use your cell phone in the car.
• Seat Belts: You must always wear your seat belt — it's the Law!
• Know what to do if you get pulled over by the police. For more information, pick up the brochure "What To Do When Stopped By the Police" in ISSS, Talbert Hall 210.

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