If you drive a vehicle in the United States, you MUST have a valid driver’s license. United States driver’s license and identification card requirements vary by state. If you are a currently enrolled student at UW–Madison, you must follow requirements for the state of Wisconsin. Review the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website for the most accurate information.
If you are an alumni on OPT or STEM OPT Extension and you no longer reside in Wisconsin, you must reach out to your new state’s Department or Registry of Motor Vehicles (DMV or RMV).
A Driver’s License or Identification Card does not give you authorization to vote in United Stated elections.
Wisconsin State Driver’s Licenses
If you have a valid driver’s license from an eligible home country, you may be able to drive with that license for up to one year. Review the Wisconsin DMV website to see if your country qualifies.
In addition to having a valid foreign driver’s license, you should also obtain an International Driving Permit before arriving in the United States, or have an English translation attached to your national driver’s license.
After one year of using your foreign license, you must meet the licensing requirements as a Wisconsin resident. Citizens from South Korea, France, Germany and Taiwan may be eligible to have the knowledge and skills test waived, when applying for a Wisconsin driver’s license.
To be eligible for a driver’s license, your current I-20/DS-2019 must be valid for at least one year in total and have more than six (6) months remaining, at the time of application.
Follow the steps below to learn how to apply.
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Complete the Form MV 3001 application.
- You can use the interactive Driver License/ID Guide to learn how to apply.
- Check the “Temporary Visitor” box
- IF you have a Social Security Number, include it on your application. If you do NOT have a Social Security Number, the DMV can still process your application, but you may be asked to complete additional forms.
- Collect the required documents:
- Valid passport with a valid visa stamp
Schedule your appointment at the DMV. You must bring the following documents with you to your appointment.
You need to carry proof of:
- Name and date of birth
- Valid passport with unexpired visa stamp, with your most recent I-94 record
- If your I-94 has incorrect information, including the spelling or order of your legal name, you must get it corrected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You can find instructions on how to correct your I-94 here.
- Valid passport with unexpired visa stamp, with your most recent I-94 record
- Legal status in the US
- Most recent I-20/DS-2019
- The I-20/DS-2019 must be valid for at least one year and shows at least 6 months remaining for the academic program
- Most recent I-20/DS-2019
- Identity (in addition to your passport, visa and I-94)
- A valid photo ID from a U.S. university, such as your Wiscard. The card must contain your name and photograph.
- Social Security Number
- Social Security Number Card
- If you are not eligible for an SSN, you will complete the MV 3741 (SSN Non-Eligibility Certification Statement) at the DMV.
- Social Security Number Card
- Two (2) Proofs of Wisconsin residency
- Proof of residency should include your name and current Wisconsin address.
- Common printed documents include but are not limited to a utility bill (Electricity, gas, Internet, etc), a financial statement from a local bank, or a mobile phone bill.
Complete the required tests
You are required to take the knowledge, sign and vision tests.
- The Wisconsin Motorists Handbook is helpful when learning about driving in Wisconsin.
Pay the associated fees and sign up for insurance.
- Pay the driver licensing fees
- Auto Insurance
- Drivers are required to have vehicle liability insurance in the state of Wisconsin! Do not drive without auto insurance!
Wisconsin State Issued IDs
As a temporary resident of Wisconsin, you may be eligible to apply for a Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID.
How to Apply for a Wisconsin Identification Card:
To be eligible for a state identification card, your current I-20/DS-2019 must be valid for more than six (6) months total and have more than three (3) months remaining at the time of application.
Please follow the steps below or use the interactive Driver License/ID Guide to learn how to apply.
- Note: A Wisconsin State Issued ID does not prove your legal status in the U.S. Students should carry copies of their valid passport, visa, I-94, and current I-20 at all times. You may carry either physical or electronic copies of your documents.
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Complete the Form MV 3004 application.
- Check the “Temporary Visitor” box
- IF you have a Social Security Number, include it in your application. If you do NOT have a Social Security Number, the DMV can still process your application, but you may be asked to complete additional forms.
- Collect the required documents:
- Valid passport with a valid visa stamp
Schedule your appointment at the DMV. You must bring the following documents with you to your appointment.
You need to carry proof of:
- Name and date of birth
- Valid passport with unexpired visa stamp, with your most recent I-94 record
- If your I-94 has incorrect information, including the spelling or order of your legal name, you must get it corrected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You can find instructions on how to correct your I-94 here.
- Legal status in the US
- Most recent I-20/DS-2019
- The I-20/DS-2019 must be valid for at least one year and shows at least 6 months remaining for the academic program
- Most recent I-20/DS-2019
- Identity (in addition to your passport, visa and I-94)
- A valid photo ID from a U.S. university, such as your Wiscard. The card must contain your name and photograph.
- Social Security Number
- Social Security Number Card
- If you are not eligible for an SSN, you will complete the MV 3741 (SSN Non-Eligibility Certification Statement) at the DMV.
- Social Security Number Card
- Two (2) Proofs of Wisconsin residency
- Proof of residency should include your name and current Wisconsin address.
- Common printed documents include but are not limited to a utility bill (Electricity, gas, Internet, etc), a financial statement from a local bank, or a mobile phone bill.
Pay associated fees.
You are required to pay the Wisconsin ID fees.