After you arrive in the U.S. on your K-1 visa, you are able to apply for a driver's license. It is illegal to drive without a valid driver license. Every state in U.S. has different rules and regulations for motor vehicles. Even though the basic rules are the same you must verify with the regulations of the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state. DMV's official website has more information about the driving laws and driver's license requirements according to various states.

 

In most cases you will be required to produce one or more of the documents BUT check with your state for their required documents.

 

Proof of Age & Acceptable Identity Documents

Proof of age and identity includes providing your full name and date of birth.

Listed below are acceptable documents you can use, provided they include your full name:

• Birth Certificate: Certified birth certificate issued by your home country government agency. No photocopies allowed, unless certified by issuing agency.

• Original Social Security Card

  When making application for an original identification card, learner permit or driver license it is required that you provide DMV with a valid Social Security number. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, you must provide documentation issued by the United States government indicating legal presence.

• Tax forms

  Tax forms that reflect your full name and full SSN, e.g. W-2 or 1099.

 

Proof of Social Security

One of these documents is needed to establish proof of Social Security:

• Social Security Card

• 1099 Tax Form

• W-2 Form

• DD-214 Form

• Payroll Record

• Social Security Document reflecting the Social Security Number

• Military Record reflecting the Social Security Number

• Medicaid/Medicare Card reflecting the Social Security Number

 

Proof of Residence - Acceptable Documents

Listed below are acceptable documents you can use:

• Military Orders/Documents;

• Utility bill or cable bill;

• Housing lease or contract, mortgage statement, property or income tax statement;

 

Proof of Legal Presence in the U.S.

Listed below are acceptable documents you can use for a non U.S. Citizen:

• I-551 Permanent Resident Card

• Machine Readable Immigrant visa

• I-766 Employment Authorization Card

• Temporary I-551 stamp on I-94 or Passport

• I-327 Re-entry Permit with supporting immigration documentation

• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

• I-20 accompanied by I-94

• DS-2019 accompanied by I-94

• I-571 Refugee Travel Document with supporting immigration documentation

 

Remember you mileage will vary be sure to contact your DMV for their requirements as they may differ from what is listed. These are only samples to give you an idea what you are facing to get a DL.