International Student Become a Legal Driver in Boston

Yafeng Chen

Before I come to the US, I didn't know how important driver license is! The reason is that the land of America is pretty large so that your house might be far away from the place where you want to go. To be frank, the public transportation is not that convenient.



Additionally, after coming to Boston, I always took passport as my ID. However, if an international student losses his/her passport, it would be a very trouble thing. The person should go to the embassy of their respective countries in order to reissue the passport. Maybe the embassy is in another city so that you will be crazy😭😭😭.

Furthermore, a driver license not only a driver license, but can  also be used as  ID in the US as well.

In this blog, I am going to tell international students about how to get the driver license in Boston.

1. Preparing all Paperwork
In Massachusetts, the RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) requires divide original identification to prove Signature, Mass Resident, and Date of Birth.

Signature
When I was planning to take test of driver's license, I found out that all of my original identification are with signature. In my list, I have lease agreement, I-20, and passport with my signature. Additionally, if you have cancelled bank check (within 60 days), or employment authorization card, these do work as well.

Massachusetts Resident
I remember that i used my bank statement (within 60 days) to prove myself a mass resident, because banking information includes my apartment address. However, the cancelled bank check, lease agreement, and utility bills can also be used to prove your living address.

Birth Date

I  used my I-20 to prove my date of birth. One can use any other original identification, including your birth date, to prove it. It is worth to pay attention that one original identification only can prove one item. Otherwise, RMV officer will refuse your application.

Note: you check all lists in this link: http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/regs/residency.htm

A Social Security Number or A Denial Notice

If Someone has SSN,  its is fine, but I think that all international students don't have SSN, likw me. Therefore, I had to go to SSA office and apply the denial letter. At that time, I took my I-20 and I-94 card, when I went to SSA. SSA office has security process in order to enter the building, so I recommend you to only take something necessary. Otherwise, you will be required to take out and leave behind a lot of stuff from your bag. In addition, DS-2019 can also take place of I-20, if you don't have I-20.

Note: The denial Notice can be use 60 days.

A Letter From your College

A letter that can be used as a proof of your schooling will be issued by college. If you are student of Umass Boston, One Stop is the place you should go. If you are students of other universities, you can search on the website of your college or ask someone. 

2. RMV- Learner's Permit Test
After preparing all paperwork, you can go to RMV and apply the learner's permit. As per my experience, the RMV officer checked my original identifications and  help me to register my information. Then, I paid $30 fee to them. After that, I took the learner's permit test which includes 25 questions, regarding traffic law and normal knowledge. You can find the Manual in RMV website. Applicants need to complete in limit time and get 80% correct at least.

Note: The expiration of learner's permit is one year.

3. Road Test
Now, you have the learner's permit, which mean you got half success. For the road test, the RMV won't provide car for you. Thus, you have to borrow a car for the test, and a legal driver who have had driver's license at least one year need to go to the place of test with you. From my perspective, I suggest that applicant could register the test though driving school, because they will provide the vehicle and a coach for you, which reduce your troubles.

4. Pay Fee of Test
If an individual passes the test, the last step is paying the fee of test. At the time, when I went to RMV again for payment, they provided a temporary driver's license to me. After 2 weeks, the formal driver's license will be sent to you.

Note: The left one is older than 21 years of age and the right one is younger than 21 years of age.

Useful Address:

US Social Security Administration: 115 Freeport St, Dorchester, MA 02122

RMV:  136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109

City Auto School:  242 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127