driver`s license - Office of International Services

How to Get Your Indiana
DRIVER’S LICENSE
Do you drive now?
no
yes
You can get an
INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S PERMIT
that allows you to drive in Indiana for
one year. But make sure you use an
authorized agency, and beware of scams.
Find more information at
ois.iu.edu/permit
yes
Are you in your
home country?
no
Log into iStart and have OIS
translate your driver’s license.
Has it been at least 10 days since you last
entered the US? If no, please wait 10 days.
Obtain a Social Security Number
or letter of SSN ineligibility
ois.iu.edu/social-security
Follow BMV instructions to
apply for a LEARNERS PERMIT
Follow BMV instructions to
obtain a DRIVER’S LICENSE
You may want to take driving lessons.
Check out in.gov/bmv/3016.htm
Find a list of additional items
necessary for foreign nationals at
in.gov/bmv/2672.htm
Note: IU is in Monroe County
in.gov/bmv/2363.htm
in.gov/bmv/2769.htm
Helpful Tips
The length of your driver’s license validity will be tied to the end date of your I-20 or DS-2019.
Dependents may need to be accompanied by the primary visa holder at the time of application.
Students who are applying for OPT, but have not yet received their EAD card, or who are waiting for a Change of
Status approval will be turned away until processing is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I drive on an International Driver’s License?
Up to 1 year, please review detailed information at in.gov/bmv/2363.htm
How do I register my car?
The BMV refers to registering a car as “getting a plate” – which means purchasing a license plate. If you buy a vehicle from a
dealership, they will help you with this process. If you buy from a private individual, information can be found at:
in.gov/bmv/2334.htm and ois.iu.edu/living-working/transportation/buying-car/owning.shtml.
I am moving from another state. Do I have to get an Indiana license? Do I need to
register my car in Indiana?
You need to transfer your out-of-state registration and obtain an Indiana driver’s license within 60 days. Detailed information
can be found at in.gov/bmv/2341.htm.
What is the SAVE database?
The SAVE database is a multi-agency database that branches of the government access to verify information. When
internationals enter the US, that entrance is recorded, and then uploaded to SAVE.
Why do I need to wait ten days after entering the United States?
When you submit your credentials to the BMV, they are required to verify your information with SAVE. In our experience, it
takes about 10 days from the time you enter the US for your information to be accessible in SAVE. If the BMV cannot confirm
your information at the time of application, you will be asked to return again later.
What happens if I only have one name?
U.S. systems struggle with one name, so it is critical that all of your documents portray your information in exactly the same
format. If they are not the same, please consult with OIS, and we’ll try to help you
resolve this issue.
Bloomington BMV
Who can I contact if I have questions?
You can contact the Bloomington BMV directly. You can also contact the IU
International Services at ois@iu.edu for additional help if you run into more
complicated issues or problems.
1612 South Liberty Drive, Suite A
1-888-692-6841
Office
of
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed