Massachusetts IDs & Driver's Licenses

While residing in the United States, some F and M students (and their dependents) may be eligible to drive a motor vehicle.

However, those who wish to operate a vehicle must successfully apply for and receive a driver’s license. Driving a car without a driver’s license is illegal. To acquire a driver’s license, you must apply for one at your local Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), which can have a different name in some states (Department of Motor Vehicles/DMV).

Driver’s License Application Process

While the application process for receiving a driver’s license may be different in each state, the basic steps are very similar. These steps include:

  • Talk with your designated school official (DSO) about driving rules and regulations in your state or territory
  • Confirm with your DSO that your student record is Active in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
  • Wait 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for a driver's license so that your Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” information can update in all the government systems
  • Obtain a Social Security number (SSN), if required by your state or territory
  • Visit the RMV and submit the proper documentation

The RMV may need to verify your nonimmigrant student status to determine if you are eligible for a driver’s license. To verify your status, the RMV may use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program. To find out more about this program, please visit the Checking Your SAVE Case Status page.

For information on eligibility to drive in Massachusetts using a driver’s license issued from your home country, please see the information on the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website.

If students meet eligibility requirements to apply for a Massachusetts Driver’s license, international students must apply in person to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

Required Documentation

To apply for a Massachusetts ID card or license, you will need to provide certain documentation including:

  • Vaild Passport
  • I-20 (signed)
  • Most Recent Visa—please note that if you are from a visa-exempt country (such as Canada or Bermuda, etc.) you do not need provide a visa
  • I-94 Number
  • Proof of Enrollment Letter
    • From the Registrar’s office on the 6th floor of 73 Tremont
  • Proof of Address
    • Any official document with your name and current Massachusetts address (phone bill, credit card statement, bank statement, etc.)
  • Proof of Signature
    • A separate document showing your signature
  • Social Security Number
    • If you do not have a Social Security number, you must get a Denial Letter which states that you do not have one. This letter can be obtained at the Social Security Administration at 10 Causeway Street, Boston MA 02114

Please be aware that you cannot use a single document as proof of two requirements.

Additional Requirements

A driver’s license applicant may also need to pass both a driving and written test. Depending on your state, if you have a license from your home country or another state, the DMV may not require you to take the tests. However, not all states accept driver's licenses from other countries.

If you have trouble applying for a driver's license, speak with your DSO and contact the SEVP Response Center with case-specific questions.

Driving in the U.S.

Driving on a Foreign Driver's License

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has updated its guidance on the ability for foreign nationals to drive in Massachusetts on a driver’s license issued from their home country/countries of residence.  The RMV allows individuals to drive the same type of vehicle as provided by the driver’s license issued by the country of residence.  Individuals must also have a full translation into English of the foreign driver’s license.  When driving, students must also carry their passport, Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, and a copy of Form I-94 arrival record to document their student status.

Details on the requirements for driving on a foreign driver’s license are available on the Massachusetts RMV website.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The guidance by the Massachusetts RMV only applies to driving in Massachusetts.  If you are planning to drive in another US State, please consult the Registry/Department of Motor Vehicles in that State to confirm their regulations.

Traffic Violations

If you receive a traffic ticket for a moving violation such as speeding or running a red light, it is helpful to know your rights. If you owe a fine or wish to enter a plea of not guilty and go to court, it is important to respond quickly within the dates stipulated on the ticket. Also, you may receive points on your license for certain infractions and your insurance rates may go up for any infractions for which you are found guilty.

If you receive a parking ticket from the City of Boston (or other municipalities), it is advisable to take action quickly if you would like to dispute the ticket. If you don't plan to dispute the ticket, you should make the payment as soon as possible because the fine will increase over time.
 

Paying a Parking Ticket

There are four ways to pay a parking ticket in Boston:

  1. Online: Make a payment through the online parking ticket payment system website
  2. Over the Phone: Make a payment over the phone using Visa or MasterCard by calling 617‐635‐3888—please have the ticket number available when calling
  3. By Mail: Mail in a payment to the address indicated on the ticket making sure to put the ticket number and/or license plate number on your check—do not mail cash
  4. In Person: Go directly to the Office of the Parking Clerk on the second floor of 1 City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA 02201 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to pay your fine in person