Community Living Office for International Students and Scholars

International Students Obtaining a Driver or Nondriver License

International students and scholars can apply for a Missouri Driver License in order to drive while living in the United States. This guide includes a basic list of the steps and documents required to obtain a driver or nondriver license.

Foreign Licenses or Licenses from Another U.S. State

If you are driving a car in Missouri with a valid international driver license or a driver license from another U.S. state or want to drive or buy a car in Missouri, you should obtain a Missouri driver license within 30 days of moving to Missouri. One benefit of holding a U.S. driver license is that your car insurance rate may be considerably lower.

Steps to Obtaining a License

  1. Take the Written Test: This test includes traffic rules and regulations and a road sign recognition test. You should prepare for the written examination by studying the Missouri Driver Guide (PDF).
    By passing the written test, you will be issued a learner’s permit which will allow you to legally drive only when an adult licensed driver is in the vehicle with you. You can use this permit to practice driving.
  2. Take the Driving Test: During this test, an officer will evaluate your driving. You must bring a car for this test. Testing is done on a walk-in basis.
  3. Apply for the License: After you have completed the Driving Test, you should apply for the Missouri License at License Office.

Required Documents

You must bring the appropriate documents for your status to the License Office for both the Written and Driving tests. See more information about required documentation (PDF).

A list of required documentation is below. Be sure you refer to the correct option, as documentation varies based on both status and primary activity.

The Missouri Department of Revenue no longer requires that students present a letter from WashU certifying their student status. Therefore, the Office for International Students & Scholars does not issue driver’s license letters for international students. When you go to the license office, if they request a driver’s license letter from your school, please kindly ask them to contact their office in Jefferson City, Missouri for further confirmation.

PLEASE NOTE:

New International Students who have recently arrived in St. Louis MUST complete the OISS New Student Online Check-In Form before they can apply for a driver’s license. Your OISS Advisor will email you confirmation of your check-in and registration in SEVIS. Email your OISS Advisor to request your new Continued Attendance I-20. The license office will not accept an I-20 with the issue reason of Initial or Transfer pending.

F-1 Students Enrolled Full-Time and Their Dependents
Full-Time F-1 Student

F-2 Dependent of Full-Time Student

* If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must apply for a Refusal Form (Form SSA-L676) from the Social Security Administration to prove that you do not need an SSN.
* Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, in order to receive a denial letter you must go to http://www.SSA.gov, download and print the form SS-5. Complete it and write DENIAL on the top of the form. Then mail only the completed SS-5 to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office at 5669 Delmar, St. Louis, MO 63112. It may take 4-5 weeks to receive your denial letter from the SSA.

F-1 Graduates Working on OPT and Their Dependents
F-1 Graduate on OPT

Note for International students who have graduated and have a PENDING OPT Application:
Students on OPT must have their OPT card to apply for a new Missouri driver’s license, or to renew an existing driver’s license. If your OPT application is still pending and you already have a driver’s license, you can apply for a 60-day extension using your OPT I-20 and your OPT Receipt Notice. Then when you receive your OPT Card, you can apply to renew your license. If your OPT application is still pending and you want to apply for a new Missouri driver’s license, you must wait until your OPT Card arrives.

F-2 Dependent of F-1 on OPT

* If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must apply for a Refusal Form (Form SSA-L676) from the Social Security Administration to prove that you do not need an SSN.
* Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, in order to receive a denial letter you must go to http://www.SSA.gov, download and print the form SS-5. Complete it and write DENIAL on the top of the form. Then mail only the completed SS-5 to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office at 5669 Delmar, St. Louis, MO 63112. It may take 4-5 weeks to receive your denial letter from the SSA.

J-1 Students Enrolled Full-Time and Their Dependents
J-1 Student Enrolled Full-Time

J-2 Dependent of Full-Time J Student

* If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must apply for a Refusal Form (Form SSA-L676) from the Social Security Administration to prove that you do not need an SSN.
* Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, in order to receive a denial letter you must go to http://www.SSA.gov, download and print the form SS-5. Complete it and write DENIAL on the top of the form. Then mail only the completed SS-5 to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office at 5669 Delmar, St. Louis, MO 63112. It may take 4-5 weeks to receive your denial letter from the SSA.

Proof of Residential Address in Missouri

Present one of the following documents containing your Missouri address.

  • Most recent bank statement
  • Housing rental contract of current residence
  • Most recent utility bill (including phone, electric, gas, water, sewer and cable)
  • Personal property tax receipt
  • Recent paycheck with your local address
  • Any official letter issued within the last 30 days by another state or local governmental agency

License Office and Testing Locations

Find the closest DMV License and Testing Sites.

Helpful Links

Missouri Driver Licensing
Vehicle Registration and Ownership
Study in the States – Driving in the United States 
Study in the States – Driver’s License Application Process

Obtaining a Nondriver License/Missouri State ID Card

You will not need to take the tests if you apply for a Missouri nondriver license. The fee is $11. This card will serve as a state photo identification card, and may be used as a primary or secondary document for proof of identity. This card will not permit you to drive. You will need to take all of the required documents listed above when you apply for this card.