Obtain a US Drivers License
How to Get a Massachusetts Driver’s License
To be eligible for a Massachusetts Driver’s License, international students must show that their visa status for their program of study, as written on their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, is at least one year (365 days) in duration. Student’s whose program of study are less than 365 days are NOT eligible for a Massachusetts Driver’s License.
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, here.
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).
The closest office to MIT is:
| Boston RMV | |
|---|---|
| 136 Blackstone Street Boston, MA (857) 368-8000 | Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm except Thursday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Other locations and more information, including current wait times, can be found on the RMV website at http://www.mass.gov/rmv
A listing of required documentation is available on the RMV website, which includes the following items plus additional documentation:
- Social Security Number (or official denial notice) from the Social Security Office
- passport
- I-20 form or DS-2019 form
- white I-94 arrival/departure card
- evidence of current address in Boston (e.g. lease or rent agreement, utilities bill, or mail received with address)
- current driver’s license from your home country or international driver’s license
- method of payment
A checklist of Acceptable Identification Documents is available here.
Driving on a Foreign Driver’s License
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has updated its guidance on ability for foreign nationals to drive in Massachusetts on a driver’s license issued from their home countries/country 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 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 MA RMV website.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The guidance by the MA 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.
