Driving in the US
If you plan to drive while you are in the United States, you will need a driver’s license. International students have two options: an International Driver’s permit (IDP) or an Indiana driver’s license.
The process of getting a license to drive in the U.S. can be confusing.
Follow this chart for easy instructions and resources:
Applying for an Indiana Driver’s License
If you have an out-of-country driver's license and intend to drive while in Indiana, you must pass the vision screening, knowledge exam, and driving test to obtain an Indiana driver's license. These tests will take place at a government office called the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The Indiana driver’s license will permit you to drive while you are in the US.
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See the section titled “Out-of-Country Licenses” at the bottom of the Indiana BMV’s Website for more information.
If you do not already have a Driver’s License in your home country, you will first be applying for a “Learner’s Permit” which requires that you have a certain number of practice hours driving with a licensed driver before you can complete the examination process. The BMV has posted more information about the Learner’s Permit on their Learner’s Permit website.
We recommend students who want a license but who do not already have one from their home country to consider signing up at a local Driving School.
Location of Bureau of Mobile Vehicles (BMV)
The location of the local Greencastle BMV is only a 20 to 30 minute walk from campus.
BMV of Greencastle
Hours of operation:
Closed Sunday and Monday.
TUE: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
WED: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
THU: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
FRI: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SAT: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
For update hours and contact information, visit the Indiana BMV website Branch Locator.
Documents Required
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A copy of your Driver’s License in your home country (translated into English if necessary)
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Your passport (with visa)
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Your Social Security Card (or a copy of a Social Security Denial Letter from the SSO)
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Your most recent I-20
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Your most recent I-94
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Two Proofs of Residence (one is the ISA BMV Letter requested through the International Student Portal; the second is a letter confirming your residence from the Registrar)
Application and Testing Process
You must pass the vision screening, knowledge exam, and driving test to obtain an Indiana driver's license. Updating information about the tests required are posted on this Indiana Driver’s License Website.
How to obtain a driving license in the US
International Driver’s Permit
You may drive a car in the United States for one year using an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) and a driver’s license from your home country.
Getting an IDP is the simplest way to be licensed to drive in the United States, but only lasts for one calendar year.
What is the International Driver’s Permit?
The IDP is confirmation that you are certified to drive in your home country. In addition to including translations in multiple languages confirming your eligibility to drive, it is a permit that is authorized through the UN and recognized by nearly 180 countries.
How to Apply for the International Driver’s Permit
Individuals apply for the International Driver’s Permit in their home country prior to coming to the United States. Typically, you would go to the authority who issued your home country’s driver’s license for guidance on how to apply, what documents are required, and any fees required.
Validity of International Driver’s Permit
The International Driver’s Permit lasts for one calendar year from the date it was issued. It cannot be renewed or extended. It is important that you make sure that both your home country’s driver’s license and the IDP are valid to be able to drive legally in the US.
What happens after the IDP expires?
You will need to apply for an Indiana Driver’s License.