U.S. Driver’s License

• Most States in the U.S. recognize valid driver licenses issued to and held by residents of other nations. OneWorld always recommends purchasing an IDP, International Driving Permit/License before you depart your home country, however this does not replace your current driver’s license and should be used only as an identification supplement. An IDP may be purchased at your local Automobile Club Association or the like for a nominal fee.
  
  
• Once you become a resident of any state, you will be required to apply for a driver license of that same state. Please beware that each state has mandatory time requirements as to when you need to apply. Please discuss timing and procedures with your local OneWorld Relocation destination consultant.
  
  
• Besides the proof of identity in which you will need to provide at least your passport, current license and other items to meet a “stringent ID Verification System” you will need a Social Security Number. So, the first step to get a driver license, once you have indeed received your social security number, is to apply for a learner permit. The application must be done in person at the nearest Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office, also known under similar names. The best time to go is first thing in the morning when the lines are the shortest. It is best to avoid lunch hour between 12 noon and 2:00pm. See your destination city for the local DMV web pages showing specific rules, regulations and office locations.
  
  
• Even if your accompanying spouse or family members are not eligible for a social security number, we will assist you in the proper application procedures 
  
  
• Although part of our WOW service includes accompaniment to the Driver’s License Bureau, here are some tips for the following locations:
  
  
• For our New York City bound transferees:
  Domestic Moves http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/index.htm
  International Moves: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm#driversfromothernations
  
  Once you arrive into the state of New York, and become a resident, you have 30-days to apply for a NY State Driver’s License.
  
  New York will ask you to pass a vision and written test in order to obtain your learners permit. You will be required to complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course and then pass a road test in order to get your license.
  
  Canadian nationals are the only country to have reciprocity and therefore, get their testing waived.
  
  
• For our New Jersey bound transferees:
  http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/cit_permits/d_pat_basicauto.html
  The Department of Motor Vehicles is called the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission or the (MVC). Once you arrive into the U.S. and become a resident, you have 60-days to apply for a New Jersey Driver’s License
  
  
• For our California bound transferees:
  http://www.dmv.ca.gov/
  California is one of the more strict states in licensing procedures. The state requires that all new long term permanent residents obtain a California state license within 10-days of establishing residency, and of course a SS# is needed. Since our foreign born clients will not have a SS# within such time, you may go to the Driver’s License bureau with the letter from the SSA that you at least made application. However, there is also no known penalty for not applying for a driver’s license within 10-days.
  
  
• For our Washington state bound transferees:
  http://www.dol.wa.gov/drivers.htm
  The DOL (Department of Licensing) in state of Washington allows new residents to Use their current driver’s license up to one full year. You must also have an International Driver’s Permit/License (IDP) accompanying the current one.
  
  
• For our Ohio bound transferees:
  http://bmv.ohio.gov/bmv.asp
  The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will issue non-renewable/non-transferable licenses and identification (ID) cards to non-U.S. citizens who can prove legal presence in the United States. This license is non-renewable or transferable to another state and is valid for a period of up to 4-years only