Driver License and State ID Cards
The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees the issuance of Pennsylvania driver's licenses and state identification cards.

The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees the issuance of Pennsylvania driver's licenses and state identification cards.
A state identification card can be used in lieu of a social security card.  It enables you to open a bank account, paying by personal check and can be used as proof of age when going to bars or restaurants where alcohol is served.
In order for international students to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license they must have an I-20 or DS-2019 which is valid for one year.  If your I-20 or DS-2019 is not valid for one year, you are not eligible for a driver's license or state identification card.

Steps to Obtain Driver's License
Step 1 - Obtain a social security number or a letter of denial.  (See section for Social Security Number)
Step 2 - Obtain a Driver's License Letter from the International Office
To obtain a letter, submit Request for Letter form to the International Office.  We will write your letter and then you will be contacted to pick up the letter.   The Request for Letter form can be found here:
Step 3 - Gather documents needed

• Immigration documents, passport, visa, I-94, I-20 or DS2019
• Two (2) forms of proof of residency, university bill, housing lease, bank statement are examples of these documents
• Medical Examination (This is not needed for a state identification card but is needed for a driver's license.) All applicants for a driver's license must submit the medical examination form DL-180, signed by a medical doctor. That form can be found in the PA Driver's Manual.  A copy of the PA Driver's Manual can be download from the following website:

http://www.dot3.state.pa.us/pdotforms/pa_forms_manuals/padriversman.pdf
Step 4 -Three tests are required for your driver's license; vision, knowledge, and driving. Each of these tests are completed at the PennDOT Photo and Exam Center.  A driver's permit is issued after you pass the vision and knowledge test.  The driver's permit is valid for one year.   This permit allows you to drive with a licensed driver until you pass the driving test.  Driving tests must be scheduled and are given by appointment.  You can schedule the test online at the following website:  https://www.dot4.state.pa.us/exam_scheduling/
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The nearest driver's license center is the Frazer/Malvern PennDOT Photo Exam Center which is approximately 8 miles away from West Chester University.  Below are the Center's Hours and location:

International and Foreign Driver's Licenses
A waiver for some or all of these tests may be available to students who hold an international driver's license or citizens of France, Germany or Canada who hold valid driver's licenses issued by their home country.  You are still required to show an I-20 or DS-2019 which is valid for at least one year.
International driver's licenses are valid for one year before needing to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license.
Renewing Your Driver's License
Your driver's license will be valid until the ending date on your I-20 or DS-2019.  If you extend your stay, you can renew your driver's license with payment, your new immigration document, and a new letter from the International Office verifying you are a student.