Wisconsin Driver’s License
Most F-1 students can drive in Wisconsin for up to one year using their home country’s driver’s license. See a list of approved countries on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
F-1 students who are in Wisconsin for more than a year and plan to drive a vehicle must apply for a WI driver’s license.
Steps to apply for a driver’s license:
- Complete the application
- Bring the documents to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Take required tests (vision, written and practical driving test)
- Pay fees
Wisconsin State ID
International students who do not drive but would like an identification card can apply for a Wisconsin I.D. card. This may be helpful for providing identification in the U.S. while being able to leave your passport behind in a safe place.
A Wisconsin State ID can be obtained at any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location.
Steps to apply for a WI state ID:
- Complete the application: Wisconsin Identification Card application.
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Bring your documents to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and submit your application in-person.
- Passport
- I-20
- Valid I-94
- Proof of WI residency (such as an SNC statement with your current address.)
- Pay fees
More information can be found here: Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site – Obtaining an identification (ID) card