International Students & Scholars - Cars & Drivers

If you are planning to purchase and/or drive a car while you are at the University of Massachusetts - especially if you will be here for more than 1 year - you should probably apply for a Massachusetts driver's license. Individuals in the F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visa (except for high school students under the age of 18) are eligible to apply for a driver's license and may apply at: Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) - 195 Russell Street (Rte 9), Hadley. Contact the Registry directly with questions about driver's licenses, application procedures, or car registration (telephone: 1-800-858-3926).

The Registry requires at least 3 separate forms of identification, which must include proof of:

Birthdate, such as a birth certificate or your passport, I-20 or DS-2019 Form
Signature, they can use to compare/verify your signature, such as a bank card or other ID card
Residence, evidence that you live in Massachusetts. This can include documents such as a rental lease, a bank statement, or some official bill that was mailed/addressed to you locally

Important Note

You must submit a separate document to satisfy each of the above requirements. For example, if you use your passport to prove your signature, then you cannot use it to prove your date of birth. If you use your Lease to prove your signature, then you must use something else to prove your residence! And if you use a Social Security denial letter (see below) instead of a social Security Card/Number, then your passport cannot be used to satisfy any of these requirements, but is instead needed to substitute for the Social Security Card.

You should request a Certificate of Attendance from the International Programs Office if you are not sure that the identification you have will meet all of the documentation requirements.

You must also bring any documentation you have (i.e. passport, 1-94, and IAP-66 or 1-20 Form) to prove your visa status. If you are here as the dependent of someone who is on the F-1 or J-1 visa, which means that you are on the F-2 or J-2 visa, you must also bring the 1-20 or IAP-66 Form which was issued to the F-1/J-1 visa holder.

You will be asked to provide your Social Security Number; if you do not have one, you should apply for one and wait until you get it before you go to the Registry. (Note: Some people, for example, individuals on the F-2 visa, cannot get a Social Security Number. For people who are not eligible for a Social Security Number, it is necessary to apply for a Social Security Number and ask for a form which shows that the Social Security Administration denied the request. That form must be submitted to the Registry along with the other documentation indicated above)

Using a Foreign License

The Registry indicates that "if a student has a home country license, he or she is allowed to drive in Massachusetts for one year from the date of entry" if the license was issued by a country which signed the Road Traffic Convention of 1949 (The complete list of countries which are signatories to this agreement is available in our office, and most countries ARE included, some-such as China-are not).
Also, if your home country license is not in English, you should also carry either an International Driver's License or an English translation (which should be signed by a bilingual Notary Public or a University faculty member).

Learner's Permit

A learner's permit can be obtained on a walk-in basis (though you should review the Driver's License Manual in advance) and currently costs $30. To make an appointment for the road test for a license, call 1-800-858-3926 (current cost - $20). The license costs $40 and is valid for 5 years (unless it is your first Massachusetts license, in which case it expires on your 5th birthday after the date of issuance).

Buying a Car

If you plan to purchase a car, be aware that this is a costly process. In addition to the price of the car, you must pay a 5% sales tax and fees for Registration and Title, as well as the $29 fee to have the car inspected. You will also pay an annual "excise" tax - the amount of this tax is determined by the value of the car and the town/city where you live. Car insurance is also mandatory in Massachusetts and the cost is based on your age, driving experience, the value of your car, and your place of residence. Car insurance in Massachusetts is rather expensive.