PA Driver's License & State ID Card

  1. PA Driver's License & State ID Card

Many nonimmigrants and their dependents obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license or state identification card (ID) through the PA Department of Motor Vehicles. Go to https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx/centers/licenseIDCenter.shtml for all application forms.
Rather than carrying a passport at all times, a state issued photo ID is a good alternative. To be eligible for a PA driver's license or state ID, a non-immigrant must have at least one year remaining on their immigration document (I-20, DS-2019). Visitors who will be in the US for less than one year are expected to use the driver's license from their home country and the International Driver's Permit (English). The International Driver's Permit must be obtained outside of the US.

PA State Identification Card

International students/exchange visitors and their spouses who have never had a state ID card from any state must provide the following at a local PA Driver's License Center.

  • A letter verifying enrollment at Holy Family University issued by the DSO from Holy Family University's IAO. Make a request at the IAO and allow one day for processing.
  • Original documents that include a passport and stamped visa, I-94 Record (card or printout from www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94)
  • Valid I-20 or DS-2019 with 12 or more months left before the completion date in order to qualify for an ID. Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) must present their EAD after the start date on the EAD.
  • Social Security card or Social Security Letter of Ineligibility - to apply for an SSN or letter of ineligibility you must apply in person at a local Social Security Office. Take all immigration documents with you to make an application.
  • Proof of Pennsylvania Residence – two documents verifying your Pennsylvania address must be provided. (lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement, housing contract, or for undergraduates living on campus a letter verifying campus residency from Student Services). Cell phone bills are not acceptable.
  • Completed Form DL – 54 A with check or money order payment for the application fee to https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx/centers/licenseIDCenter.shtml.

PA Driver's License

International students/ exchange visitors and their spouses who have never had a Driver's License from any state must provide the following at a local Pa Driver's License Center.

  • A letter verifying enrollment at Holy Family University issued by the DSO from Holy Family University's IAO. Make a request at the IAO and allow one day for processing.
  • Original documents that include a passport and stamped visa, I-94 Record ( card or printout from www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94
  • Valid I-20 or DS-2019 with 12 or more months left before the completion date in order to qualify for an ID. Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) must present their EAD after the start date on the EAD.
  • Social Security card or Social Security Letter of Ineligibility - to apply for an SSN or letter of ineligibility you must apply in person at a local Social Security Office. Take all immigration documents with you to make application.
  • Proof of Pennsylvania Residence – two documents verifying your Pennsylvania address must be provided. (lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement, housing contract, or for undergraduates living on campus a letter verifying campus residency from the Office of Resident Life. Cell phone bills are not acceptable.
  • Driver's License Application Form (DL-180) with the medical exam portion completed by a medical professional and a check or money order for the application fee. www.dmv.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx/

Renewing a Driver's License or State Identification Card

  • International students/exchange visitors will need to visit a local Driver's License Center to renew a PA Driver's License or state issued ID. Complete and bring a renewal application (DL-143) with a check or money order for the application fee. The same documents required for an initial Driver's License or state ID must also be presented at the time of renewal. www.dmv.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx/