How to get a driver's license in District of Columbia as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in District of Columbia needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?: Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving: 30 days for non-US citizens not on a visitor visa (Non-US Citizens page); the general Driver Licenses page says 60 days
License exchange without tests: No exchange agreements
License without immigration status: Yes
No SSN?: REAL ID license requires proof of SSN; applicants with no current SSN use the Limited Purpose license.

Driving on a foreign license

Deadline after moving: 30 days for non-US citizens not on a visitor visa (Non-US Citizens page); the general Driver Licenses page says 60 days.

Exchanging a foreign license

No exchange agreements

No country list. Any valid non-US license waives the road skills test (proof of ability to drive required), but the knowledge test is always required. Non-English licenses need an English translation from the embassy (on letterhead) or a translation company. International driving permits are not accepted; you may keep your foreign license.

If your country is not on the list

Pass the DC knowledge test and vision screening; the road test is waived with a valid non-US license. Without one, get a learner permit and pass the road test.

If you have a valid non-US driver license, you will not have to take the DC DMV road skills test. dmv.dc.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

USCIS Notice of Action, Form I-797 (temporary license up to 18 months)

License validity: The license expires at the end of your approved duration of stay.

License regardless of immigration status

Limited Purpose driver license for District residents who cannot provide an SSN (never issued, not eligible, or unable to establish legal presence); must have lived in DC at least 6 months. Knowledge and road tests required for all; valid 8 years; cannot be used for federal identification.

Your DC DMV driver license will expire at the end of your approved duration of stay. dmv.dc.gov

Social Security number

REAL ID license requires proof of SSN; applicants with no current SSN use the Limited Purpose license.

To be eligible for a DC DMV Limited Purpose driver license, you cannot have a current Social Security number dmv.dc.gov

Proof of residency

Two documents proving DC residency; Limited Purpose applicants need two proving six months of residency.

Two documents that prove you have resided in the District for six months. dmv.dc.gov

Step by step

Use the DC DMV Document Verification Guide to gather identity, lawful presence, SSN and two DC residency proofs (Limited Purpose: two proofs of six months' residency, no SSN).
Get an English translation of a non-English foreign license (embassy letterhead or translation company).
At a DC DMV service center, pass the knowledge test ($10) and vision screening.
With a valid non-US license (REAL ID route): show proof of ability to drive; the road test is waived.
Without one (or for Limited Purpose): receive a learner permit ($20) and book a road test appointment ($10); walk-ins not accepted.
Pass the road test, take the photo and pay the $47 license fee (8 years).

Fees

$20 learner permit, $10 knowledge test at a DC DMV service center, $10 road test, $47 driver license (8 years).

Driver License (First-Time and Renewal) | $47/8 years dmv.dc.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in District of Columbia

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.