The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees issuing of driver’s licenses and state identification cards. Most non-immigrants and their dependents can obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s license or state identification card.
A state identification card is a good alternative to carrying a passport and is useful for opening bank accounts, paying via personal check, or going to bars or restaurants where alcohol is served.
Eligibility and Applying
- An I-20 or DS-2019 must be valid for at least six months into the future from the date you apply for a license; otherwise you are not eligible to apply for a driver’s license or state ID card. Obtain a Social Security number or Letter of Denial from Social Security Administration (see Social Security Numbers for procedure).
- F1 and J1 students get enrollment verification from URSA account or Registrar’s office. F2 and J2 visa holders can request a letter from the Office of International Education only. If you have never worked at IUP, you cannot print an enrollment verification from URSA and must go directly to the Registrar’s office.
To print from URSA:
- Log on to URSA using your user ID and PIN.
- Click on Student Services and Financial Aid.
- Click on Academic Records.
- Click on Print Enrollment Verification.
- Click on link to the National Student Clearinghouse.
- Select Current Enrollment.
- Click on Obtain an Enrollment Certificate and print.
- Gather other documents needed. Show two forms of proof of residency (current utility bill, tax record, lease agreement, university bill, bank statement, or other bill); immigration documents: passport, visa, I-94, I-20 or DS-2019 (if your names do not match exactly on all documents, you may have some difficulty being issued a driver's license or Pennsylvania ID); medical exam (not needed for PA ID). As part of the application process, all applicants must get a doctor’s signature on DL-180, found in the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual. The University Health Service will give physicals for a reasonable price.
- Go To the Driver's License Center and complete application (DL-180), found in the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual or available at any Driver’s License Center.
- For the Pennsylvania ID Card: You will be issued a card upon verification of your documents.
- For the Driver’s License: Three tests are required for a license—vision, knowledge, and driving. These are all completed at the Driver’s License Center. Upon passing a vision and knowledge test, a driving permit will be issued, which is valid for one year. It allows driving with another licensed driver until passing the driving test. Driving tests must be scheduled: 800-932-4600 or Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Detailed information is available in the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual.
International and Foreign Driver's Licenses
A waiver of some or all of these tests may be available for those who hold a U.S. driver’s license or citizens of France, Germany, and Canada who hold a license from their home countries. It is still required to show an I-20 or DS-2019, which is valid for more than 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 expiration date will be the end date of your I-20 or DS-2019. If you extend your stay, you can renew your license with payment, a new immigration document, and a new verification letter from the Office of International Education to renew your driver’s license.
Renting and Buying an Automobile
Buying
Helpful guides to purchasing a car can be purchased at local bookstores and read on the Internet. Consumer Report is an especially good place to look. You can request one on line at Consumer Reports. Also check out the value of a car at Kelly Blue Book or Edmund’s. The newspaper in Indiana, the campus newspaper, campus bulletin boards, and electronic bulletin boards are good sources of information on used automobiles.
Be very careful when purchasing a car, especially a used one. Before you buy, have a reliable mechanic inspect the vehicle. In the U.S., you can purchase a car by obtaining a loan and paying installments. Be sure to obtain the title to the car you buy. The title is an official document issued by the state that signifies ownership of the vehicle. Additional documents may be required to complete the transfer of a car from the previous owner to you. If you are unsure about your rights and responsibilities when purchasing an automobile, check with the Driver’s License Center or the Automobile Association of America (AAA), 724-357-4193.
Pennsylvania requires automobile insurance if you plan to own a vehicle. In case of an accident, automobile insurance protects you against most of the cost of repairs and injuries. The cost of repairs or injuries can be very high. In some states, you may be required to pay for the cost of repairing the other vehicle if you cause the accident.
Renting
There are several car rental agencies in Indiana. Inquire ahead of time and ask about extra costs, such as insurance, extra drivers, and mileage-per-day fees.
- Enterprise: 800-736-8222
- McGill: 724-349-1108
- Leeway Inc.: 724-349-7007
Driving Practice
If you have never had a license before, you may want to practice driving before taking the driver’s test.
- Free practice: The IUP Highway Safety Center offers free driving classes in the spring and summer. Limited space is available. Call 724-357-4050.
- Paid practice: Canton’s Driving School, open Monday–Friday until 5:00 p.m. Pay by the hour.
Resources for Driving and Traveling
AAA Travel Agency, 1169 Wayne Avenue, 724-349-4193
The Automobile Association of America offers services related to travel, vehicle emergency roadside services, title changes, and updating your address for vehicle registration.
Driver's License Centers Addresses
Indiana Driver Licensing Center
Indiana Mall, entrance next to Sears
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
No cash or credit card accepted
Penn Hills Driver Licensing Center
Penn Hills Shopping Center
11620 Kelekit Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Phone: 412-371-1960
State Office Driver Licensing Center
300 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Phone: 412-565-7781
Allison Park DL Center
Duncan Manor Shopping Center
1701 Duncan Avenue
Allison Park, PA 15101
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Phone: 412-366-3502
Additional information is available from the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles, 800-932-4600.
