How to Buy New Driving Licence For Migrants

Migrants unfamiliar with American culture may find the process for purchasing a driving licence a bit of an ordeal, particularly those new to America. You should first establish which state you live in before investigating its specific requirements. You will need to provide valid identification and pay any applicable replacement fee which varies by state; some jurisdictions also require taking an actual driving test or may need an international driving permit before being eligible to purchase one.

Some states will impose an increased replacement fee due to your license having already expired before becoming lost, and you should also confirm if your home country’s license is valid in the US and if a REAL ID will be necessary – starting May 2025 this federally compliant ID will be mandatory in order to board domestic flights or gain entrance to certain federal buildings.

As soon as your license has been lost or stolen, it is vital that you report it immediately to the DMV in order to create a paper trail and prevent fraudulently using your license in the future. Furthermore, this report serves as proof that you reported it correctly to all authorities involved.