As of July 2023, eligible residents in Massachusetts can obtain a standard driver’s license or State ID, regardless of immigration status, under the Work and Family Mobility Act.
Please note that this information is provided for general guidance only. It is your responsibility to consult official Massachusetts State RMV information and to abide by all applicable state and federal laws.
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A state ID card would provide you with another form of identification rather than relying on your passport.
HOW TO APPLY
Begin online at the MA state Apply for a Massachusetts Identification Card (Mass ID) page, which will outline application steps.
Depending on your situation, you may need to go to a Registry of Motor Vehicles location in Massachusetts to complete your application. The two locations closest to the Williams College campus are North Adams and Pittsfield.
Please note that all services are not necessarily available at all locations. It is important to check with the individual branch ahead of time.
DOCUMENTATION YOU MAY NEED TO APPLY
- A completed application form
- Proof of identity (passport, foreign national ID card, etc.)
- Your social security card (you must have the card; knowing the number will not be enough), or a social security administration form indicating that your application for a social security number was denied.
- To Request a "Social Security Denial Letter," visit the Social Security Office in person and you will be presented a denial letter the same day of your request.
- Proof of Massachusetts residency
- For REAL ID:
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International students who have an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to apply for a driver's license at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). (Class D License)
1. Getting a Learner's Permit
The learner’s permit written test fee covers the cost of processing your application and administering your test. If you fail the test or your permit expires, you will be charged this fee again for another test. You'll need to study the Driver's Manual in order to prepare for the written test.
2. Driving Lessons and Schools
If you don't know how to drive, you will need to contact a local driving school and arrange to take driving lessons.
The closest driving schools to campus are Karen’s School of Driving and Dave’s Driving School.
3. How to Apply for a Driver's License or a Learner's Permit
You must apply by going to a Registry of Motor Vehicles location in Massachusetts.
DOCUMENTATION YOU MAY NEED TO APPLY
- A completed application form
- Proof of identity (passport, foreign national ID card, etc.)
- Your social security card (you must have the card; knowing the number will not be enough), or a social security administration form indicating that your application for a social security number was denied.
- To Request a "Social Security Denial Letter," visit the Social Security Office in person and you will be presented a denial letter the same day of your request.
- Proof of Massachusetts residency: To obtain a letter confirming your Massachusetts address, please complete the Registrar's Certification Request Form.
- For REAL ID:
4. Road Test
To obtain your driver's license, you must pass a driving test or "road test."
There is a fee for each road test. The RMV charges this flat fee for any license application. If you fail the road test, fail to appear for the road test, or fail to cancel your appointment with more than 24-hour notice, you will still be charged the fee. You must pay this fee for each road test you take or fail to cancel properly.
Once you have passed the written Learner's Permit test, you must schedule your road test ahead of time with the RMV.
Remember: In order to do the road test you must have access to an automobile and have a licensed driver to accompany you. The College does not supply a vehicle (or a licensed driver) for this purpose! If you have taken driving lessons at a local driving school, the instructor will accompany you to the road test and you will be able to use the driving school's vehicle to take the road test. They may also help you arrange the appointment.
Additional Resources
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If you have a valid license from another state in the U.S. that has not yet expired, you must convert your license to a Massachusetts license once you become a resident of Massachusetts. To do so, you must bring the same documents listed above when you apply for MA Learner's Permit as well as your out-of-state license. Your out-of-state license must be surrendered to the RMV.
At the RMV, you will be required to fill out an application form and pay the $115 conversion fee.
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Legally, a foreign visitor from one of the countries listed in the 1949 Road Traffic Convention list can drive with their foreign license for up to one year from the date of arrival in the United States. However, this is designed for short-term visitors and not for students who are establishing residency. As an international student on a student visa, you are required to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license if you plan to drive a car.
A complete list of countries that are signatories to this agreement is available in the Massachusetts State Driver's Manual. 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). For more information on International Driving Permits, International Driver's Licenses and Driving Privileges for Foreign Licensed Drivers, see the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
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