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International:
voice: 956.364.4581
fax: 956-364-5217 Coordinator:
Marlene Escobedo
Email: International Mailing Address: 1902 North Loop 499
Harlingen, TX 78550 Location: Building K, Room 104
Texas Driver's License and Identification Information International students can obtain a Texas Driver's License at the Texas Department of Public Safety Office (DPS). Access to a car, knowledge of Texas driving regulations, as well as testable driving skills are basic requirements for a driver's license. Take the following steps: Study the information about traffic laws in the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is available in both English and Spanish, from the State Department of Public Safety (DPS). Take the written and in-car examinations for driving at any DPS office. A photo ID, such as a passport, is necessary. There is currently a $16.00 fee, valid for three opportunities to take the test within a 90-day period. (TIP: The written exam is offered in English, German, Korean, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic. Language dictionaries are permitted when taking the exam.)
1630 N 77 Sunshine Strip Harlingen, Tx 78550 956-423-4431 Hours: 8-5 M-F Proof of his/her social security number is required before the initial license will be issued. Individuals who are ineligible to obtain a SSN, have never applied for or received a SSN will be required to sign an affidavit certifying this information prior to the issuance of a driver license. The affidavit will be available at the driver license office and must be sworn to before an authorized department employee. Providing a false statement to the department in connection with this affidavit will result in cancellation of the license and may result in criminal charges. Anyone with a photo ID such as a passport may apply for the Texas Photo Identification Card. This card is not related to driving. No Social Security Number is needed for this application. There is currently a $15.00 fee. You will need a valid passport and a valid visa to apply for a Texas Photo ID. For more information: Texas Department of Public Safety-Driver s License Division: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/driver_licensing_control/dlindex.htm
Required Automobile Insurance State of Texas law requires automobile insurance and strictly enforces this law. It currently requires the following minimum coverage: $20,000 of bodily injury liability for one person $40,000 bodily injury liability for all people $15,000 property damage liability. Please check with a U.S. automobile insurance company to obtain your insurance. To drive without coverage will incur high fines and possible loss of your license. Proof of insurance must be carried in your vehicle at all times. Important note: Mexican auto insurance will not cover your vehicle if you are living in the valley while you attend school! A new Identification Policy went into effect on in March 2006 which made it difficult, if not impossible for international students to obtain a Texas driver ’s license. Due to advocacy by staff from various university international offices across the state of Texas, a temporary exception has been made to this policy by the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you have any problems please present the following e-mail below to the driver’s license office.
Monday, December 18, 2006 Hello to all university immigration advisors, We have received word from our Directors concerning the exceptions that will be made under the Department's Identification Policy. Upon supervisory approval (Sergeants, Lieutenants, & Captains in our field offices), valid foreing passports which contain either a valid U.S. Visa or valid I-94 will be accepted under the primary category and will be sufficient alone for obtaining a Texas Driver License. This is a temporary solution and may be subject to change at a later date, however, you will be notified of any changes beforehand. As a general reminder, any person who has never had a Social Security Card, or who is not eligible to obtain one, can sign a waiver with the Department and be issued a license. Thank you for your patience and understanding. As you all know our intention is to serve the public courteously, however, we hope you also understand that we are required to uphold the statues as mandated by the Legislature and Department rule. We will make every attempt to work with each concern you have to the best of our ability.
Sincerely, Rhonda Fleming, Major Driver License Division |
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