Ky.gov

Non-US Citizen

Non-U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents

What You Need to Know

Non-U.S. citizens may drive in the United States with a valid foreign license and an International Driving Permit for up to one year from the date of admission, if their home country is party to the Geneva Convention.

A non-U.S. citizen who establishes residency in Kentucky must apply for a Kentucky driver’s license within thirty (30) days.

Required Documents

Review the status-based documentation requirements before scheduling testing or visiting a Driver Licensing Regional Office.

Status Not Listed?

If a driver does not see their status listed, they are asked to present all documentation proving they are legally allowed to be in the United States. All documentation must be in the original form and is subject to approval.

NOTE: These statuses are subject to review and change as the Division of Driver Licensing continues strengthening review procedures within the issuance process for non-U.S. citizens. Due to the complex nature of rules, interpretations, and laws, exceptions may be made in some cases.

REAL ID

Permanent Residents

  • Permanent residents are eligible to apply for a federally-compliant REAL ID.
  • Residents must present their current and updated Permanent Resident card or I-551 with photo issued by USCIS, along with one (1) proof of Social Security and two (2) proofs of Kentucky residency.
  • Residents may visit any Driver Licensing Regional office to apply for a REAL ID or standard credential.

Non-US Citizens

  • Non-U.S. citizens who are legally present in the United States on a temporary basis may qualify for a Kentucky REAL ID.
  • These credentials are issued for a limited period and cannot be valid beyond the person's authorized stay in the United States. If there is no specific end date to their authorized stay, the credential may be issued for up to one year.
  • Applicants must provide proof of identity and lawful status and two (2) proofs of Kentucky residency.
List of Acceptable Documents (opens in a new tab) REAL ID Information (opens in a new tab)

Non-Domiciled CDL

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has updated the rules for issuing Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs) and Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) to certain non-U.S. citizens.

Who may qualify

  • H-2A visas (temporary agricultural workers)
  • H-2B visas (temporary non-agricultural workers)
  • E-2 visas (treaty investors)
  • FAS countries (Micronesia – FSM, Palau – PAL, Marshall Islands – MIS/RMI)

Can I transfer my non-domiciled CDL from another state?

Yes, if you meet all federal eligibility requirements and provide the required immigration documents.

CDL Information (opens in a new tab)

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

INS School Compliance - Form TC 94-159 uscis.gov Interpreter Affidavit of a Foreign Country Driver License - Form TC 94-197
View All Driver Topics
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