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Driver’s License J-1


Non-US citizens can drive up to one-year on their foreign country license as long as that country is a part of the Geneva Compact. To find out if your home country is part of the Geneva Compact, please check: http://transportation.ky.gov/Driver-Licensing/Documents/Geneva_Compact_Countries.pdf

The one-year date comes from the entry date stamped on their immigration document such as the I-94.

If from a country that is not recognized by the Geneva Compact the non-US citizen cannot drive on their foreign license. 

Applications for a Kentucky drivers license can be made at the address below:

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
162 E Main Street, 2nd Floor, Room 230
Downtown Lexington, KY
Phone numbers are 859-246-2153 or 859-246-2154.

The following information is required at the time of application:  

  • Visa, Passport, I-94
  • Letter from J-1 Advisor
  • Proof of Address within the last 60 days
  • DS-2019
  • Social Security card, Tax ID number or an Ineligibility letter from the Social Security Administration
  • Bring approximately $20 for fees associated with applying for the license

KRS 186.412 requires all non U.S. citizens wishing to apply for a Kentucky driver's license or ID card to make application to a Division of Driver Licensing Regio​nal Office.  For more information about the rules for obtaining a Kentucky Driver’s License, please go to: http://transportation.ky.gov/driver-licensing/pages/non-us-citizens.aspx