Student Resources
Driver's Licenses
If driving is the best option for you, here are some helpful tips and information to make your drive smooth and safe:
- Anyone who operates a motor vehicle on the public roads in Idaho is required to have a valid driver’s license.
- When moving to Idaho you will need to apply for an Idaho driver’s license within 90 days of residing in Idaho.
- There are only four International Driver’s Licenses that currently transfer the same way as Driver’s Licenses from the U.S.: North Korea, South Korea, Germany, and Taiwan.
- Even though not all International Drivers Licenses transfer the same way, the process only differs in the fact that they will be required to do a driving skills test. All new Idaho applicants are required to take a Written Test, only those that do not have a qualifying Driver’s License are also required to take the Skills Test.
- A U.S. Social Security card is not needed to apply for a driver license. However, you will need a Social Security Exception Letter to apply for the driver's license.
International Students are issued Limited Term Identification Cards or Drivers Licenses. These types of identification are typically only valid for one year, sometimes two years depending on their program status. When renewing they must bring all their documents except proof of residency even if they have moved and have a new address.
Appointments are available online through Idaho Transportation Department (Latah County – City of Moscow, ID). The closest DMV Office to the University of Idaho is located at:
Department of Motor Vehicles
200 S Almon Street, Suite 102
208-883-7216
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When applying for the first time for identification of either type the following is required:
- Passport
- Valid Visa
- Social Security Card/Denial Letter or Social Security Exemption Form
- Proof of Idaho Residency (Lease/Rental or Utility Bill)
- Documentation authorizing stay in the US for limited time period
- I-766 Employment Authorization Document
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Nonimmigrant Visa
- DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
- I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
- I-797A Notice of Action Letter (with an Expired I-766)
When applying for the Real ID card, the documentation that is needed is identical to what is needed for getting an Idaho State ID or License plus a second proof of residency.
- Passport
- Valid Visa
- Social Security Card/Denial Letter or Social Security Exemption Form
- Proof of Idaho Residency (Lease/Rental or Utility Bill)
- Second Proof of Idaho Residency
- Documentation authorizing stay in the US for limited time period
- I-766 Employment Authorization Document
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Nonimmigrant Visa
- DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
- I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
- I-797A Notice of Action Letter (with an Expired I-766)
Banks
You should open a bank account because:
- Easily pay rent, utility, cell phone bills, etc.
- Receive funds from another U.S. account faster. You can get your paycheck or scholarship money faster through a U.S.-to-U.S. transaction instead of receiving it through a foreign account.
- Keep your money safe.
- Family members can send money electronically to your U.S. checking account from their local bank via a wire transfer.
- Take the first steps to establish a U.S. credit history.
Please compare services and costs of several different banks before choosing one at which to open a bank account.
- Wells Fargo Bank
- Umpqua Bank
- Keep your money safe.
- Chase Bank
- Washington Trust Bank
- P1FCU
- Idaho Central Credit Union
There are two types of bank account: Checking and Savings.
- Checking account: a checking account allows you to deposit and withdraw money as often as you like. Usually, when you open a checking account you receive a checkbook and a debit card.
- Savings accounts: a savings account is a place to collect money over a longer-term.
Other Resources
The Vandal Food Pantry is a program that collects and distributes food to anyone who is having difficulty affording or accessing safe, sufficient food to eat. For more information, please visit the Vandal Food Pantry website.
Academic Success Programs (ASP) provides academic services to empower U of I students in reaching their educational goals in a positive and supportive environment.
Vandal Gateway Program is a unique, individualized program whose mission is to provide comprehensive and holistic student support services to empower students to live meaningful and successful lives, both during their college experience and after graduation.
Vandal Success Center is your destination for academic advising, writing assistance, career advising, tutoring, academic coaching and support, scholarships, honors programming, special needs, and more. These services provide you with information and interventions needed to be successful throughout your college career.
Counseling and Mental Health Center offers students a wide range of counseling services, resources and referrals.
Career Services helps students with job and internship placement, CV review, career exploration advising, and many other helpful career development resources.
The Writing Center provides one-on-one assistance to student writers and other members of the campus community.