Driver Clearance/State ID

Are you interested in either acquiring a driver’s license or a state ID?

If the answer is yes, then you need to do DRIVER CLEARANCE! All non-citizens (F-1, J-1, and H1B visa holders, refugees, etc.) must apply for clearance prior to obtaining a Kentucky driver’s license or a Kentucky state identification card. The application process is handled by the Center for International Education.

Please read every step carefully!

1. Contact Tara Meadows-Neill (meadowst@berea.edu) to set up an appointment. At your appointment, Tara will assist you with filling out your paperwork and making an appointment with the hearing officer. (Once per year we will have a hearing officer visit campus, and we will advertise this to the entire campus.)
2. Documents to bring:
   • I-20
   • Passport with I-94 card*
   • Social Security card
   • Student ID card
   • Previous driver’s license or permit, if applicable
   • *As of April 2013 paper I-94 cards will no longer be used at airports. We will help you to print out a copy from the USCIS website.
3. You can meet with the hearing officer either in Richmond or Lexington. Hours are:
   • Tuesdays: 9 AM-12 PM, Hall of Justice in Richmond (351 W Main, Room 316, Richmond, KY 40475)
     Appointment Required^*
   • Thursdays: 8 AM-2:45 PM, Circuit Court Office in Lexington (162 E Main Street, Room 230, Lexington, KY 40507)
     While at the hearing office, pick up a Driver’s Manual.^*

^* Please be aware that you must provide your own transportation to the appointment with the hearing officer and must have made this arrangement prior to the CIE requesting an appointment for you.