Driving in the U.S. and Public Transportation
Driving in the United States
Applying for a Massachusetts Driver's License
If you plan to drive in the U.S., you must have a valid driver's license. Often students and scholars may apply for a driver’s permit first and later obtain a full driver’s license once they understand the rules and regulations of driving in the U.S. You must present original documentation in person at the
Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to apply. In addition to providing the appropriate documentation, you will also need to pass a written test, eye screening exam, and a road test.
If you do not drive, but would like an alternate identification card that you can use instead of your passport for common transactions, you may apply for a
Massachusetts State ID or
Liquor ID.
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International students and scholars will need to present immigration documentation showing valid non-immigrant status for a total duration of at least 12 months. Student’s whose program of study is less than 365 days are unfortunately not eligible for a driver’s license or Massachusetts ID. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will issue licenses to visitors who have at least 30 days remaining in their stay in the United States.
The RMV will require specific documentation to apply for an ID in order to confirm the following:
- Lawful presence
- Massachusetts residence
- Signature
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number or Social Security Denial Letter
Detailed information on how to prepare the application and acceptable forms of identification and documentation may be found on the RMV website. The following documents are most commonly presented by international students and scholars in order to apply:
- Valid passport
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- I-94 Port of Entry Record
- Evidence of your current address in the Boston area such as:
- A transcript or a Verification of Enrollment Letter from the Registrar’s Office (if you live on campus)
- Apartment Lease, rental agreement, utilities bill
- Mail received at your resident address
- Social Security Number (if eligible) or a Letter of Denial from the Social Security Administration (see below for additional information)
International students may be asked to show a Social Security Number (SSN) as part of the application. However, some students may not be eligible for the Social Security Number. Information on eligibility may be found on the ISSO Social Security Number Information page.
If you are not eligible for the Social Security Number, the RMV will accept a Letter of Denial issued by the Social Security Administration instead of the Social Security Card. Visit the nearest Social Security Administration Office to apply prior to going to the RMV to apply for your license or ID:
Waltham Social Security Office
135 Beaver St. Suite 120
Waltham, MA 02452
Due to COVID-19 many SSA Offices are not accepting walk-ins. To receive a denial letter from the Waltham SSA Office, mail them a photocopy of your passport and visa, a copy of your most recent I-20 or DS-2019, your most recent I-94, and the Social Security Card application form. They will mail you back a denial letter. Be sure to include your mailing address so they know where to send the letter to!
Foreign licensed drivers from any country are allowed to drive in Massachusetts, as long as they meet the requirements listed on the RMV website. If your foreign license is not in English, you may need to get an International Driving Permit or a translation of your license document into English.
Drivers from certain countries may also be able to convert a foreign driver's license to a Massachusetts driver's license without taking a driving test.
Public Transportation
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There is an extensive public transportation system in the Boston area. Detailed schedules, maps and fares can be found on the MBTA website.
Commuter Rail
The MBTA Commuter Rail is the fastest way to get from Brandeis to Cambridge and Boston. The Fitchburg Line stops at the Brandeis-Roberts Station on South Street. You can buy your tickets in advance via MBTA mTicket, the MBTA mobile ticketing app. Frequent commuters should consider buying a Commuter Rail Pass.
Subways
The MBTA subway system (referred to as the “T”) consists of five transit lines — Red, Green, Orange, Blue and Silver. You can save money by getting a Charlie Card instead of single use subway tickets. The closest T stops to Brandeis University are the Porter Square T stop (on the Red Line, which connects to the Fitchburg Commuter Rail line) and the Riverside T stop (on the Green Line).
Buses
There are several MBTA bus routes that travel through Waltham and to the Boston area in addition to the Brandeis shuttles. You can use the Transit app to find the nearest bus stop and see bus schedules.
If you have a driver's license but prefer not to buy your own car, you can rent a car through Zipcar, which is a car-sharing network. Brandeis has several Zipcars on campus, parked near Stoneman Infirmary and Public Safety.
- Open to students, faculty, staff and international drivers age 18 and over
- Discounted university rates by the hour or day
- Gas, insurance, maintenance and up to 180 miles/day included
- Great for grocery shopping, a quick errand or weekend getaway
International students may be asked to show a Social Security Number (SSN) as part of the application. However, some students may not be eligible for the Social Security Number. Information on eligibility may be found on the ISSO Social Security Number Information page.
If you are not eligible for the Social Security Number, the RMV will accept a Letter of Denial issued by the Social Security Administration instead of the Social Security Card. Visit the nearest Social Security Administration Office to apply prior to going to the RMV to apply for your license or ID:
Waltham Social Security Office
135 Beaver St. Suite 120
Waltham, MA 02452
Due to COVID-19 many SSA Offices are not accepting walk-ins. To receive a denial letter from the Waltham SSA Office, mail them a photocopy of your passport and visa, a copy of your most recent I-20 or DS-2019, your most recent I-94, and the Social Security Card application form. They will mail you back a denial letter. Be sure to include your mailing address so they know where to send the letter to!