Travel & Transportation
Students coming to the U.S. from abroad often find getting around without a car to be challenging. However there are resources available to help you get where you need to go.
On-campus
- Elon Express, Safe Rides, and E-Rides
- Zip Cars are available on campus. For more information see Zip Car FAQ’s.
- Zip Car requires a driving record from your home country in order to approve your membership. Foreign License information available on the Zip Car website.
Off-campus
- Piedmont Triad International Airport, Greensboro, NC
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Raleigh, NC
- Amtrak Train Station, Burlington, NC
Area & Lodging for visiting campus
Driver Licenses & State-issued Identification
Driver Licenses
International students are able to get North Carolina driver licenses. Visit the North Carolina Department of Transportation website for full information about new drivers.
To help get started with the process, here are the documents that students will have to present certain documents at the time of application:
- Proof of legal presence in the U.S.- Valid, unexpired foreign passport accompanied with an unexpired U.S. visa, and your most recent I-94
- F-1 students should also provide their form I-20
- J-1 students should also provide their form DS-2019
- Proof of residency– students living on-campus can obtain this at the Residence Life office
- Proof of liability insurance (more information immediately below)
The greatest challenge international students often face in getting a driver license is obtaining proof of liability insurance. In the U.S., automobile insurance is usually associated with the purchase or lease of an automobile.
Students who do not own an automobile will need to acquire auto insurance for non-owners. Obtaining non-owners insurance online can be difficult as it is a specialized policy. In the past, students have been able to get insurance for non-owners by calling local insurance agents such as StateFarm Insurance, Progressive Insurance, Nationwide Insurance or Allstate Insurance.
Once this insurance is acquired, students can take the driving test at the DMV using a friend’s vehicle or by reserving one of the Zipcars available on campus. After receiving a license, students should maintain the non-owners insurance policy until they purchase their own vehicle. If you purchase a vehicle please contact your insurance agent to change the policy to the correct car insurance for your needs.
Please note that insurance information is provided as a courtesy and does not constitute an endorsement of any product, service or organization. Please direct any questions about obtaining a driver’s license to global@elon.edu.
State-issued Identification
International students without a driver license may be issued a state of North Carolina identification card. Refer to the NCDOT website for instructions on obtaining a North Carolina identification card.