Driving in the U.S.

  • If you will be in the United States longer than 30 days and intend to drive, you are required to get an Ohio driver’s license, regardless of whether you have an international driver’s license.
  • To drive in Ohio, you must have a valid Ohio-issued driver’s license, automobile insurance, car registration and valid license plates. Driving without these may result in a citation.
  • Seat belts are required for all occupants. Children under age 4, under 40 pounds, or between ages 4 to 8 shorter than 4′9″ must be in an approved child safety seat. 

To obtain an Ohio license, new international drivers must meet specific requirements, including providing necessary documentation and passing required tests.

There are exceptions from testing for international students who hold valid, unexpired driver’s licenses from reciprocity countries or from other U.S. states.

Reciprocity

International students/scholars with a valid, unexpired driver’s license from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan are exempt from the Ohio written and road tests but must still obtain an Ohio driver’s license within 30 days of residency by bringing their valid foreign license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) — an English translation of the foreign license.

Have a U.S. License from Another State?

International students/scholars with a valid, unexpired driver’s license from another U.S. state must obtain an Ohio license within 30 days of establishing residency. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles may waive the written and road tests for applicants with valid out-of-state licenses. To apply, bring your current license and acceptable proof of name, date of birth, Social Security number (if applicable), legal presence, and Ohio residential address to a Deputy Registrar license agency. See list of acceptable documents. Find deputy registrar license agencies. 

Steps to aquire a State of Ohio drivers license

You must have a valid license to drive in Ohio. If you do not hold a valid U.S. license or have an exemption from testing, you should follow the steps below to aquire a license. 

Step 1: Get a Temporary Learner’s Permit (TIPIC)

Pass the written test at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to get a Temporary Learner’s Permit (TIPIC). 

Bring required documents (See BMV acceptable documents for ID/residency requirements)

International student: 

  • Proof of Ohio residency
  • Valid passport
  • Printed copy of your I-94 record
  • One of the following: I-20, DS-2019, I-9 or employer letter stating you are working in a valid non-immigrant status. 

Note: If the BMV has questions about your visa stamp being expired, please share the following linked letter with them. BMV Visa Status Letter.pdf

J-1 scholar: 

  • Valid passport
  • Most recent I-94
  • Visa stamp
  • Original DS-2019
  • Letter from your department verifying your employment dates and your status (please make sure that the letter was issued within the past 60 days)
  • Two documents that show proof of Ohio residence

H-1B employee: 

  • Valid passport
  • Most recent I-94
  • Visa stamp
  • Original I-797
  • Receipt Notice (I-797C)
  • Letter from your department verifying your employment dates and your status (please make sure that the letter was issued within the past 60 days)
  • Two documents that show proof of Ohio residence. 

Review the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws and practice the test online. No appointment for the written test is needed.  But you should gather your documents and money for fees before heading to the nearest Driver Examination Station. Review the list of accepted documents, applicable fees, and the examination station locations and hours. 

Step 2: Complete Driver Training
  • 24-Hour Online Driver Education Course (Cost ~$50)
  • 8-Hour Behind-the-Wheel Instruction (Cost ~$399) from a certified school

Find a Local Driving School or Online Course

Step 3: Complete 50 Hours of Practice Driving
  • Must be with a licensed driver age 21+
  • Include 10 hours of practice driving at night
  • Complete BMV Form 5791 (50-Hour Affidavit) and have it notarized. 

You can find more information about notary services in Athens, on the Notary webpage.

Step 4: Take the Driving Test
  • Bring the certificate from the 24-hour online class
  • Bring the certificate from the 8-hour driving class
  • Bring the notarized 50-hour affidavit (Form 5791)

     

License Expiration

Your Ohio driver’s license will expire on the same date as your I-20, DS-2019 or other immigration document. Renew your immigration document before it expires and take the updated document to the BMV to renew your license. 

More Information

What is a Photo ID?

A photo ID is a good option when you do not want to carry your passport around. 

Students can get a State of Ohio issued identification card (State ID) if they do not want to drive. You cannot have both a state ID and a drivers license. 

Take the same documents required for a driver’s license to a license agency. You need to have lived in Ohio for 30 days to be eligible to get this card. Find deputy registrar license agencies.  

Note: If the BMV has questions about your visa stamp being expired, please share the following linked letter with them. BMV Visa Status Letter.pdf

  • Athens Bureau of Motor Vehicles

    To obtain an Ohio photo ID or driver license, you will need to visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The BMV location closest to Ohio University’s Athens Campus is located at 1002 East State Street Suite 21, Athens, Ohio, 45701.

    To find other locations, visit the BMV website.

    Locate a BMV Office