Driver's License and ID Cards

Source: https://oia.osu.edu/international-students/life-ohio-state/drivers-license-and-id-cards Parent: https://oia.osu.edu/

Driving in Ohio

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. For a list of automobile insurance agents, visit the Student Legal Services' website.
Seat belts are mandatory 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.
Watch this short video to learn more about driving, insurance, accidents and more.
For help with a driver’s license, insurance, car purchase/sale or citations, schedule an appointment with Student Legal Services.\

New Rules for International Student Drivers

New international drivers without a valid U.S. license must complete the following requirements to obtain an Ohio driver license:

Get a Temporary Learner's Permit
Complete driver training consisting of 24 hours of online driver education and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (with notarized affidavit)
Pass the driving test

However, see the exceptions below for international students who hold valid, unexpired driver’s licenses from reciprocity countries or from other U.S. states.\

Reciprocity Exemption — International Licenses

International students who are 21 years old or older 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.\

Out-of-State U.S. Driver’s Licenses (Out-of-State Conversion)

International students age 18 and older with a valid, unexpired out-of-state driver’s license may request an out-of-state conversion to transfer their license at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The BMV will waive training requirements for these applicants, including those applying for limited-term licenses.

Bring:

Valid, unexpired out-of-state license
Proof of name, date of birth and Social Security number (if applicable)
Legal presence documents (passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, I-94)
Proof of Ohio residency

See list of acceptable documents. Find deputy registrar license agencies.

If the conversion is denied or issues arise, students should schedule an appointment with Student Legal Services for assistance.\

Getting an Ohio Driver’s License

You must have a valid license to drive in Ohio. If you do not hold a valid U.S. license, you must:

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 proof of Ohio residency (Ohio State letter of admission will meet this requirement for new students), valid passport, printed copy of your I-94 card, and one of the following: I-20, DS-2019, I-9 or employer letter stating you are working in a valid non-immigrant status. See BMV acceptable documents for ID/residency requirements.
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 ~$600) 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 by scheduling an appointment with Student Legal Services. If you are ineligible for a Student Legal Services notary, see their list of notary referrals.

Step 4 – Take the Driving Test

Schedule your driving test at the BMV. Bring:

Certificate of the 24-hour online class
Certificate from the 8-hour driving class
Notarized 50-hour affidavit (Form 5791)\

License Expiration

Your Ohio driver’s license will expire on the same date as your I-20. Renew your I-20 before it expires and take your new I-20 to the BMV to renew your license.\

State of Ohio ID Card

This card is available to non-drivers who want a form of identification to use in place of a driver’s 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. \

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique, 9-digit number used for taxpayer identification, income reporting and record-keeping purposes. You may apply for an SSN if employed in the United States. Once issued, the number is valid for one's lifetime. If you are not employed, you may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Learn how to apply for an SSN.\

More Information

For more details or to schedule an appointment, visit the Student Legal Services website.
Visit the Ohio Traffic Safety Office website for the new driver license requirements and for the different categories of non-U.S. citizens.
Parking spaces for cars at Ohio State are limited. You must buy a university parking permit from CampusParc if you want to park on campus. Do not park in loading zones, handicapped parking spaces, near fire hydrants or areas for which your parking permit is not designated. If you violate Ohio State parking regulations, you will be fined, or your car could be towed. Call 1-614-688-0000 for more information.