Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Driving

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.
  • 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.
  • For help with driver’s license, insurance, car purchase/sale, or citations, schedule an appointment with Student Legal Services.
     

New Rules for International Scholar Drivers

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

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

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

Reciprocity Exemption — International Licenses

International 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.
 

If You Have a U.S. License from Another State

International 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. 
 

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 required documents.
    • Required documents for J-1 scholars include valid passport, most recent I-94, Visa stamp, original DS-2019, a letter from your department verifying your employment dates and your status (please make sure that the letter was issued within the past 60 days), and two documents that show proof of Ohio residence.
    • Required documents for H-1B employees include a valid passport, most recent I-94, visa stamp, original I-797, Receipt Notice (I-797C): if you only have the Receipt Notice at the time of renewal, please borrow the original one from the Office of International Affairs advisor who worked on your case, or, the latest Approval Notice (I-797A or I-797B), a letter from your department verifying your employment dates and your status (please make sure that the letter was issued within the past 60 days), a petition packet is optional and only recommended especially for renewals based on the Receipt Notice (I-797C), and two documents that show proof of Ohio residence. See BMV acceptable documents for ID/residency requirements.
  • Review the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws and practice the test online. No appointment is needed for the written test. 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

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 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.
 

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. 
 

Social Security Number

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.