How to get your Ohio Driver’s License for those who have never had a driver’s license:
- Make sure that you are in active status in SEVIS by checking with the Center for Global Education.
- Wait ten days from when you arrive in the US and two days when you started being in active status in SEVIS.
- Provide proper documentation to prove your birthday and SSN (if you have one).
- Bring proof of residency, your passport, I-94, and I-20. You can look at the list of acceptable documents here.
- Take the written exam and vision screening (no need for an appointment).
- The test has 40 multiple choice questions and you have to get a 75% to pass
- The written test will cover information including: Rules of the road, traffic signs and what they mean, motor vehicle laws, and highway warnings
- Purchase a temporary permit package ($22).
- Take the driving and maneuverability test. You’ll need to make an appointment two weeks prior to the test, which you can do here. You can also contact your local BMV to schedule an appointment.
- Pay for your new Ohio license, which is around $20.
How to get your Ohio driver’s license for those who have a current foreign driver’s license:
- Present foreign license.
- Bring proof of Social Security Number if applicable, as well as your proof of residency. You can look at the list of acceptable documents here.
- Take the written exam and vision screening. This does not require an appointment.
- The test has 40 multiple choice questions and you have to get a 75% to pass
- The written test will cover information including: Rules of the road, traffic signs and what they mean, motor vehicle laws, and highway warnings
- Take the driving and maneuverability test. You’ll need to make an appointment two weeks prior to the test, which you can do here. You can also contact your local BMV to schedule an appointment.
- (You may need to purchase a temporary permit package ($22) depending on where your foreign license it from)
How to get an Ohio state ID:
Note: A person may not have both an Ohio state ID and an Ohio driver’s license at the same time
The Ohio BMV issues non-U.S. citizens identification cards (non-renewable/non-transferable) with an expiration date based on the documents from USCIS.
Apply in person at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
- Apply in person at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
- Bring: most current Form I-20, copy of I-94, current passport with F-1 visa, and the fee of $8.50