Lana Oconnell
International students in Ohio who want to drive must obtain an Ohio driver's license. This is because it is illegal for international students to drive in Ohio with a foreign driver's license, even if they have an International Driver's Permit. The process for obtaining an Ohio driver's license involves taking a road test, and applicants must present current immigration/visa documents and proof of Ohio residency. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues driver's licenses and ID cards for Ohio residents, and the license is typically valid for the same duration as the individual's immigration document.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | International students |
| Requirements | Current immigration/visa documents, proof of Ohio residency, TIPIC, valid international driver's license, valid home country license |
| Validity | Same as the validity of the immigration document |
| Cost | Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card |
| Where to apply | Any deputy registrar license agency in Ohio |
| Wait time | Up to 15 days for verification of documents |
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What You'll Learn
International students must obtain an Ohio driver's license
International students in Ohio are not considered tourists and therefore cannot drive in Ohio with a foreign driver's license. To legally drive in Ohio, international students must obtain an Ohio driver's license.
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues driver's licenses and identification (ID) cards for Ohio residents. An Ohio driver's license allows you to drive in Ohio and other states, but it cannot be renewed or transferred to another state. The license is typically valid until the end date of your immigration document, and you must present current USCIS documents and proof of Ohio residency at each issuance.
To obtain an Ohio driver's license, you must first pass a road test. You will need to take your temporary permit to your road test, and if you pass, you will receive your Ohio driver's license. You will be asked to surrender your TIPIC (Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card) at the time of issuance.
To apply for the TIPIC and/or driver's license, you must present current immigration/visa documents and proof of Ohio residency. This can include a letter from Residence Life, a bank statement, or a mail card, and it should have your current Ohio street address written correctly.
If you have an International Driver's Permit, you may drive in Ohio for up to one year from your arrival in the U.S., provided your home country has reciprocity with the U.S. However, if you purchase a car and register it in your name, you will need to obtain an Ohio driver's license.
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An International Driving Permit is valid for one year
International students in Ohio who want to drive will need to obtain an Ohio driver's license. An International Driving Permit is valid for one year, and during this time, you can drive in Ohio with your national driver's license. However, it is important to note that this only applies if your home country has reciprocity with the United States.
To obtain an Ohio driver's license as an international student, you must visit an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) driver license exam station. You will need to present valid immigration or visa documents, such as a Permanent Resident Card (form I-551) or an I-94 asylum document, and proof of Ohio residency. The Ohio BMV will verify your legal presence in the United States, and your Ohio driver's license will be issued for the same duration as your immigration document.
If you are a new or continuing student starting a new program, it is recommended to wait at least two weeks after the semester begins to apply for your driver's license. This allows time for the government system to update your program details. You will also need to pass a road test to obtain your Ohio driver's license.
The Ohio BMV offers both four-year and eight-year driver's licenses, depending on the expiration date of your USCIS document. However, it is important to note that this license is non-renewable and non-transferable. Therefore, if you are an international student with a temporary visa status, carefully consider the timing of your driver's license application to ensure that your license remains valid for the duration of your stay in Ohio.
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Required documents for an Ohio driver's license
International students can drive in Ohio with a valid international driver's license or a license from another US state for up to a year from their arrival in the US. After this period, or if they don't have a valid driver's license, they must obtain an Ohio driver's license.
To get an Ohio driver's license, non-US citizens must present the following documents:
- Proof of identity: Full legal name, date of birth, proof of US legal presence, Social Security Number, and proof of address.
- Two documents from different sources proving Ohio residency, such as a letter from the post office or bank, or a credit card statement. These documents must have the applicant's current Ohio street address written correctly on them.
- Current immigration or visa documents.
- USCIS documents and proof of Ohio residency at each ID card or license issuance.
- A non-US citizen may also need to present their birth certificate, passport, or document(s) issued by the US Department of Homeland Security. If the name on these documents is different from their legal name, they must also bring original or certified copies of name change documents, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
It is important to note that an international student's driver's license will only be valid for the same duration as their immigration document. Additionally, they must have a valid I-20 or DS-2019 issued for more than one year to obtain an Ohio driver's license.
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The Ohio road test
International students can apply for asylum status and an I-94 asylum document, which serves as the primary document for being issued an Ohio driver's license. Applicants using an I-94 asylum document may need to wait up to 15 days for the BMV to verify the document.
The manoeuvrability test includes two steps: going forward and backward through markers. Each step should be completed in one continuous motion. The test administrator will deduct points if you stop to check your progress, bump the markers, or misjudge the stopping distance. You will automatically fail if you run over or knock down a marker. First, you will drive forward through a box formed by four markers. The test administrator will tell you to steer to the right or left of the "point" marker. Afterward, they will direct you to drive straight ahead and stop when the rear bumper of your car is even with the "point" marker and parallel with the course. To complete the test, you must drive away safely from the test area without running over a marker.
During the driving portion of the exam, you will be tested on your general driving skills. The test administrator will make sure you know about driving rules and regulations, which include passing in the correct lane and knowing when passing other vehicles is prohibited. You will demonstrate to them signals for lane changes and turns using both lights and arm signals. You must also understand and apply the rules of right-of-way, which includes maintaining a four-second following distance. If you go over the speed limit or roll past a stop sign or red light without stopping, you can expect to fail your road test.
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Validity and renewal of an Ohio driver's license
An Ohio driver's license is typically valid for four or eight years, depending on the applicant's choice and qualifications. The validity period of an Ohio driver's license for non-permanent residents is linked to the expiration date of their USCIS document. For instance, if an international student's I-20 document expires, their driver's license will not be renewable until they obtain a new, valid I-20.
To renew an Ohio driver's license, one must visit any deputy registrar license agency in Ohio. If the license is still current or has been expired for less than six months, it can be renewed at any time before the expiration date. However, if the license has been expired for more than six months, the driver must first obtain a temporary permit and pass all the required tests before a new driver's license can be issued.
Military members renewing an Ohio driver's license that has been expired for over six months are exempt from the knowledge and driving tests if they meet certain conditions. These conditions include presenting an honorable discharge certificate and having held an Ohio driver's license at the start of their active duty.
It is important to note that starting from May 3, 2023, a standard driver's license will no longer be considered a sufficient form of identification for air travel within the US. A federally-compliant driver's license, passport, or military ID will be required instead.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to present current immigration or visa documents and proof of Ohio residency. This can include a letter from the post office or bank, a credit card statement, or a bank statement issued within the last 60 days.
Your Ohio driver's license will be issued for the same amount of time as your immigration document. For example, if your I-20 or DS-2019 is valid for 4 years, your driver's license will also be valid for 4 years.
Yes, you will need to pass a road test. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written test to apply for a temporary permit.
You can get an Ohio driver's license at any deputy registrar license agency in the state.
