If you will be in the United States longer than six months and intend to drive, you are required to get an Ohio driver's license, regardless of whether you have an International Driver's License.
Getting an Ohio Driver's License
- Read and study "The Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws." Copies are available at the license agency at 4503 Kenny Rd., 614-459-4441, or from other license agencies. (If you already have a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, please skip to step 3. You will surrender your old driver's license and take the written test and eye exam with no need for a road test.)
- To get a temporary driving permit, obtain an application packet from one of the license agencies. You will need to show the following documentation to get the temporary permit application.
- Required Documents for J-1 Scholars
- 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)
- Two documents that show proof of Ohio residence
- Required Documents for H-1B Employees
- Valid passport
- Most recent I-94
- Visa stamp
- Original I-797:
- Receipt Notice (I-797C): if at the time of renewal, you only have the Receipt Notice, please borrow the original one from the OIA 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)
- Petition packet is optional and only recommended especially for renewals based on the Receipt Notice (I-797C)
- Two documents that show proof of Ohio residence
- Go to a testing center to have an eye exam and take a written test to get the temporary permit.
Testing Centers:
- If you pass the test you will be given a temporary driving permit, which requires that you must have a licensed driver with you when practicing driving. If you would like to take driving lessons, find a driving school by searching "Driving Instruction" in a search engine.
- Schedule a road test at one of the testing centers. If you pass the road test you will get an Ohio driver's license.
Important driving laws in Ohio
- You are required by law to carry automobile insurance. Search for "Insurance" to find insurance agents who can sell you a policy. Policies range from $600 - $1,200 per year.
- Seat belt use is mandatory.
- It is illegal to drive without a valid driver's license, proof of automobile insurance, proof of the car's registration and valid license plates.
- It is required by law that children who are under the age of four or who weigh less than 40 pounds must be secured in an approved, properly-used child safety seat.
Additional Information
The American Automobile Association of Ohio (AAA or "Triple A," 614-431-7800) provides roadside services (fixing flat tires, towing a car to a service station).
Parking spaces for cars at Ohio State are limited. You will need to 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 in areas your parking permit is not designated for. If you violate Ohio State parking regulations, you will be fined, or your car could be towed away.
State of Ohio Identification 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 the 4503 Kenny Road or other license agency. You need to have lived in Ohio for 30 days to be eligible to get this card.
