Driver's License and ID Cards

Driving in Ohio

• It is illegal to drive without a valid Ohio-issued driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, proof of the car’s registration and valid license plates. Failure to meet these requirements could result in you receiving a citation from the police.
• You are required by law to have automobile insurance. Student Legal Services highly recommends that you have more than the minimum amount of automobile insurance required by state law. Please meet with an insurance agent to discuss the proper amount of coverage for you. Learn more about driving in the United States and view insurance agents at Student Legal Services’ website.
• Seat belt use is mandatory for the driver and any passengers.
• It is required by law that children under age 4, children who weigh less than 40 pounds, and children between the ages of 4 and 8 years who are shorter than 4’9” must be secured in an approved, properly used child safety seat.
• If you have questions about obtaining a driver’s license, insurance, buying/selling a car, or have received a citation, schedule an appointment to meet with a Student Legal Services attorney.

Getting an Ohio Driver’s License

You must have a valid license to drive in Ohio. Generally, an International Driver License will not be considered a valid license by law enforcement in and around Ohio State. Review the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws. This manual contains directions on how to obtain a driver’s license and lists offices where you can take both a written exam and a driving test to receive your license.

Before getting your driver’s license, you must get a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card. Bring the following documents with you to a license agency to obtain a temporary permit:

• Proof that you have or will reside in Ohio (a letter of admission from Ohio State will meet this requirement for new students)
• A valid, unexpired passport
• A printed copy of your I-94 card
• One of the following:
  • I-20
  • DS-2019
  • I-9
  • Letter from an employer stating that you are working in a valid non-immigrant status

While driving with a Temporary Instruction Permit, you must have a passenger in the front seat of the car who is a licensed driver, is over the age of 21 and is not impaired by alcohol or other drugs. After completing twenty-four hours of driving practice, you must complete the Twenty-Four Hour Affidavit found at bmv.ohio.gov/forms. You can have the form notarized at Student Legal Services—call or go online to schedule an appointment.

If you wish to park on campus in designated lots, you will need to purchase a university parking permit. Call 614-688-0000 for more information.

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 4503 Kenny Road or another license agency. You need to have lived in Ohio for 30 days to be eligible to get this card.

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 you are 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.