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How to get a driver's license in Ohio as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Ohio needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
30 days after establishing Ohio residency
License exchange without tests
6 countries
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide proof of your Social Security number only if one was ever assigned to you.

Driving on a foreign license

Deadline after moving: 30 days after establishing Ohio residency.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan

Holders of an unexpired license from these countries are exempt from the driver training and 50-hour practice requirements and can get a limited-term license by presenting that license when they apply (Ohio Traffic Safety Office).

If your country is not on the list

Treated as a first-time driver: pass vision and knowledge tests, buy a temporary permit (TIPIC), and pass the driving and maneuverability test. Limited-term (non-permanent) applicants must first complete 24 hours classroom + 8 hours behind-the-wheel training and 50 hours of practice (10 at night).

If you currently hold an unexpired out of country license from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan, otso.ohio.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (green card)
  • Valid passport with visa and I-94
  • DS-2019 or I-20 (students/exchange visitors)
  • I-94 stamped Refugee or Asylum

License validity: Limited-term license expires on the same date as your USCIS document; it cannot be renewed or transferred.

A limited term non-renewable/non-transferable Ohio driver license or ID card will be issued with the same expiration date www.bmv.ohio.gov

Social Security number

Provide proof of your Social Security number only if one was ever assigned to you.

valid passport, visa, I-94, DS2019 or I-20 and proof of Social Security number (if ever assigned) www.bmv.ohio.gov

Proof of residency

Two documents from different sources proving your Ohio street address, from the BMV Acceptable Documents List.

TWO documents, from different sources, proving Ohio street address www.bmv.ohio.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather identity, legal presence (USCIS documents), SSN proof if assigned, and two Ohio address documents from different sources.
  2. If you hold a license from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan, present it to apply for a limited-term license without the training requirements.
  3. Otherwise, as a limited-term applicant complete an Ohio-approved Class D course: 24 hours classroom (in person or online) plus 8 hours behind the wheel.
  4. Pass the vision screening and 40-question knowledge test (75% to pass), then buy a temporary permit (TIPIC) within 60 days.
  5. Log 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night) with a licensed driver 21+, and have the BMV5791 affidavit notarized.
  6. Schedule and pass the driving and maneuverability test at a driver exam station.
  7. Buy your license at a deputy registrar; your immigration status is checked through SAVE.

Fees

First operator license age 21+: $27.50 (4 years) / $54.00 (8 years); temporary operator permit $26.50.

(age 21 or older) $27.50 / $54.00 ... Operator* $26.50 www.ohiobmv.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Ohio

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.