International Student and Scholar Services
Ohio Driver鈥檚 Licenses
How to Obtain an Ohio Driver鈥檚 License
This web page offers basic information about obtaining an OHIO driver鈥檚 license. For details on Ohio traffic laws and signs, as well as written and driving test requirements, please refer to the Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws. 聽Regulations and fees may change without notice; always confirm your understanding with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
First-time Driver鈥檚 License
- Must purchase a temporary permit package
- Must provide identification to prove date of birth and social security number if assigned - acceptable documents are listed in the Digest booklet
- If the student is not a US citizen, additional proof of residency is required - passport, I-94, and I-20.
- The temporary packet costs $23.50 - some locations cash or check only.
- Written exam and vision screening - no appointment necessary, no extra cost
- Driving and maneuverability tests - appointment required, usually at least 2 weeks before the desired date, no extra cost
- Cost to have a first-time OHIO driver's license issued is between $20.75 and $25.75 depending on age - some locations by cash or check only
Out-of-State Conversion
If you have a driver鈥檚 license from another US state:
- Must present out-of-state driver鈥檚 license
- Must provide proof of social security number if assigned
- Written exam and vision screening - no appointment necessary
- Cost is $10.25 - some locations cash or check only
Out-of-Country Conversion
If you have a driver鈥檚 license from another country:
- Must present out-of-country driver's license
- Must provide proof of social security number if assigned
- Written exam and vision screening - no appointment necessary
- Driving and maneuverability tests - appointment required
- Some cases will require the purchase of a temporary permit packet - call beforehand for more information
Driving Lessons
If you have never driven a car before, you are required to take driving lessons with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older, which could be a relative, a friend, or a professional driving instructor. For information on driving schools in the 91直播 area, refer to the 91直播 Yellow Pages and or the Lorain County Yellow Pages under "Driving." Some students use Winter Term to learn how to drive! Contact ISSS for more details.