International Student and Scholar Services

Driver’s License Information

Ohio Driver's License Information

If you have a valid International Driver's License or a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you may drive a car in Ohio for up to one year from the date when you arrived in the U.S.

However, if you do not have a valid driver’s license from Ohio, or you are at the end of the one-year grace period for your old license, you must have an Ohio driver's license. For you to get an Ohio driver's license, your I-20 or DS-2019 must have been issued for more than one year.

  1. Get a copy of the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws from any Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  2. Visit an Ohio Deputy Registrar Office to get a temporary permit application packet. You must bring identification with you and will have to pay a fee.
  3. Go to the nearest driver's license exam station to take a vision test and a written test on Ohio motor vehicle laws and traffic signs. After you pass the written test, you will receive a temporary instruction permit. You must have a licensed driver with you in the front seat of the car to drive during this time.
  4. As of June 30, 2025, you will be required to take an Ohio-approved “Class D” driver training course (24 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction with a licensed driving instructor), and complete 50-hours of practice driving supervised by a licensed adult, prior to scheduling your Driving Tests. For more information, including how to find an Ohio-approved “Class D” Driving School, click here. Please note that there are certain countries with exemptions to this rule which are listed on the bottom of the webpage.
  5. Complete the BMV5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit form and have the signature of the supervising adult notarized.
  6. Contact the nearest exam station for a road test.

To be issued a license, you must present:

  • Valid passport
  • US. visa
  • I-94 document
  • One of the following: An I-20, or a DS-2019 along with original letter from a recognized Ohio business or institution stating that you are affiliated with (employed by or attending) or a dependent of the institution or business
    Note: Xavier Students and scholars should use their international portal (international.xavier.edu) to request an official letter for driver’s license purposes.
  • Proof that you will reside or have resided in Ohio for 12 months (usually the above documents)
  • Your permanent Social Security number if you were assigned one (you don't need one if not)

Kentucky Driver's License / ID Card Information

If you live in Kentucky, refer to the Kentucky DMV website for information about getting a driver’s license.

If you currently have a foreign driver’s license as listed on the website, you can drive for up to one year before you need a Kentucky driver's license.

If you are an F-1 student who would like a Kentucky Driver’s license, you need to bring the following documents to a regional office:

  • Visa, Passport with Homeland Security stamp and/or I-94 (bring everything)
  • Social Security Card or Ineligibility Letter
    • If you do not have an SSN, the CIE can provide the ineligibility letter for you
  • Current I-20
  • INS School Compliance Form, dated within the past 30 days
    • The CIE can provide this for you
  • Proof of address within the last year
  • Bring postmarked envelopes from reliable institutions, such as utility companies

Currently, the closest office is in Burlington, Kentucky. You can schedule an appointment online.

According to the Kentucky DMV website, you may be required to perform a driving test and written exam along with a vision test. Please review the website for the most up-to-date information.

ID Card

Having a state issued ID card is more convenient than carrying your passport and it’s easier to replace if lost. However, you will still need to take your passport with you if you are flying and/or leaving the country.

Applying for the ID card requires the same documentation as the driver's license, but you won’t need to perform any of the testing for driving. A state ID card does not allow you to drive. See the Kentucky DMV website for more details.

Required insurance

When you rent or buy and register a car, you are legally required to purchase insurance to drive it. You will not be able to purchase license plates for your car unless you can show proof of insurance.

You must carry proof of insurance with you when you drive, whether you own, rent, or lease the car. It is illegal to drive without insurance according to state law. If you break the law and drive without car insurance, you can be fined or jailed.