Driver License

You must have a state driver license to drive a car in the U.S. As an international student at Denison University, you are establishing residency in the state of Ohio. Therefore, if you intend to drive in Ohio, you need to obtain your Ohio driver license, regardless of whether you have an international driver license. An international license may only be used within the first few months of entering the US in F1 status the first time. Use this time to obtain an Ohio license.

An Ohio driver license will permit you to drive in the United States as long as the dates on the card are valid and you are maintaining residency. Here is a list of current Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) fees, but be aware that these are subject to change.

If you hold a student visa & I-20, your driver’s license will expire upon the completion of your program, i.e.: the program end date on the I-20. Students who apply for Post-completion Optional Practical Training may apply to extend their license once the new I-20 is issued. The second page of the new I-20 will be annotated with the dates of the Optional Practical Training period. Please note that the driver’s license extension often does not include the sixty-day grace period which follows OPT.

**If you fail the knowledge test you will be required to wait 24 hours before retaking. If you fail the skills exam on your first try, you must complete an "Abbreviated Adult Training Course” (only if you have not taken a driver training course within the last 12 months) before retaking the exam.

How to Apply for a Driver License

Apply for a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) (process outlined here)
- Download and study all materials in the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws. The Ohio BMV has a free online practice exam you can take to prepare.
- Take the vision and written tests at the Driver Examination Station at the Ohio BMV
  - You must present the following documents in order to apply:
    - Valid passport
    - U.S. visa (exception include Canadians and Bermudians)
    - Form I-94 (printed from i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
    - Current I-20
    - Proof of Social Security number (if you have applied for one)
    - Proof of Ohio Residency
      - Enrollment verification letter from the Registrar's Office (first floor of Beth Eden)
      - An official piece of mail (such as a bank statement issued within the last 60 days with your mailing address on it)
      - Fee for the permit test (see list of fees)
  - If you pass the vision and written tests, you will be issued a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) that is only valid for one year. With your temporary driving permit, you must drive with a valid driver (over the age of 21) and are not allowed to drive by yourself. You will receive a citation and your vehicle may be towed by the police if you do not have a valid driver in the car with you.
  - If this is the first time you have ever operated a vehicle, you may consider driving lessons (see list of driver training schools linked below)
- For non-U.S. citizens, there is an updated process to obtain a Limited Term Non-Renewable/Non-Transferable Driver License or ID Card in Ohio. The new driver training requirements are effective from 06/30/2025. See the information provided in the links below.
  - Information about the Limited Term Licenses and the driver training requirements: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TZxN_Q74RmzIZATdb_3shyTn6bIlGfx_MOZvvp9Sp-w/edit?usp=sharing
  - Information on local driver training schools: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q2CEj-NwWDslf0bd0I9L0GcTvt4Kby6FMxJh2_ZcynU/edit?usp=sharing
  - When you have developed your driving skills well enough, schedule the road test online. Please note that you will need to take your temporary permit to your road test.
  - If you pass the road test, you will get an Ohio Limited Term driver license. You will be asked to surrender your Temporary Instruction Permit at the time of the driver license issuance.

If you are a new student or a continuing student who is starting a new program, please wait at least two weeks after the semester begins to apply for a driver license. This delay will provide time for the government system to synchronize with the BMV’s database and update your program details.

Local Drivers for Transportation to the BMV

Uber Jack

310-210-5491 (prefers text messages)

Granville Concierge

613-394-5426

Ohio ID Card

In the U.S., it is important to have a valid, official form of identification (ID) that you can easily carry with you at all times. If you don’t plan to drive in the U.S., an Ohio identification card will also verify your identity. Ohio ID Cards are valid for up to four years and there is no minimum age for obtaining one. Here is a list of current Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) fees, but be aware that these are subject to change.

How to Apply for an Ohio ID Card

Applicants must present the following documents to the BMV when applying for an Ohio ID Card:

Valid passport
U.S. visa (exception include Canadians and Bermudians)
Form I-94 (printed from i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
Current I-20
Proof of Social Security number (if you have applied for one)
Proof of Ohio Residency
- Enrollment verification letter from the Registrar's Office (first floor of Beth Eden)
- An official piece of mail (such as a bank statement issued within the last 60 days with your mailing address on it)
Fee (see list of fees)

If you are a new student or a continuing student who is starting a new program, please wait at least two weeks after the semester begins to apply for an Ohio ID Card. This delay will provide time for the government system to synchronize with the BMV’s database and update your program details.

Contact Information for BMV

Newark Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)

875 E Main St

Newark, OH 43055

Phone: 740-345-0066

Hours:

Tuesday - Friday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

*No appointment necessary for the written test. The driving/maneuverability test by appointment only.

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