Obtaining a Driver's License or State ID



Students with a valid International Driver’s License or a valid license from another U.S. state may drive in Ohio for up to one year from the date of arrival in the U.S. To obtain an Ohio driver’s license, your I-20 must have been issued for a period of time exceeding one year.

Students who wish to purchase a car must also obtain auto insurance. Many companies offer auto insurance policies, so it is beneficial to receive a few quotes from different companies before purchasing and signing an auto insurance policy.

What to Take
To obtain a driver’s license or state ID, students must be able to present documents that prove the following:
  • Legal first name, middle name or initial, and current last name
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security Number (SSN), if ever assigned
  • U.S. citizenship or U.S. legal presence
  • Resident street address in Ohio
Typically, students will need to take the following to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to prove these things:
  • Passport with F-1 visa
  • I-94 card
  • I-20
  • Letter from PDSO confirming your residential address
  • SSN (if applicable)
Where to Go
The BMV has offices right here in Tiffin!
Deputy Registrar License Agency
457 E. Market St.
Tiffin, OH 44883
(419) 448-6446

Hours:

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Driver Exam Station
451 E. Market St.
Tiffin, OH 44883
(419) 448-4030

Hours:

  • Tuesday – Saturday: Open (call for hours)
Resources
Questions?
Contact: Rachel Crooks, Director of International Student Services
Phone: (419) 448-3369
Office: 2nd Floor of Franks Hall (see Campus Map)