Driver License & ID Cards
Non-U.S. Citizens
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is required to verify your legal presence in the United States. The name on your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents will be the name on your Ohio identification (ID) card or driver license.
Permanent Residents
Non-U.S. citizens who present a valid Permanent Resident Card (form I-551), commonly referred to as a green card, will be issued a regular Ohio driver license, which will expire in four years or eight years depending on applicant's choice and qualification.
- A valid green card
- Social Security card, if assigned
- Proof of Ohio residency
See Acceptable Documents for more information.
Where Do I Go?
- For testing, visit any driver exam station in Ohio.
- For issuance, visit any deputy registrar license agency in Ohio.
Ohio Revised Code: 4507.09
Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-1-37
Non-Renewable/Non-Transferable Driver License or ID Card
A non-renewable/non-transferable Ohio driver license or ID card will be issued with the same expiration date as the document issued by USCIS (regardless of federal grace periods extending the expiration date). You may have a choice of a four year or eight year license or ID card depending on the expiration date of your USCIS document.
A non-renewable/non-transferable Ohio driver license allows you to drive in Ohio and other states, but cannot be renewed in Ohio or transferred to another state.
You must present current USCIS documents and proof of Ohio residency at each ID card or license issuance. Common acceptable documents used for proof of legal presence:
- Attending school: valid passport, visa, I-94, DS2019 or I-20 and proof of Social Security number (if ever assigned)
- Employment: valid Employment Authorization Card (EAD) and proof of Social Security number (if ever assigned) OR valid passport, visa, I-94, I-797 with acceptable employment case type and a letter from employer on letterhead dated within last 60 days and proof of Social Security number (if ever assigned)
- Refugee: I-94 stamped Refugee or with I-797 case type 485 showing application for permanent residency
- Asylum: I-94 stamped Asylum
See Acceptable Documents for more information.
Where Do I Go?
- For testing, visit any driver exam station in Ohio.
- For issuance, visit any deputy registrar license agency in Ohio.
Ohio Revised Code: 4507.09
Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-1-37
I-94 Asylum Procedure
A citizen from any foreign country can apply for asylum status and an I-94 asylum document.
- An I-94 asylum document serves as the main document for being issued an Ohio driver license, ID card or Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC).
- Applicants using an I-94 asylum document may need to wait up to 15 days while the BMV verifies the document.
See Acceptable Documents for more information.
Where Do I Go?
- Visit any deputy registrar license agency in Ohio.