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If you're planning to drive or buy a car while you're in the United States, check out these helpful tips you'll need to know.

Driver's Licenses

If You Have a License From Your Home Country:

  1. Within 30 days of moving to Ohio, call a license bureau that has an exam station, and tell them you want to convert your foreign driver's license to an Ohio license. This location offers an exam station, as well as a deputy registrar license agency and title office:

    Xenia Driver Examination Station
    601 Ledbetter Road, Suite C
    Xenia, OH 45385
    1-937-372-6850

  2. Take the knowledge test and driving test. Whenever you go in to the driver's license exam station for a test, you'll need to bring acceptable documents that prove your identity.
  3. After passing these tests, you'll receive an Ohio driver's license in addition to your foreign license.

If You Have Never Had a License:

  1. Take the knowledge test, which can be completed online through Ohio BMV or in person at any driver's license exam station. If you're testing in person, you'll need to bring acceptable documents that prove your identity.
  2. Purchase your temporary permit at a deputy registrar license agency. You'll need to bring these same acceptable documents.
  3. Schedule your driving test and pass.
  4. Purchase your driver's license at a deputy registrar license agency, and again, make sure to bring acceptable documents to prove your identity.

Get more details about being issued your first driver's license as a new Ohio resident.

If You Are a Transfer Student With an Out-of-State License:

  1. Take the knowledge test, which can be completed online through Ohio BMV or in person at any driver's license exam station. If you're testing in person, you'll need to bring your previous license as well as a Social Security card.
  2. After passing the test, you'll surrender your previous driver's license and be given a new Ohio license.

Acceptable Documents

To receive a driver's license or temporary permit, you'll need to bring the following documents:

  • I-94
  • Current I-20
  • Valid passport
  • Letter from International Student Services verifying your current status and address
  • Your Social Security number (if assigned)

See Ohio BMV's acceptable documents list to learn more about which documents to bring.

Costs of Owning a Car

Students frequently underestimate the actual cost of car ownership. You should expect the average cost to be more than $3,000 per year. You'll have regular maintenance costs like oil changes and tire rotations, as well as other unexpected repairs. Before you decide to buy a car, carefully consider these expenses.

If you plan on keeping the car for more than two years, do not buy an old car with very high mileage. These cars are more likely to need costly, unexpected maintenance or repairs, causing problems for you as the owner. You cannot buy a truly dependable car for less than $2,000.

ItemCost
Used Car$5,000–$15,000
Ohio Sales Tax$325–$1,000
Auto License Tags$50
Auto Driver's License$25
Fuel and Maintenance$1,500
Insurance (Required)$600–$1,500
Total$7,500–$19,075

Registering Your Car

Getting a Title and License Plates

If you bought your car in Ohio:

  1. The seller must give you the car title which has been signed in front of a notary (a notary can be found at any Ohio BMV location).
  2. Take the signed and notarized title to the title office and get it typed in your name. Once your car title has been notarized, you have 30 days to do this or it will result in a fine. It costs around $15 for a new title.
  3. Go to an Ohio BMV location and buy your license plates. You will need your title and driver's license for this. The cost of license plates and registration for a full year is approximately $50. Make sure you know when your plates expire, and remember to renew your registration at the specified time.

If you bought your car outside of Ohio:

  1. The seller must give you the car title which has been signed in front of a notary (a notary can be found at any Ohio BMV location).
  2. Take your car and title to an Ohio BMV location for inspection, where they will check the car's mileage number and serial number. There is a small fee associated with this process.
  3. Take the inspection papers and out-of-state title to the title office of the county in which you live. You will then receive an Ohio state title.
  4. Go to an Ohio BMV location and buy your license plates. You will need your title and driver's license for this. The cost of license plates and registration for a full year is approximately $50. Make sure you know when your plates expire, and remember to renew your registration at the specified time.

Renewing Your Registration

When you need to renew your registration, you can do so by mail or go to an Ohio BMV location, bringing your driver's license and title with you. If your title has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you'll need to get a duplicate from your county clerk before you can register and obtain new plates or stickers.

Changing Vehicles

When you change vehicles, you can typically transfer license plates from the old to the new vehicle. In all transfers, both the old and the new vehicle must be titled in the name of the same owner. Transfer of plates may only be made for vehicles in the same class (passenger car to passenger car, truck to truck, etc.).

Car Insurance

If you are going to be driving at all in the U.S., you are required to have an automobile insurance policy. These policies can range up to $1,500 per year. To find the best policy rate for you, explore and compare quotes from different insurance companies. GEICO, State Farm, Progressive, and Erie Insurance typically offer the most inexpensive policies. These companies offer auto insurance coverage:

Keep in mind that driving without insurance is a serious offense and can result in a large fine or other consequence. Once you do have an auto insurance policy, you may legally drive a car. To learn more, visit the Ohio Department of Insurance's auto insurance resources.

Traffic Laws and Accidents

Traffic Laws

  • You are required by law to have a valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance, proof of registration, and valid license plates in order to drive.
  • You must wear a seatbelt at all times when a vehicle is moving.
  • Using your cell phone while driving is illegal in Ohio, except for hands-free speakerphone calls.

Traffic Violations

Make sure you're familiar and comfortable with all rules of the road. If you are stopped by a police officer, remain calm. Pull your vehicle over to a stop and respectfully answer the officer's questions. You may receive a ticket for a traffic violation, in which case you will have to pay a fine, and the offense will appear on your record. Whenever you are driving, you need to have your license and proof of insurance with you.

Car Accidents

In case of an accident, remain calm. Don't leave the scene, but immediately contact the police and your insurance company. You may need to file a traffic accident report, which the police will assist you with, within two days.