Driving in the U.S.

F-1 students must have a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle in the State of Oklahoma. Driving a car without a valid driver's license is illegal. International driving permits/licenses are NOT valid forms of identification NOR are valid licenses to drive in Oklahoma. To acquire a driver’s license, you must apply for one at a Service Oklahoma Licensing Office.

Steps to Apply for a Driver's License

Access the Oklahoma Driver's Manual (PDF) and learn driving rules and regulations in the State of Oklahoma.
Check the website of Service Oklahoma to find the application procedure.
Make sure that you have completed an arrival check-in process with an OIS advisor so your SEVIS record is in Active status.
Wait 10 calendar days after arriving in the U.S. to apply for a driver's license so that your Form I-94 information can update in all the government systems.
Documents required to apply for your driver's license
- Original copy of your signed Form I-20
- Proof of Oklahoma residency (refer to their list here)
- Passport (serve as your primary ID document)
- Social Security number (if you have it)
Visit a Service Oklahoma Licensing Office (find a location from here)

Additional Information

You may also need to pass both a driving and written test even if you have a license from your home country or another state. An SSN is not required to apply for a driver's license. If you have trouble applying for a driver's license, speak with an OIS advisor and contact the SEVP Response Center with case-specific questions.