Driving in the U.S.

A nonresident who is 16 years of age or older may operate a vehicle in the State of Oklahoma as authorized by the class, restrictions, and endorsements specified on the license, if the nonresident is properly licensed in the home state or country to operate a commercial or noncommercial motor vehicle and who has immediate possession of a valid driver license issued by the home state or country. 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.

Also check the Service Oklahoma website.

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.

(J-1 only) Make sure that you have completed an arrival check-in 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 hard copy of your signed Form DS-2019, I-797 Approval Notice, or EAD card
- Proof of Oklahoma residency (refer to their list here)
- Passport (serves 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 test and a written test even if you have a valid 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.