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New to Oklahoma? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's License in 2025

Welcome to the Sooner State! As you settle into your new life in Oklahoma, one of the most important practical steps is obtaining a local driver's license. While you can drive on your valid foreign license for a short period as a visitor, the law requires you to get an Oklahoma license once you establish residency.

The process of transferring a foreign license can seem complex, but this guide will break it down into simple, actionable steps. We will cover Oklahoma's residency rules, crucial reciprocity agreements, all the required documentation, and the tests you'll need to pass to drive legally in your new home state.

Step 1: Understand Residency and Reciprocity

The first thing to determine is how Oklahoma's laws apply to your specific situation, which largely depends on your country of origin.

Establishing Oklahoma Residency

You can legally drive in Oklahoma with a valid license from your home country as a visitor. However, once you become an Oklahoma resident (by getting a job, enrolling in school, or buying/renting a home), you are expected to get an Oklahoma driver's license. It is best practice to begin this process as soon as possible after establishing residency.

Reciprocity Agreements: The Key to Waived Tests

The most important factor in your licensing journey is whether your home country has a reciprocity agreement with Oklahoma. These agreements make the process much easier by waiving certain testing requirements.

  • Countries with Reciprocity: Oklahoma currently has reciprocity agreements with France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan.
  • What This Means for You: If you hold a valid, unexpired Class D (standard passenger vehicle) license from one of these four countries, the driving skills test (road test) will be waived. You will still be required to pass the vision screening and the written knowledge test.
  • All Other Countries: If your driver's license is from any country not listed above, you must complete the entire licensing process like a brand-new driver. This includes passing the vision, written, and driving skills tests.

Always check the official Service Oklahoma website for the most up-to-date list of reciprocal countries, as these agreements can be subject to change.

Step 2: Assemble Your Essential Documents

Service Oklahoma has strict documentation requirements to prove your identity and legal presence. All documents must be original or certified copies. No photocopies will be accepted.

Required Documentation Checklist:

  1. Your Foreign Driver's License: You must surrender your physical, valid license from your home country.
    • Certified Translation: If your license is not in English, you must provide a certified translation of the license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) can serve this purpose but must be accompanied by your actual license.
  2. Proof of Identity and Legal Presence: You will need to provide several documents. A common combination for non-U.S. citizens includes:
    • A valid, unexpired Passport from your country of origin.
    • A valid U.S. Visa and your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
    • Supporting immigration documents, such as an I-20 (for students) or I-797 approval notice.
    • A valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) is also acceptable.
  3. Primary and Secondary Identification: In addition to the above, you must satisfy the state's ID requirements. A foreign passport can serve as a primary ID. For a secondary ID, you'll need your Social Security card. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you must provide a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your ineligibility.
  4. Proof of Oklahoma Residency: You must provide two separate documents from different sources that show your name and current physical Oklahoma address (PO Boxes are not accepted). Examples include:
    • Utility bills (gas, electric, water)
    • A current signed lease or rental agreement
    • Bank or credit card statements
    • Oklahoma vehicle title or registration

Step 3: The Licensing and Testing Process

With your documents in hand, you are ready to visit a Service Oklahoma licensing office or an authorized Driver License Examiner.

For Reciprocal Countries (France, Germany, S. Korea, Taiwan):

  1. Visit a Licensing Office: Present all your documentation.
  2. Pass the Vision Test: Your eyesight will be checked to ensure you meet state standards.
  3. Pass the Written Knowledge Test: You must pass a multiple-choice test on Oklahoma traffic laws, signs, and signals. The Oklahoma Driver's Manual is your essential study guide.
  4. Pay Fees and Get Your License: Once you pass, you'll pay the fees and surrender your foreign license. You'll receive a temporary license, with the permanent one mailed to you.

For All Other Countries:

  1. Apply for a Learner Permit: You must first pass the vision and written knowledge tests to be issued an Oklahoma Learner Permit.
  2. Schedule a Driving Test: With your permit, schedule an appointment with an approved Driver License Examiner for your driving skills test.
  3. Pass the Driving Test: You must successfully pass the on-road test, which includes maneuvers like parallel parking, backing, and a three-point turn.
  4. Get Your License: After passing the road test, you will surrender your permit and foreign license, pay the fees, and be issued your Oklahoma driver's license.

Step 4: Fees and Surrendering Your License

Be prepared to pay the required fees for the application, testing, and license issuance. As of 2024, the road test fee is $25 for the first attempt and $35 for subsequent attempts, payable to the examiner. License fees are paid separately to Service Oklahoma.

Crucially, you must surrender your foreign license. Oklahoma does not permit a person to hold more than one valid driver's license. By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the process and start driving legally in your new home state.