How to Get and Renew an Ohio Driver’s License: Complete Guide for Residents
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Every state has its own rules for licensing drivers. In Ohio, the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sets the requirements for residents.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about obtaining or renewing your Ohio driver's license. Use these tips to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Eligibility Requirements for Obtaining a License
When obtaining an Ohio state driver's license for the first time, you must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- At least 16 years old for a probationary license or 18 for a standard driver's license
- A lawful resident or citizen of the United States
- An Ohio resident with proof of residency
- Passed Ohio driver's license exam on the road
- Passed vision test and knowledge exam
Steps to Apply for an Ohio Driver's License
The steps required to apply for an Ohio Driver's license depend on your age.
Under 18
For those under 18, you can start the temporary permit/probationary driver licensing process at age 15 and six months. The first step is completing the knowledge test and vision screening online or in person. Once you pass the test, you can apply for a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). The temporary permit allows you to drive with a supervising adult under some restrictions.
After holding the TIPIC for at least six months, you are eligible to apply for a probationary driver's license. You need to pass the Driving and Skills tests, complete a driver education class at an approved driving school, and log at least 50 hours of driving, including 10 hours of night driving, to get the probationary license.
Once you turn 18, you can obtain a full unrestricted Ohio driver's license as long as you don't have multiple traffic convictions.
Over 18
The process is a bit simpler for adults applying for their first driver's license. You still need to start by passing the knowledge test and vision screening to get your temporary permit. Then, you need to practice driving with a licensed driver age 21 or older for at least six months.
You can take the road test after at least six months of driving with your temporary permit. If you pass, you can apply for your driver's license with the required documents at your local BMV office.
Required Documentation
When you're applying for your initial license in person at a deputy registrar license agency in Ohio, you need to bring the following documents that prove:
- Your full legal name
- Date of birth
- Legal presence in the United States
- Social Security number
- Ohio street address
Examples of acceptable documents include:
- Birth certificate
- United States passport
- Social Security card
- Medicare card
- Military identification
- W-2 form from the current or previous tax year
- 1099 form from the current or previous tax year
- Pay stub from the current or previous tax year
Make sure the documents you present all prove at least one of the five elements. If you're not sure whether your documents suffice for your driver's license application, check the Ohio BMV's Acceptable Documents page.
If your current legal name is not the same as the one listed on your identity document, you'll need to provide additional documents. For example, an original copy of your marriage license would connect your previous name with your current married name.
Since you must provide these documents in person, you cannot apply online for your initial Ohio driver's license.
Ohio Driver's License Renewal Process
A current driver renewing a driver's license in Ohio can choose between a Compliant Card or a Standard Card. A Compliant Card is sufficient identification for domestic air travel, while a Standard Card is not. To get a Compliant Card, you must provide additional identity documents.
If your license is still current or expired less than six months ago, you can renew your Ohio driver's license online or in person at any time. Your renewed license will expire in four or eight years, depending on your age and selection.
Online Renewal Process
For your convenience, the Ohio BMV offers an online service to renew your license. You can also complete a change of address for your license online.
Renew your license online by:
- Go to BMV.Ohio.Gov and select DL/ID renewal
- Log in to the OH|ID system or create an account.
- Fill out the renewal form with the required information.
- Add a payment to cover the renewal fees.
Once the BMV approves your renewal, they'll mail your new driver's license.
In-Person Renewal at the BMV
To renew your license in person at the BMV, bring your current OH driver's license or expired license (less than six months expired) with the required identity documents and payment for the renewal fees. You can reserve a spot at your local BMV location online.
Typically, you will also need to visit the BMV to apply for or renew special licenses in Ohio.
Don't Forget Your Ohio Car Insurance
Before you go out driving with your new Ohio driver's license, make sure you meet all of the Ohio auto insurance and registration requirements. As well as a license plate sticker, you must carry at least the minimum insurance coverage to drive any motor vehicle in Ohio.
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