Driver License & ID Cards
Living Will
Anyone applying for an Ohio driver license or identification card (ID) is asked if they have a valid health care power of attorney and/or a living will.
This type of document is a written statement detailing a person’s desires about medical treatment if they are unable to make decisions for themselves.
If you have a living will, you can choose to have this information displayed on your driver license or ID card.
Ohio Administrative Code: 3701-62-01
Organ Donation
Anyone applying for or renewing a driver license or indentification (ID) card is asked if they would like to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Donor information is then listed on the driver license or ID card and in the BMV driver license database.
To register to be an organ donor online, please visit our Organ Donor Registry.
Ohio Revised Code: 2108.23
Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-1-36
Second Chance Trust Fund
The Second Chance Trust Fund was established to help solve the critical shortage of organ donors in Ohio. When applying for or renewing an Ohio driver license or ID card, you may make a voluntary $1.00 contribution to the Second Chance Trust Fund to help promote organ donation.
Ohio Revised Code: 4501.028
Identity Fraud
Your Social Security Number
To protect Ohioans against identity theft, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has teamed up with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify the Social Security number, date of birth and/or name of anyone applying for or renewing a driver license or ID card.
If the applicant’s name, Social Security number and/or date of birth do not match the information on file with SSA, no license or ID card will be issued until the applicant produces documents proving the information.
Go to our Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents and links to use our interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a deputy registrar agency.
Ohio Revised Code: 4501.31
Voter Registration
All qualified driver license and identification (ID) card customers are asked if they want to register to vote or change their voter status.
- Voter status can be changed at any deputy registrar license agency by filling out a Voter Registration/Change of Address Form.
- The deputy registrar sends completed voter forms to the County Board of Elections.
More Information
Ohio Revised Code: 4507.06
Next of Kin
You may add two emergency contacts to your Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) record for use by law enforcement. Parents of children who have an Ohio identification (ID) card are encouraged to add contact information to their child’s record.
- Adding emergency contact information to your record is free.
- Minors under age 18 must have a parent or legal guardian as their primary contact.
- People over age 18 may list anyone as a primary contact.
- Contact information is stored in a secure database accessible only by the Ohio BMV and law enforcement.
How Do I Provide My Information?
- Register Next of Kin Contacts Online
- In person at any deputy registrar license agency in Ohio.
- By mail to:
BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES
VERIFICATION SERVICES
DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT
PO BOX 16520
COLUMBUS OH 43216-6520
More Information
Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-1-40
Ohio Revised Code: 4501.81
Armed Forces Designation
Any veteran, active duty, or reserve member of the United States armed forces may have an ‘Armed Forces’ emblem added to the bottom right-hand corner their Ohio driver license or identification (ID) card.
Applicants may visit any deputy registrar license agency in Ohio with their Ohio driver license or ID card and one of the following:
- DD214
- Active or retired military identification
- Veteran identification card
- Copy of current orders
Ohio Revised Code: 4507.06