| Q1: |
Is it legal to drive in
the State of Ohio with a valid learner's permit issued from another state? |
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A1: |
Yes,
you may operate a vehicle in the state of Ohio with a valid learner's permit, as long as
there is a valid licensed driver, the age of 21 or over, in the front passenger seat. |
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Q2: |
Why can't we accept
documents for date of birth, Social Security number, and Ohio residency other than those listed on the
acceptable document list? |
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A2: |
We are restricted to the documents listed in the Ohio Administrative Code
4501.1-1-21,
of the Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws. |
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Q3: |
Can the public keep
their "old" license pictures? |
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A3: |
No, the complete driver license or identification card must be returned
to the Driver License Division. |
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Q4: |
Does the deputy have to
conduct the vision screening with and without glasses? |
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A4: |
Yes, this is to obtain visual levels without glasses. |
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Q5: |
Are exam stations
authorized to take licenses of person(s) failing the vision test? |
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A5: |
Yes, if the person has failed the vision screening at the agency and at
the exam station. |
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Q6: |
Is it necessary for a
co-signer to be present when an identification card is issued to a minor? |
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Q7: |
What determines the
expiration date on an identification card? |
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Q8: |
Why is the applicant for
a driver license or identification card required to provide a Social Security number but
it does not appear on the driver license or identification card? |
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A8: |
The Social Security number
is only required to determine if a driver license has been issued, but
is not required to be on the identification card. Effective February 7,
2006, federal law prohibits the display of a person's social security
number on the person's driver license or identification card, commercial
driver license or temporary instruction permit. |
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Effective November
19, 2007, individuals who are renewing a current Ohio driver license,
Ohio commercial driver license (CDL), or Ohio identification (ID) card
will no longer be required to present a Social Security card at an Ohio
Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) license agency for verification at the
time of renewal.
An Ohio driver
license, Ohio CDL, or Ohio ID card, which is current, or has been
expired for less than six months, is acceptable without further proof of
the applicant’s Social Security number if it has been previously
verified in the BMV’s records. |
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Q9: |
Can the holder of an
identification card also hold a moped license? |
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A9: |
No,
you cannot have an identification card and moped license at the same time, just as you
cannot have an identification card and driver license at the same time. |
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Q10: |
Is it necessary to ask
the question concerning organ donation since the question is on the application? |
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A10: |
Yes, section
4506.07(6)
of the Ohio Revised Code requires this information on the application. |
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Q11: |
Are there any costs associated with becoming an organ donor? |
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A11: |
There is no cost to the donor or estate for the organ
donation. |
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Q12: |
How do I get a new driver license to show my new name since
I have recently been married? |
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A12: |
You
will need to take your driver license, marriage certificate, and current Social Security
card into a Deputy Registrar
office and purchase a new license with the name change. The fee
for a duplicate license is $24.50.
The new license can be issued only after the wedding has taken place. |
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Q13: |
I lost my driver license. How do I replace my lost license? |
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Q14: |
I was notified by my bank of a returned check written to you or a Deputy Registrar office. How do I resolve this matter? |
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A14: |
Banks are instructed to send returned checks through a
second time. If the check clears on the second attempt, the BMV does not
receive any notice of a returned check.
However, if the returned check does not go through on the
second attempt, and/or for another reason is sent to the BMV to process, you
will be sent a letter requesting payment, including a $15.00 service charge,
with a return envelope provided. The letter will reference a claim
number, which needs to be included with your payment in order for you to
receive proper credit for the transaction.
We understand that mistakes happen and afford you the
opportunity to correct the situation.
If you have further questions about a returned check, you may
contact the BMV Tax Distribution Section at (614) 752-2084. |
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| Q15: |
I lost part of my temporary
permit or ID card. Can I just buy a new permit
packet and have my written/driving test scores transferred to the new
permit? |
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A15: |
If test
scores can be verified, you may purchase a replacement and the test scores
will be transferred. if the test scores are not available, you must
purchase a new permit and complete the
entire testing process over again. The six month holding requirement for
applicants less than 18 years of age carries over from the first temporary
permit. |
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| Q16: |
Is the Ohio Class D written test
available in any other languages besides English? |
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A16: |
Yes, the class D written test is available in seven (7)
different languages and may be taken with the assistance of an interpreter.
For more information on alternative language testing options, contact your
local driver exam station. |
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| Q17: |
My child recently completed
driver’s education in another state. Will her driver’s education transfer
to Ohio? |
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A17: |
In
most cases, driver’s education completed in another state will transfer to
Ohio, but it must meet Ohio’s driver’s education minimum hour requirements.
To see if the out of state program fulfills
Ohio’s driver’s education requirement, contact your
local driver exam station. |
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| Q18: |
I am a new resident in this
state and I would like to transfer my license to Ohio. Unfortunately, my
license was lost during the move. How do I transfer my license without
getting a new license from my former state? |
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A18: |
For those who do not have their actual out of state
license, a certified copy of the applicant’s driving record from his/her
home state, or an official letter from his/her home state indicating the
status of the license dated within the last 30 days will usually be accepted
to begin the license transfer process [does not apply to commercial driver
license (CDL) holders]. The
applicant will still have to provide
acceptable
documents to establish identity and Ohio residence
address prior to license
transfer. |
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| Q19: |
My child
is 13 years old, is it possible to operate a motorized scooter on a public
street and what are the requirements? |
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A19: |
The Ohio Revised Code defines a moped, or
motorized bicycle, as any vehicle with two tandem wheels or one front and two rear wheels
which is capable of being pedaled and is also equipped with a helper motor. The helper
motor may not: have a piston displacement of more than 50 cubic centimeters; produce
more than one brake horsepower; and propel the vehicle at a maximum speed greater than 20 mph on a level
surface.
A child can obtain a moped license at the age of 14, by purchasing a moped
permit and successful completion of the required test.
The
following provisions contained in Ohio
Revised Code Sections
4511.52 &
4511.521 (rules governing operation of
motorized bicycles) apply to motorized bicycles,
mopeds and motorized scooters.
(A) No
person shall operate a motorized
bicycle upon a highway or any public or private property
used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, unless all
of the following conditions are met:
(1) The
person is fourteen or fifteen years of age and holds a valid probationary
motorized
bicycle license
issued after the person has passed the test provided for in this section, or
the person is sixteen years of age or older and holds either a valid
commercial driver's license issued under
Chapter 4506 or a driver's license
issued under
Chapter 4507 of the Revised Code or a
valid motorized bicycle license
issued after the person has passed the test provided for in this section,
except that if a person is sixteen years of age, has a valid probationary
motorized bicycle license and
desires a motorized bicycle
license, the person is not required to comply with the testing requirements
provided for in this section;
(2) The
motorized bicycle is equipped
in accordance with the rules adopted under division (B) of this section and
is in proper working order;
(3) The
person, if under eighteen years of age, is wearing a protective helmet on
the person's head with the chin strap properly fastened and the
motorized bicycle is equipped
with a rear-view mirror;
(4) The
person operates the motorized
bicycle when practicable within three feet of the right edge of the roadway
obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles.
(B) The
director of public safety, subject to
sections
119.01 to
119.13 of the Revised Code, shall adopt
and promulgate rules concerning protective helmets, the equipment of
motorized bicycles, and the testing and
qualifications of persons who do not hold a valid driver's or commercial
driver's license. The test shall be as near as practicable to the
examination required for a motorcycle operator's endorsement under
section 4507.11 of the Revised Code.
The test shall also require the operator to give an actual demonstration of
the operator's ability to operate and control a
motorized bicycle by driving one under the
supervision of an examining officer.
(C)
Every motorized bicycle
license expires on the birthday of the applicant in the fourth year after
the date it is issued, but in no event shall any
motorized bicycle license be issued for a period
longer than four years.
(D) No
person operating a motorized
bicycle shall carry another person upon the motorized
bicycle.
(E) The
protective helmet and rear-view mirror required by division (A) (3) of this
section shall, on and after January 1, 1985, conform with rules adopted by
the director under division (B) of this section.
(F) Each
probationary motorized
bicycle license or motorized
bicycle license shall be laminated with a transparent plastic material.
(G)
Whoever violates division (A), (D), or (E) of this section is guilty of a
minor misdemeanor.
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| Q20: |
I no
longer live in Ohio and in order to keep my insurance rates down, I need
proof of holding a license for more than three (3) years, what can I do? |
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A20: |
A
verification letter can be sent to verify your driving history. Please
contact the BMV at 614-752-7600 and request a verification of your driving
history. |
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| Q21: |
I have
completed the Motorcycle Safety course in another state, what are my
requirements to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in Ohio.
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A21: |
You will
be required to contact Motorcycle Ohio at 1-800-837-4337 to see if the
requirements of that state meet Ohio’s guidelines. |
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| Q22: |
I am in
the military, can I wait to renew my driver license when I return to Ohio? |
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A22: |
There are
provisions to allow an individual to renew via the postal service. A
renewal packet can be sent for completion and a new license is then sent to
the customer. If the individual wishes to wait until their return, the
persons should still be active duty or separated not more than 6 months.
Each law enforcement jurisdiction makes the
determination whether the expired Ohio driver license, motorcycle
endorsement or commercial driver license will be accepted as valid when
presented with a military identification card. If a driver license has not
been renewed, upon expiration the Ohio BMV record will indicate "Expired".
The Ohio BMV record does not have any special notations to indicate if a
driver is active duty military or a dependent of an active duty military
service member, therefore if stopped by a law enforcement agent, the record
will read "Expired".
The Ohio Revised Code,
4507.03 states in part
"...Every person on active duty in the armed forces of the United States,
when furnished with a driver's permit and when operating an official motor
vehicle in connection with such duty, is exempt from the license
requirements..." "...This section does not prevent such a person or his
spouse or dependent from making an application for renewal of a driver's
license, motorcycle endorsement or commercial driver's license during the
period of his active duty or service..." |
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| Q23: |
I am new
to this country and I wish to obtain a driver license, do I qualify? |
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| Q24: |
I work for a law enforcement agency. How do I order BMV 2255 forms? |
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A24: |
You may
fax your request to (614) 752-7271. Please include the number of 2255
forms that you are requesting, your agency name and your agency's street
address. |
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| Q25: |
What is the procedure for reporting someone who should not drive because
of age or because of a medical, physical or vision problem? |
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A25: |
The Ohio Motor Vehicle laws allow the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to
require an Ohio licensed driver to submit a medical statement and/or
take a driver license examination upon receiving information giving "good
cause to believe" that the driver is incompetent or otherwise incapable of
safely operating a motor vehicle. The Ohio Administrative Code states that
"good cause" is considered to be a request for recertification received from
a law enforcement agency, court, physician, hospital, or rehabilitation
facility. To take action on a request received from a law enforcement agency
or court we require that the agency or court has had personal observation of
the subject's driving or personal contact with the driver. We cannot take
action on the recertification request if it is based solely on the person's
age or hearsay.
The Bureau will also take action on a written and signed request
submitted by a relative, friend, neighbor, etc. However, we are required to
first conduct an investigation to determine if there is sufficient cause to
require a medical statement and/or driver license examination. Again, age
cannot be the only basis for the request. The letter writer must provide us
with enough information so that we can locate record of a valid Ohio driver
license or temporary permit issued to the person. If we cannot find record
of an Ohio license or temporary permit, no action can be taken.
Legally, we must inform the driver who is the
subject of our investigation or recertification procedures of our source of
information. Therefore, before an investigation or any other action is taken
on request received from a family member, neighbor, friend, nurse or social
service agency, we must receive permission to use the letter writer's name as
our source of information. Information received from a physician is
considered confidential.
There is currently no law that requires a medical professional to report
to the Bureau a patient who should not drive, nor is there any liability
protection for the person that chooses to make a report. Any changes in our
policies and procedures for reporting and recertifying unsafe drivers would
necessitate the enactment of new laws by the Ohio Legislature.
If someone would like to submit a written request to the Bureau to have a
driver recertified for driving privileges, you may send or fax the letter to
the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Attention: Driver License Special Case
Section/Medical Unit. P.O. Box 16784, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6784, fax number
(614) 752-7271, Attention Medical Unit. The letter should include a release
allowing us to use the letter writer's name as our source of information.
The Ohio laws that govern driver license re-examination and medical
recertification of a driver do not involve vehicle registration privileges
or license plates. Therefore, registration privileges will not be affected
even if driving privileges are denied.
Ohio's motor vehicle laws currently do not provide for mandatory
retesting of elderly drivers, as it is considered discriminatory. All
drivers, regardless of age, are only required to pass a vision screening
prior to being issued a renewal driver license. |
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| Q26: |
What is a Hardship License and how do you apply for one? |
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A26: |
In accordance with section
4507.071 of the Ohio Revised Code, a
hardship license may be issued to a minor 14 or 15 years old at the
discretion of the Registrar of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. To qualify for
a hardship license the child and the household must meet certain criteria.
The minor would have to be the-only licensed driver in the household; any
other licensed drivers would be required to surrender their driver license.
A hardship license may not be used for the child to drive themselves or
siblings to and from school, work or social and school events. The license
is valid only within a 10-mile radius of the home and is issued for
obtaining groceries and other household necessities, to drive the disabled
parent or guardian to medical appointments and medical emergencies. The
parent or guardian must accompany the child at all times while driving. The
family must live in an area where there is no public transportation or
community services available to assist them. The parent or guardian must
show proof that they can maintain financial responsibility insurance on the
driver. The child must complete a driver education course and the graduated
licensing requirements.
Persons who feel they meet this criteria and are interested in
applying for a hardship license should forward a letter to Ohio Bureau of
Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 16784, Attention Driver License Special Case
Division/Medical Unit, Columbus, Ohio, 43216-6784. The letter must explain
the hardship and provide us with child's full name, date of birth, social
security number and the names, dates of birth and social security numbers of
any licensed drivers in the household. We must also receive a notarized
statement advising that any other driver(s) in the home would be
willing to surrender their driver licenses if a hardship license were to be
issued. Before a hardship license is authorized, an investigation is
conducted to assist us in determining whether the household qualifies. |
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| Q27: |
How do I cancel the driver license of a deceased spouse or relative? |
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A27: |
In order to have a spouse's or relative's Ohio driving record marked as
deceased, a copy of the death certificate or a letter from the coroner's
office must be provided. You can mail to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles,
Attn: License Support Verification Unit, P.O. Box 16784, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6784 or
fax to (614)752-7987. |
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| Q28: |
Why do I need to show proof of residency in Ohio? |
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A28: |
Effective October 8, 2009, Ohio Administrative Code 4501:1-1-21 was
revised and now requires a person who signs an application for an Ohio TIPIC,
driver license, commercial driver license, motorcycle operator license, or
identification card to present, along with the application, proof of Ohio
residence address. |
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