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If you do not have an out-of-state driver license to transfer, you can obtain an Ohio ID card for identification purposes.

Ohio offers a Compliant and a Standard Ohio credential. Learn more about the options by visiting the Driver Licenses & ID Cards page for more information.

To obtain an Ohio ID card, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Gather acceptable documents to prove your current legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, citizenship or legal presence in the United States, and Ohio residential address.

Step 2: Present your acceptable documents and out-of-state ID, if you have one, at any Deputy Registrar license agency for ID card issuance.

At the time of issuance, you will be asked to complete the Application Information for Standard/Compliant Ohio Driver License or ID Card (BMV 5745). You have the option to complete the form prior to your visit and submit it at the time of issuance.

If you have an unexpired out-of-state driver license (non-CDL), you can apply for an Ohio driver license. Ohio offers a Compliant and a Standard Ohio credential. Learn more about the options by visiting the Driver Licenses & ID Cards page for more information.

If you are age 18 or older, follow the steps below to obtain an Ohio driver license.

Step 1: Gather acceptable documents to prove your current legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, citizenship or legal presence in the United States, and Ohio residential address.

Step 2: Present your unexpired out-of-state driver license and acceptable documents at any Deputy Registrar license agency. You will be asked to complete a vision screening to demonstrate you meet Ohio vision standards for driver license issuance.

At the time of issuance, you will be asked to complete the Application Information for Standard/Compliant Ohio Driver License or ID Card (BMV 5745). You have the option to complete the form prior to your visit and submit it at the time of issuance.

If you are at least 16 years of age and have an unexpired out-of-state driver license (non-CDL), you can apply for an Ohio driver license. Ohio offers a Compliant and a Standard Ohio credential. Learn more about the options by visiting the Driver Licenses & ID Cards page for more information.

If you are under the age of 18, follow the steps below to obtain an Ohio driver license.

Step 1: Gather proof that you meet Ohio's probationary driver requirements. Those requirements include:

• Six months of driving experience with at least 50 hours of driving, 10 of those hours at night
• Proof you have completed a driver education course that meets Ohio's driver education requirements
• Have a cosigner (parent or legal guardian) with you at the time of issuance who is willing to assume financial responsibility

Step 2: Gather acceptable documents to prove your current legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, citizenship or legal presence in the United States, and Ohio residential address.

Step 3: Present your unexpired out-of-state driver license, acceptable documents, and probationary driver requirements at any Deputy Registrar license agency. You will be asked to complete a vision screening to demonstrate you meet Ohio vision standards for driver license issuance.

At the time of issuance, you will be asked to complete the Application Information for Standard/Compliant Ohio Driver License or ID Card (BMV 5745) and the notarized Fifty Hour Affidavit (BMV 5791). You have the option to complete the forms prior to your visit and submit it at the time of issuance.

If you have an unexpired out-of-state CDL, you can apply for an Ohio CDL. Ohio offers a Compliant and a Standard Ohio credential. Learn more about the options by visiting the Driver Licenses & ID Cards page for more information.

To obtain an Ohio CDL, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Gather acceptable documents to prove your current legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, citizenship or legal presence in the United States, and Ohio residential address. Complete the CDL Self-Certification Authorization (BMV 2159).

If you have a HAZMAT endorsement, you must have at least one year left on your TSA Security Threat Assessment. If you have less than one year remaining, you must first complete a new Threat Assessment with TSA.

Step 2: Present your unexpired out-of-state driver license and acceptable documents at any Driver Exam Station. You will be asked to complete a vision screening to demonstrate you meet vision standards for CDL issuance. Holders with a HAZMAT or School Bus endorsement will be required to complete the knowledge test for the endorsement. Additional requirements may apply depending on the CDL currently held.

Step 3: After completing all requirements at the Driver Exam Station, present your unexpired out-of-state CDL, acceptable documents, and your completed BMV 2159 at any Deputy Register license agency for CDL issuance.

At the time of issuance, you will be asked to complete the Application Information for Standard/Compliant Ohio Driver License or ID Card (BMV 5745). You have the option to complete the form prior to your visit and submit it at the time of issuance.

If you are a first-time driver or your out-of-state driver license is expired, you must complete the testing process to obtain your Ohio driver license. Visit our First Issuance page for more details.

Before you can register your vehicle and obtain license plates in Ohio, you need to transfer your out-of-state title to Ohio by visiting any County Clerk of Courts Title Office.

Please see our Transfer an Out-of-State Title to Ohio page for complete information.

After titling your vehicle in Ohio, register the vehicle by visiting any Deputy Registrar license agency and presenting the following items:

• Ohio Certificate of Title, Memorandum Title, or Electronic Title Receipt
• Ohio driver license, Ohio ID card, or proof of Social Security number
• Tax ID number - if the vehicle is titled in a business name
• Lease agreement and power of attorney documents - if the vehicle is leased
• E-Check certificate - if registering in a county that requires E-Check
• A signed, notarized power of attorney or a Power of Attorney for Ohio Vehicle Registration (BMV 5736) - if your vehicle has multiple owners and any cannot be present

Please see our Vehicle Registration First Issuance page for complete information.

Review the Ohio Driver Manual - Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws to familiarize yourself with Ohio's motor vehicle laws.

Additional Ohio resources are available at:

• Ohio State Highway Patrol
• Ohio Department of Transportation
• Official Website of the State of Ohio