Ohio Driver's License Guide 2024

Table Of Content

This comprehensive guide will assist you in obtaining your Ohio learner's permit or driver's license. Renew your existing license and schedule your driving test with ease as well. It outlines the necessary steps, essential requirements, and tips to expedite the process of becoming a licensed driver in the Buckeye State.

How Does Getting a License in Ohio Work?

You must have a valid minor or adult license to drive legally in Ohio. Teenagers must follow the driver’s license program to officially become a driver. This process starts with applying for a learner's permit. Here are the three stages you’ll have to see through to become an OH licensed driver.

1. Get an instructional permit. Practice driving while supervised.
2. Apply for your probationary license. Drive unsupervised with a few restrictions.
3. Get a full, unrestricted driver's license. Drive freely without any restrictions.

Keep reading for details on obtaining your instruction permit and full license.

Driver's License Classes in Ohio

Each category corresponds to a specific permit.

Class D

This standard driver's license allows you to operate any vehicle except for motorcycles or commercial vehicles.

Class A, B (Commercial)

These licenses authorize the operation of any vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds and beyond. Class A allows towing of vehicles with a GCWR exceeding 10,000 pounds. Class B prohibits towing a vehicle with a GCWR exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Class C (Commercial)

This license category permits the driving of a vehicle designed for 16 or more passengers (driver included) or used for transporting hazardous materials.

Class M

Class M allows you to operate motorcycles or motor scooters on public roads.

How to Apply for Your Ohio Driver's License

You must initially apply for an instruction permit to obtain a Class D driver's license. Following that, you'll need to pass knowledge, vision, and road tests. This process varies depending on age:

• If you’re a first-timer over 15 ½ and 21, apply for your temporary instruction permit ID card.
• If you’re a TIPIC holder between 16 and 17, apply for your probationary license.
• If you’re an 18+ TIPIC holder, apply for your full license.

How to Apply for an Ohio Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC)

If you're unlicensed, obtaining a TIPIC is necessary. It permits supervised driving at all times. Drivers under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or a certified driving instructor. Those 16 and older can be supervised by any licensed driver over 21, except from midnight to 6 a.m., when only a parent/guardian can supervise. The supervising driver must be sober.

Here’s the process for getting your OH TIPIC.

Visit a Driver’s Exam Station

You must go to an exam station close by to get started on your license process. No appointment is needed; you can apply on a walk-in basis.

Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the exam station:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)
• Social Security number
• Birth certificate

Pass Your Knowledge Test

The Ohio BMV knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions covering traffic signs and regulations. If you don't pass, you can retake the test after 24 hours, and there's no limit on the number of retakes. Reviewing the frequently asked questions about the knowledge test and utilizing free OH BMV practice tests to prepare is beneficial.

Pass Your Vision Test

You must have a 20/40 acuity of both eyes. This is with or without spectacles or corrective lenses.

Have Your Photograph Taken

Get your picture taken. Smile for a cute photograph!

Apply at a Deputy Registrar License Agency

You must apply at a Deputy Registrar License Agency within 60 days of passing your tests. You can select an agency conveniently located near you. Visit the official Ohio BMV website for a list of Deputy Registrar License Agency locations. Remember to bring the necessary documentation and payment for the TIPIC fee when you visit.

Bring the Required Documentation

You can apply for a standard or compliant card as per your requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to bring to get a compliant card:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)

• Social Security number

• Documentation of legal presence in the US

• Proof of residency in Ohio (two documents)

• Receipt confirmation number

If opting for a standard card, a single document verifying your Ohio address will suffice.

Come Along with Your Parent or Guardian

Try to bring your guardian or parent with you since they’ll have to sign your application. Moreover, they must bring proper identification along.

Pay for Your Temporary Permit

The permit packet fee will be between $19.25 and $25, depending on your age. You can make the payment by cash, check, credit card, or money order.

Note: Your TIPIC remains valid for a period of one year. If you're younger than 18, you must retain it for a minimum of six months.

For those aged 18 and above, the subsequent action is to apply for an adult driver's license.

How to Apply for an Ohio Probationary Driver’s License

Getting a probationary license is the second step to becoming a full-fledged driver. It offers more privileges than a TIPIC but comes with certain restrictions:

• You cannot use any mobile devices, including cell phones.
• All passengers must wear seatbelts at all times.

Moreover, during the first 12 months of getting your OH probationary license, you cannot:

• Drive between midnight and 6 a.m. You’re exempt from this unless you're traveling to or from work. You must travel with documentation from your employer or to and from an official school or religious event.
• Carry more than one non-family member passenger in the vehicle. Exceptions include the presence of a parent or guardian.

These rules are designed to promote safety and reduce risks for new drivers. Always carry the necessary forms when driving during restricted hours. Additionally, follow all traffic laws to maintain your driving privileges.

For individuals under 18, following the initial year of getting their probationary license:

• Driving is prohibited between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. without a parent or guardian present. Exceptions include traveling to or from a job or attending an official school or religious event.

So, now if you’re sure you can get your probationary license, here’s how to get started:

Keep Your TIPIC

You must hold and maintain your TIPIC (permit) for at least six months and utilize this time to practice supervised driving.

Complete Your Driver’s Education

To apply for your probationary license, you will need to take driving lessons. These classes can be taken at a licensed driving school or high school. They must include around 24 hours of online or classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel experience.

Fulfill Your Supervised Driving Hours

You must finish a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving. Additionally, your parent or guardian must get the Fifty-Hour Affidavit officially notarized.

Schedule the Road Test

A road test examines your ability to perform certain driving patterns and drive safely. It is an integral part of your license journey. You can schedule a road test online, by calling (614) 752-7600 or by contacting the driver’s exam station directly. If you cannot make it to your appointment, make sure to inform the driver’s exam station immediately.

Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along to be accepted for the road test:

• Your driver’s education certificate
• Your TIPIC
• The 50-hour driving affidavit (notarized)

Pass Your Driving Skills Exam

Make sure to visit the center in a well-maintained vehicle for the test. The test will evaluate your proficiency in driving maneuvers and maintaining road safety. Hence, familiarize yourself with the details of the road test procedures and prerequisites or you can take Free Ohio driver's practice test. Should you not pass the test, a minimum wait of 7 days is mandatory before a reattempt. After four unsuccessful attempts, the waiting period increases to 6 months. You will receive a passing test from the examiner once you pass your test.

Apply at a Deputy Registrar License Agency

You must submit your Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) at a Deputy Registrar License Agency. Make sure to do so before it expires.

Bring the Required Documentation

You can apply for a standard or compliant card as per your requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to bring to get a compliant card:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)
• Social Security number
• Documentation of legal presence in the US
• Proof of residency in Ohio (two documents)
• Receipt confirmation number

If opting for a standard card, a single document verifying your Ohio address will suffice.

Come Along with Your Parent or Guardian

Try to bring your guardian or parent with you since they’ll have to sign your application. Moreover, they must bring proper identification along.

Receive Your Temporary License

Once you’ve completed the above process, you will receive a temporary probationary permit. Expect to receive your permanent license in the mail within 7 to 10 days.

Note: Your driving license is set to expire on the 20th day following your 21st birthday. However, if you hold an SB251 minor license, it will expire either on the 20th day post your 21st birthday or within 3 years, depending on which occurs sooner. It's important to renew your license in the period between turning 21 and the expiration of your minor license. Upon renewal, you will receive your full adult driver's license.

How to Apply for an Ohio Adult Driver’s License

If you're new to driving and don't have a license, your initial step is to apply for a TIPIC (Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card). In case your TIPIC has expired, you'll need to reapply and undergo both the vision and knowledge examinations again. If your TIPIC is still valid, you can proceed from step 1.

Schedule the Road Test

A road test examines your ability to perform certain driving patterns and drive safely. It is an integral part of your license journey. You can schedule a road test online, by calling (614) 752-7600 or by contacting the driver’s exam station directly. If you cannot make it to your appointment, make sure to inform the driver’s exam station immediately.

Pass Your Driving Skills Exam

Make sure to visit the center in a well-maintained vehicle for the test. The test will evaluate your proficiency in executing various driving maneuvers and maintaining road safety. Hence, make sure to familiarize yourself with the details of the road test procedures and prerequisites or study the OH driver's manual. Should you not pass the test, a minimum wait of 7 days is mandatory before a reattempt. After four unsuccessful attempts, the waiting period increases to 6 months. You will receive a passing test from the examiner once you pass your test.

Apply at a Deputy Registrar License Agency

You must submit your Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) at a Deputy Registrar License Agency. Make sure to do so before it expires.

Bring the Required Documentation

You can apply for a standard or compliant card as per your requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to bring to get a compliant card:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)
• Social Security number
• Documentation of legal presence in the US
• Proof of residency in Ohio (two documents)
• Receipt confirmation number

If opting for a standard card, a single document verifying your Ohio address will suffice.

Receive Your Temporary License

Once you’ve completed the above process, you will receive a temporary adult driver’s license. Expect to receive your permanent license in the mail within 7 to 10 days. This license will be valid for 4 years.

How to Renew or Replace Your Ohio Driver’s License

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ohio. If your license is close to expiring or has expired less than six months ago, get it renewed at a deputy registrar license agency. Your new license will expire within four years if you get your license renewed within 90 days of its expiry. If you renew your license more than 90 days before its expiry, your license will expire in three years. If you’re turning 21, you can’t apply for your license renewal more than 30 days before your birthday.

There are three ways to get your Ohio driver’s license renewed:

In Person

Here’s the plan of action for applying for your driver’s license renewal in person:

Apply at a Deputy Registrar License Agency

To locate a deputy registrar office nearby, search online for "deputy registrar office near me." You can also visit your local government website for a directory of offices. This will provide you with the addresses and contact information of the nearest locations.

Decide on the Document You Want

You must choose between a standard or compliant driver’s license, depending on your requirements.

Note: Only a Compliant DL-ID meets the requirements set by national travel security. Therefore, you’ll need more documents for this license.

Bring the Required Documentation

You can apply for a standard or compliant card as per your requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to bring to get a compliant card:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)
• Social Security number
• Documentation of legal presence in the US
• Proof of residency in Ohio (two documents)

Bring your current Ohio license if you want a standard license. Also, you must provide legal proof if you require a name change.

Pay for Your Temporary Permit

Pay the $25.75 fee. You can make the payment by cash, check, credit card, or money order.

Your renewed Ohio driver's license should be delivered via mail approximately 10 days following the renewal process. Typically, the license remains valid for a period of 4 years. You have the option to verify the progress of your license processing online.

If your driver's license has lapsed for more than six months, obtain a temporary permit and complete the knowledge, vision, and driving exams.

Online

That's correct. Currently, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) does not offer the option to renew driver's licenses online. Instead, residents must follow the traditional mail-in or in-person procedures outlined by the BMV. If you're temporarily out of state or have other specific circumstances, it's best to contact the BMV directly for guidance on the renewal process. Remember to check for any updates, as policies and services can change.

By Mail

If you're temporarily away from Ohio, you can renew your driver's license by mail if you meet these conditions:

• You have an Ohio address registered with the BMV.
• You're either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
• Your license isn't currently suspended.
• You're not serving a prison sentence.
• Your Ohio driver's license is either still valid or expired no more than 180 days ago.

To get the renewal packet, you should contact the BMV by calling (614) 752-7600 or sending an email to the Registrar's office. Remember to return the completed packet to the BMV so that it's postmarked no later than 180 days after your license's expiration date.

Applying for an Ohio Driver’s License as a New Resident

Upon relocating to Ohio, you must transfer your out-of-state driver's license within 30 days to continue driving legally.

Not sure if you qualify as an Ohio resident?

You're deemed a resident for driving purposes once you've settled in Ohio by:

• Securing employment
• Signing a property lease
• Purchasing a home
• Enrolling your children in local schools.

Temporary Stay in Ohio? Here's What You Need to Know!

There's no need to switch your license to an Ohio one if:

• You're a citizen of a different country. You're allowed to drive with your current national license for up to a year.
• You're serving in the military and are based in Ohio. However, your family members will need to obtain Ohio licenses.

What If I Have a Valid Out-of-State Driver’s License?

Have you moved to Ohio from another state? Great!

You will need to follow a stringent process, including taking a vision exam, presenting documentation, and paying for your license.

Visit a Driver’s Exam Station

You must go to an exam station that provides vision tests close by to get started on your license transfer process. No appointment is needed; you can apply on a walk-in basis.

Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the exam station:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)
• Social Security number
• Birth certificate

Pass Your Vision Test

You must have a 20/40 acuity of both eyes. This is with or without spectacles or corrective lenses.

Have Your Photograph Taken

Get your picture taken. Smile for a cute photograph!

Apply at a Deputy Registrar License Agency

To secure your Ohio license, you must apply at a Deputy Registrar License Agency within 60 days of passing the vision exam. You can select an agency that's conveniently located near you. For a list of Deputy Registrar License Agency locations, you can visit the official Ohio BMV website.

Bring the Required Documentation

You can apply for a standard or compliant card as per your requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to bring to get a compliant card:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)
• Social Security number
• Documentation of legal presence in the US
• Proof of residency in Ohio (two documents)
• Receipt confirmation number

If opting for a standard card, a single document verifying your Ohio address will suffice.

Surrender the Out-of-State License

In Ohio, it's against the law to hold multiple driver's licenses of the same category at the same time. So, you will have to submit yours.

Pay for Your License

The permit packet fee will be between $19.25 and $25.75, depending on your age. You can make the payment by cash, check, credit card, or money order.

Receive Your Temporary Permit

In Ohio, a temporary license is issued as a black-and-white paper card. You must keep this for a bit. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. You can monitor the processing status of your license through the Ohio BMV Online Services. If you need further assistance or have any questions, the Ohio BMV provides comprehensive information on its website.

What If I Have a Valid Foreign Driver’s License?

Made it to Ohio? Excellent!

If you possess a valid foreign driver's license, you're allowed to drive with it for up to one year. However, once you purchase a car in the state, obtaining an Ohio driver's license becomes necessary. To do so, you'll need to undergo a vision screening and knowledge and driving tests. For detailed instructions on applying for an Ohio driver's license with a foreign license, visit the Ohio Department of Public Safety. You can also try the Official Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. They provide all the necessary steps and requirements for the application process.