How to get a driver's license in Ohio

How it works

• The license for a regular car: Class D

  To drive a motor vehicle in Ohio, you must have an Ohio driver license. The regular license for a car is the Class D operator's license.

  • Class D covers vehicles that do not need a commercial license or an extra endorsement. This includes the probationary license for drivers under 18.
  • An Ohio resident may hold only one driver license or ID card at a time.

  Source: [1]

• What a first-time applicant does

  • Show acceptable documents that prove your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, Ohio street address and citizenship or legal presence in the United States.
  • Meet Ohio's vision standards. Bring your glasses or contacts.
  • Pass the knowledge test. The minimum age to take it and the vision screening is 15 years and six months.
  • Get a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC), then pass the driving tests.
  • After you pass both driving tests, visit a Deputy Registrar License Agency to buy your license.

  Source: [1]

• Your steps depend on your age

  Ohio uses steps that depend on your age. The details are in the sections below.

  • Under 21: you must complete a driver education class before your driving tests. Under 18: you must also hold the TIPIC for at least six months, and your first license is a probationary license with limits.
  • Temporary residents age 21 or older must also complete driver education.
  • BMV Online Services lets you take the knowledge test online, schedule a driving test, save your place in line at a Deputy Registrar and renew or reprint a license or ID.

  Source: [1] [2]

If you are 15 and a half to 17

1. Take the knowledge test and vision screening

   From age 15 and six months, you can take the knowledge test online, at select Deputy Registrar locations or at any Driver Exam Station to begin the temporary permit process.

   • To get a TIPIC, you must pass both the knowledge test and the vision screening.
   • If you take the knowledge test online, the vision screening is done at a Deputy Registrar License Agency when you buy the TIPIC.

   Source: [2]

2. Get your TIPIC

   After you pass the tests, visit a Deputy Registrar License Agency within 60 days to buy your TIPIC.

   • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to co-sign the TIPIC application.
   • If you have an Ohio ID card, it is canceled when the TIPIC is issued.

   Source: [1]

3. Complete a driver education class

   A driver under 21 must complete a driver education class at a licensed driver training school: 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and 8 hours of driving time. You can search for approved schools with the link below.

   Source: [1] [2]

4. Practice 50 hours

   A driver under 21 must complete and log 50 hours of driving with an eligible licensed driver. At least 10 of the hours must be at night.

   • The adult in the front passenger seat must not be intoxicated.
   • The BMV forms list includes the Fifty-Hour Affidavit (form BMV 5791). Complete it and keep it ready.
   • Extra limits on when and with whom a permit holder may drive depend on your age. Check the BMV First Issuance page (linked below) before you practice.

   Source: [1] [2] [11]

5. Hold the TIPIC for six months

   Applicants under 18 must hold the TIPIC for at least six months. This holding period applies to drivers under 18 only.

   Source: [1]

6. Take the driving tests

   When you take the driving and skills tests, you must provide your Driver Education Certificate. See "The tests" below for what the tests involve.

   Source: [2]

7. Buy your probationary license

   After you pass the driving and skills tests, go to a Deputy Registrar License Agency within 60 days to buy your probationary driver license.

   • Your parent or guardian must present identification and co-sign your license application.
   • A parent or legal guardian who co-signs is jointly and severally liable with the minor for damages caused by negligence or willful misconduct while driving, until the minor's 18th birthday.

   Source: [2] [1]

Rules for young drivers

• Night driving

  During the first 12 months of holding a license, a probationary license holder under 18 may not drive from midnight to 6 a.m. unless an exception applies.

  • The exceptions include driving to or from work, with employer documentation (form BMV 2825).
  • The exceptions include driving to or from an official school-sponsored or religious event, with documentation from the event official (form BMV 2826).
  • After the first 12 months of holding a license, and while still under 18, you may not drive from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless an exception applies.

  Source: [2] [11]

• Passengers

  During the first 12 months of holding the license, a probationary license holder under 18 may not carry more than one non-family member as a passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

  Source: [2]

• Phones and devices

  Drivers under 18 may not use phones or other electronic devices while driving. See the Ohio Driver Manual for the details.

  Source: [2] [1]

• Tickets and suspensions before age 18

  • Several moving-violation convictions before age 18 lead to a suspension of your license.
  • A conviction of Probationary Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence results in a six-month license suspension.
  • For alcohol-related convictions before age 18, the license is suspended for at least six months.
  • A traffic conviction in the first six months of having a license may mean a parent or guardian must accompany the driver for six months or until age 17.

  Source: [15] [1] [2]

• Alcohol under age 21

  In Ohio, it is against the law to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration of .02% or higher when you are under age 21.

  Source: [1]

If you are 18, 19 or 20

1. Take the knowledge test and vision screening

   You may take the knowledge test online, or take it and the vision screening at select Deputy Registrar locations or any Driver Exam Station, to begin the temporary permit process.

   • An online test taker younger than 19 must have a supervising adult who passes identity verification and serves as proctor.

   Source: [2]

2. Complete a driver education class

   Applicants aged 18 to 20 must first complete a Class D driver education class: 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and 8 hours of driving time.

   • The Ohio Traffic Safety Office says that beginning Sept. 30, 2025, Ohioans aged 18, 19 and 20 must take an Ohio-approved driver training course.

   Source: [2] [13]

3. Practice 50 hours

   Applicants aged 18 to 20 must complete and log 50 hours of supervised practice driving with an eligible adult, including at least 10 hours at night.

   • With a TIPIC, applicants 18 and over may practice driving only when accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.
   • The six-month TIPIC holding period applies to drivers under 18 only.
   • The BMV forms list includes the Fifty-Hour Affidavit (form BMV 5791). Complete it and keep it ready.

   Source: [2] [1] [11]

4. Take the driving tests

   Applicants under 21 who fail the driving test must wait two days before retesting. See "The tests" below.

   Source: [1]

5. Buy your license

   After you pass the driving and maneuverability tests, go to a Deputy Registrar to be issued your license. You must surrender your TIPIC at that time. An Ohio license issued to a driver under 21 expires on the driver's 21st birthday.

   Source: [2] [6]

If you are 21 or older

1. Take the knowledge test and vision screening

   An adult applicant may take the knowledge test online, or take it and the vision screening at select Deputy Registrar locations or any Driver Exam Station.

   Source: [2]

2. Practice with a TIPIC

   Adult applicants holding a TIPIC may practice driving only when accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.

   Source: [2]

3. Take the driving tests

   Adult applicants who fail the maneuverability or road test must take an Abbreviated Adult Driver Training Course before a second attempt. See "The tests" below.

   Source: [1]

4. Buy your license

   After you pass the driving tests, go to a Deputy Registrar License Agency within 60 days to buy your license.

   • Qualified applicants 21 or older and not yet 65 may choose an 8-year license. Otherwise, a 4-year license is issued.

   Source: [2] [1]

Temporary residents and non-citizens

• Temporary residents age 21 or older

  A temporary resident is a person who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident but does have legal presence in the country. If you are one and you are 21 or older, you must:

  • Complete a driver education class: 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and 8 hours of driving time.
  • Complete and log 50 hours of driving with a licensed driver age 21 or older, including at least 10 hours at night.
  • Hold the TIPIC for at least 14 days.
  • If you have an unexpired license from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan, you are exempt from these requirements and may get an Ohio license by presenting it.

  Source: [1]

Moving to Ohio

New Resident Guide →

• Deadline: 30 days

  You are an Ohio resident once you take a job, sign a lease, buy a home or enroll children in school. Within 30 days of establishing residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver license or ID card, vehicle title and vehicle registration to Ohio.

  Source: [8]

• Getting your Ohio license

  If you are at least 16 and have an unexpired out-of-state, non-CDL driver license, you can apply for an Ohio driver license.

  • Present your unexpired out-of-state license and acceptable documents at any Deputy Registrar License Agency.
  • You are asked to complete a vision screening.
  • You are asked to complete form BMV 5745 (Application Information). You can fill it out before your visit.
  • A new resident under 18 needs a cosigner (a parent or legal guardian) at issuance who is willing to assume financial responsibility.

  Source: [8]

• When you must test

  First-time drivers and people whose out-of-state license is expired must complete the testing process to get an Ohio license.

  Source: [8]

• No out-of-state license? Vehicle?

  • Without an out-of-state driver license to transfer, you can get an Ohio ID card for identification purposes.
  • Before registering a vehicle in Ohio, you must transfer the out-of-state title at a County Clerk of Courts Title Office.

  Source: [8]

Documents to bring

• What you must prove

  To get a TIPIC, any type of driver license or a state ID card, you must first provide acceptable documents that prove five elements of identity:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Ohio street address
  • Citizenship or legal presence in the United States

  Source: [1]

• Which documents are accepted

  This guide does not list the accepted documents. The BMV Acceptable Documents page has the lists. It also offers an interactive checklist for what to bring to a Deputy Registrar agency.

  Source: [3]

• Compliant card or Standard card

  • The Compliant card requires more identity documents than the Standard card.
  • For the Compliant card, the two address documents must come from different sources and be on the Acceptable Document List.
  • The Standard card needs no additional identity documents unless the license or ID is being issued for the first time.
  • You must provide all required identity documents for a first-time issuance, whichever card type you choose.

  Source: [3] [4]

• If your name has changed

  If your current legal name differs from the name on your birth certificate, passport or DHS documents, bring original or certified name change documents to connect the two.

  • Accepted name change documents are a marriage certificate or license, a divorce, dissolution or annulment decree, or a court-ordered name change.

  Source: [3]

• Non-U.S. citizens

  • The BMV must verify the legal presence of non-U.S. citizens. The name on your USCIS documents becomes the name on your Ohio license or ID.
  • A valid Permanent Resident Card (green card) holder gets a regular Ohio driver license. Bring your valid green card, a Social Security card if one was assigned, and proof of Ohio residency.
  • A limited-term license allows driving in Ohio and other states but cannot be renewed in Ohio or transferred to another state.
  • You must present current USCIS documents and proof of Ohio residency each time you get an ID card or license.
  • Ohio and federal law require your immigration status to be verified through the USCIS SAVE system before a TIPIC, license or ID is issued or renewed.

  Source: [5]

• BMV forms you may need

  These forms are listed on the BMV Forms page:

  • BMV 5791: Fifty-Hour Affidavit
  • BMV 5789: Twenty-Four Hour Affidavit
  • BMV 2825: employer approval for a probationary driver driving within restricted hours
  • BMV 2826: event-official approval for a probationary driver driving within restricted hours
  • BMV 5745: Application Information (you can fill it out before your visit)

  Source: [11] [8]

Compliant card (REAL ID) or Standard card

• Which card do you want?

  Ohioans can choose between a Compliant driver license and a Standard driver license card. The Compliant and Standard cards cost the same.

  Source: [1] [4]

• How the two cards differ

  • The Compliant card meets national travel security requirements. A federally compliant ID is required to fly commercially or to enter federal facilities or military bases. It has a star in the upper part of the card.
  • The Standard card does not meet those requirements. To fly or to enter a federal facility or military base, it must be used with a passport or other TSA-approved documents.
  • Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and to enter certain federal facilities.
  • A Compliant card cannot be used for international travel, which still requires a passport.
  • Both card types prove identity for things like buying alcohol or registering to vote, but only a driver license authorizes driving.

  Source: [4]

• Documents and renewal

  • The Compliant card requires more identity documents than the Standard card.
  • A Standard card needs no additional documentation at renewal.

  Source: [4]

At the BMV

1. Choose the right office

   The BMV location directory lists Deputy Registrar License Agencies and Driver Exam Stations as separate types of location.

   • For testing, visit a Driver Exam Station. Knowledge testing is also available at select Deputy Registrar locations.
   • For issuance of your permit or license, visit a Deputy Registrar License Agency. The BMV pages say issuance happens at any Deputy Registrar License Agency in Ohio.

   Source: [12] [6] [1]

2. Save your place in line

   You can save your place in line before visiting a Deputy Registrar License Agency with Get In Line Online (linked below).

   Source: [1]

3. Bring your papers

   Bring your acceptable documents and any forms you need.

   • Applicants age 21 or older bring the notarized Twenty-Four Hour Affidavit (form BMV 5789) if it applies.
   • Notaries are available at the Deputy Registrar agency.

   Source: [1]

4. Questions you will be asked

   • Driver license applicants are asked whether they want to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.
   • Qualified applicants are asked whether they want to register to vote or change their voter status.

   Source: [1]

5. Fees

   The fees for permits, licenses and other services change, so this guide does not list them. See the BMV Fees page (linked below).

   Source: [9]

The tests

• The knowledge test

  The knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and a 75% passing score is needed. An online Sample Knowledge Test shows how questions are asked.

  • You can take the test online, at a BMV Driver Examination Station or at select Deputy Registrar License Agencies.
  • The test is available in ASL, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Russian, Somali and Spanish.

  Source: [1]

• If you fail, and online testing

  • If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait before retesting. In person, you can take the test only once in a day.
  • Online knowledge testing is limited to two attempts in a six-month period.
  • All applicants who are 15.5 years old but younger than 19 must have a supervising adult present for the online test.
  • People with a suspended license, a medical flag, an active out-of-state license, or who need special assistance cannot test online.

  Source: [1] [2]

• Testing in person

  When testing in person, you must pass a vision screening and bring documents proving your name, date of birth and Social Security number (if assigned).

  Source: [2]

• Vision

  You must meet Ohio's vision standards before you can get a driver license.

  • The minimum vision for most drivers to get an unrestricted license is 20/40.
  • An unrestricted license requires at least 70 degrees of side vision in each eye.
  • Medical conditions that may affect driving can lead to a two-part license, with a medical restriction card carried with the license.

  Source: [1] [7]

• Help at the Driver Exam Station

  Disability accommodations available at the Driver Exam Station include an audio test, a printed paper test, an ASL test and visual instructions during the driving test for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

  Source: [1]

• Scheduling the driving tests

  • The BMV says tests will not be scheduled by email. You schedule through BMV Online Services.
  • Designated Testing Locations working with the BMV are authorized to collect fees to cover the cost of administering the skills test.

  Source: [2] [1]

• Your vehicle for the driving test

  You must present your TIPIC and provide a vehicle in good condition for the driving test.

  • A vehicle inspection before the test checks turn signals, brake lights, horn, windshield wipers and headlights.
  • Front doors must open from the inside and outside with the door handle.
  • Vehicle registration must be current and displayed on the license plate.
  • Automated assistance tools, such as automated parking, must be disabled for the test.

  Source: [1]

• The maneuverability test

  Vehicle maneuverability is evaluated on a course marked by five markers. Running over or knocking down a marker, or removing a marker from its area, is an immediate failure.

  • Step one: drive forward through a 9-foot by 20-foot course formed by four markers, steering right or left of the center marker as the examiner directs.
  • Step two: back up past the center marker, straighten the vehicle and continue back through the course, stopping with the front bumper even with the two rear markers.

  Source: [1]

• The on-road skills test

  In the on-road skills test, the examiner rides as a front-seat passenger and gives travel instructions.

  Source: [1]

• If you fail a driving test

  • Applicants under 21 who fail the driving test must wait two days before retesting.
  • An adult applicant who fails the maneuverability or road portion must take an Abbreviated Adult Driver Training Course before a second attempt.
  • The course is not required if the applicant had an approved driver education course within one year before testing.
  • The course has four options: a 4-hour class (in person or state-approved online) followed by either 4 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction or 24 hours of driving with a licensed driver age 21 or older.
  • Before the second attempt, provide the course Certificate of Completion and, if it applies, a completed notarized Twenty-Four Hour Affidavit.
  • An applicant who fails the second attempt does not have to take another abbreviated course but must wait at least two days before testing again.

  Source: [1] [2]

After you pass

• Your interim paper and your card

  After your visit to a Deputy Registrar, you receive Ohio interim documentation to use until the new card arrives in the mail.

  • For a license or TIPIC application, the interim documentation allows you to drive vehicles that do not need a CDL.
  • It only confirms that an application is pending. It is not a form of identification.
  • Cards are mailed to you within 10 business days after your visit.
  • If the card has not arrived after 28 days, contact the BMV through its website or by phone to check the status.

  Source: [4]

• How long your license is valid

  • Qualified applicants 21 or older and not yet 65 may choose an 8-year license. Otherwise, a 4-year license is issued.
  • Drivers age 65 or over get a 4-year license and cannot renew online or get an 8-year license.
  • A license issued to a driver under 21 expires on the driver's 21st birthday.

  Source: [1] [6]

• Renewing

  • Ohio offers online renewal to qualified applicants. All applicants can renew in person at any Deputy Registrar License Agency.
  • A license that is current or expired less than six months can be renewed at a Deputy Registrar agency, or online before the expiration date.
  • There is no grace period for renewing your license. If you keep driving after it expires, you risk a traffic citation.
  • If a license has been expired more than six months, you must get a temporary permit and pass all required testing before a new license is issued.
  • A license for a driver under 21 must be renewed in person. You can renew up to 30 days before your 21st birthday.

  Source: [1] [6]

• Replacing a license or changing your information

  • A lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed license with no information to update can be reprinted online at BMV Online Services. A reprint keeps the same expiration date and information, and only one online reprint can be requested.
  • If information on your card (such as your address or name) must change, you must buy a duplicate at a Deputy Registrar License Agency.
  • If you are under 21, a duplicate license or ID cannot be requested within 30 days of your 21st birthday.
  • For the fee, see the BMV Fees page (linked below).

  Source: [9]

Keeping your license

• Insurance

  It is illegal to drive any motor vehicle in Ohio without insurance.

  • Proof of insurance must be shown at traffic stops, accident scenes and vehicle inspections, and whenever the BMV requests it.
  • When you apply for a new, renewal or duplicate license, you sign a sworn statement that you will not drive without liability insurance or another form of financial responsibility.

  Source: [1] [10]

• Points

  • At six points within two years, the BMV sends a six-point warning letter.
  • At 12 or more points within two years, the BMV imposes a 12-point suspension.
  • Reinstatement after a 12-point suspension includes serving a six-month suspension and completing a remedial driving course. It also requires retaking the complete driver license exam.

  Source: [1] [14]

Official links

• Driver license and ID card information (bmv.ohio.gov)
• First issuance: temporary permit and license (bmv.ohio.gov)
• Acceptable Documents (bmv.ohio.gov)
• Ohio's REAL ID (Compliant and Standard cards) (bmv.ohio.gov)
• Non-U.S. citizens (bmv.ohio.gov)
• New Ohio residents (bmv.ohio.gov)
• Driver license renewal (bmv.ohio.gov)
• Reprint or duplicate license (bmv.ohio.gov)
• Restrictions (vision and medical) (bmv.ohio.gov)
• Mandatory insurance (bmv.ohio.gov)
• Sample knowledge test (bmv.ohio.gov)
• BMV forms (bmv.ohio.gov)
• BMV fees (bmv.ohio.gov)
• Ohio Driver Manual (HTML edition) (bmv.ohio.gov)
• BMV Online Services (bmvonline.dps.ohio.gov)
• Find a BMV location (publicsafety.ohio.gov)
• Get In Line Online (ohiobmvappt.cxmflow.com)
• Approved driving schools (apps.dps.ohio.gov)
• Ohio Driver Training (Ohio Traffic Safety Office) (otso.ohio.gov)
• Points and 12-point suspension (bmv.ohio.gov)
• Suspensions for drivers under 18 (bmv.ohio.gov)
• Contact the BMV (bmv.ohio.gov)

Sources

1. Ohio Driver Manual (Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws), current online (HTML) edition (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles
2. Driver License & ID Cards - First Issuance (temporary permit and driver license for under 18, 18-20 and over 21; knowledge test; driving and skills test; abbreviated adult course) (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
3. Acceptable Documents (Compliant and Standard card; name change; Social Security number) (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
4. Ohio's Real ID (Compliant vs. Standard cards, delivery by mail, interim documentation, FAQ) (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
5. Non-U.S. Citizens (permanent residents, limited-term licenses, SAVE verification) (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
6. Driver License Renewal - Current Ohio License (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
7. Driver License Restrictions (vision requirement, medical restriction) (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
8. New Ohio Residents (New to Ohio) (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
9. Reprint / Duplicate driver license or ID card (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
10. Mandatory Insurance (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
11. Forms (list of BMV forms) (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
12. Find a Local Office (BMV location directory) (publicsafety.ohio.gov) — Ohio Department of Public Safety
13. Ohio Driver Training (Ohio Traffic Safety Office overview) (otso.ohio.gov) — Ohio Traffic Safety Office (Ohio Department of Public Safety)
14. Suspensions & Reinstatements - Other Suspensions (points, license cancellation, co-signer) (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
15. Suspensions & Reinstatements - Juvenile Suspensions (bmv.ohio.gov) — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles