USA Ohio Driver License

Ohio Driver’s License: 2025 Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re applying for your first license, renewing, or transferring from another state, this updated 2025 guide will help you navigate the process through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Ohio BMV).

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How to Get a Driver’s License in Ohio

Step 1: Choose Your License Type
The most common license is:

• Class D (standard passenger vehicle license)

Other types include:

• Motorcycle license or endorsement (Class M)
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL: Classes A, B, C)
• Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) for new or teen drivers

Step 2: Bring the Required Documents
For both a standard or REAL ID-compliant license, you’ll need:

• Proof of full legal name and date of birth (e.g., U.S. passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of Social Security number (e.g., SS card or W-2)
• Two documents proving Ohio residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
• Proof of legal presence (if not a U.S. citizen)

Step 3: Take the Required Tests
If applying for your first Ohio driver’s license, you must pass:

• Vision screening
• Knowledge (written) test
• Driving (road) test

Testing is typically done at an Ohio BMV Driver Exam Station.

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Teen Drivers: Ohio’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

Ohio has a three-step process for teen drivers:

1. TIPIC (Temporary Permit) – Available at 15½ years old
   • Must pass vision and written test
   • Requires parental consent
2. Probationary License – Available at 16+ after completing:
   • 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night)
   • Driver’s education (classroom + behind-the-wheel)
   • 6-month holding period with clean driving record
3. Full License – Automatically converts at age 18 with no violations

Restrictions for under 18:

• No driving from midnight to 6 a.m. unless with a parent or for work/school
• Limited number of passengers without adult supervision

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Transferring an Out-of-State License to Ohio

New residents must apply for an Ohio license within 30 days of establishing residency.

You must:

• Present a valid out-of-state license
• Bring required identity, SSN, and residency documents
• Pass a vision test
• Written and road tests are typically waived if your license is valid

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Renewing Your Ohio Driver’s License

You can renew:

• In person at any Ohio BMV Deputy Registrar location
• Online through bmv.ohio.gov (if eligible)
• By mail in limited cases (e.g., military personnel)

Ohio licenses are generally valid for 4 years, with shorter terms for certain age groups.

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Ohio REAL ID – Compliant Driver’s License

Starting May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID-compliant license (called a “Compliant DL” in Ohio) or passport to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.

To get a REAL ID-compliant license:

• Visit a BMV location in person
• Bring identity, SSN, and two residency documents
• Look for the star in a gold circle on the upper-right corner

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Ohio Driver’s License Fees (2025)

License Type	Fee (Approx.)
Driver License (4 years)	$27.75
TIPIC (Temporary Permit)	$23.50
Motorcycle Endorsement	$10.50
Duplicate License	$26.00
Commercial License (CDL)	Varies

Additional fees may apply based on endorsements or location.

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Ohio BMV Services

• Driver’s license issuance and renewals
• Learner’s permits (TIPIC)
• REAL ID conversions
• Road and knowledge testing
• Out-of-state license transfers
• CDL and motorcycle licensing
• Online services and document uploads

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Required Documents Checklist

• U.S. passport or birth certificate
• Social Security number documentation
• Two Ohio residency documents
• Out-of-state license (if transferring)
• Driver’s ed certificate (for teen drivers)

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For more information, appointments, and test scheduling, visit the official Ohio BMV website.