What you need to do to get an Ohio driver's license
To get an Ohio driver's license, you will take a written test about traffic laws, pass a vision screening, and pass a driving test with an examiner. You will also need to bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Ohio residency. The whole process takes at least two visits to a Deputy Registrar office — one to take the written test and vision screening, and a second to take the driving test — though you can schedule these weeks apart if you need to.
Ohio issues licenses to people 16 and older. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter: you must hold a permit for at least six months before you can test for a license, and you cannot drive alone until you turn 18. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you can move straight to the full license test without the permit step.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Ohio address before you can take any test.
- The written test covers Ohio traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- You must schedule your driving test in advance at a Deputy Registrar office, and the examiner will test you on basic vehicle control and following traffic laws.
- If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months and practice with a licensed adult before you can take the driving test.
- The fee for a license is $27.50 if you are 18 or older; the cost is lower for minors and varies by how long the license is valid.
Documents you must bring to the Deputy Registrar
You will need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a passport card. This is your proof of identity and date of birth. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Ohio Department of Vital Statistics or from the county where you were born.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself works, but so does a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.
Finally, you need two documents that show your current Ohio address. These can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. Both documents must show your name and address, and at least one must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.
Taking the written test and vision screening
You can walk into any Deputy Registrar office during business hours without an appointment to take the written test. The test has 40 questions about Ohio traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly — a score of 80 percent — to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost.
The written test is on a computer at the Deputy Registrar office. You will have 30 minutes to finish. The questions are multiple choice, and you will see your score when ready after you submit your answers.
At the same visit, you will also have a vision screening. An employee will check that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a form from them before you can move forward.
After you pass the written test and vision screening, you will receive a receipt. Keep this receipt — you will need it when you schedule your driving test.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
Once you have passed the written test, you must schedule an appointment for the driving test. You can schedule online through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, by phone at 614-752-7500, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. The wait time for a driving test appointment varies by location and season; in busy times it can be several weeks.
On the day of your driving test, bring your receipt from the written test, your documents proving identity and residency, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the lights, wipers, horn, and brakes all work before you start driving.
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. They will also have you drive on regular streets and follow traffic laws. You must obey all traffic signs and signals, stay in your lane, and demonstrate that you can control the vehicle safely. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to pay the test fee again.
Rules if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit before you can take the driving test. To get a permit, you take the same written test and vision screening as an adult, but you do not take a driving test yet. After you pass, you receive a permit that is valid for two years.
With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult who is 21 or older is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license.
Once you have held the permit for six months and are ready to take the driving test, you schedule it the same way an adult does. After you pass the driving test, you will receive a license that is valid until you turn 21.
Renewing or replacing your license
An Ohio driver's license is valid for four or eight years, depending on whether you are under or over 65. When your license is about to expire, you will receive a notice in the mail. You can renew online through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website if your license has not been suspended or revoked and you have not had a major change in your vision or medical condition.
If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at any Deputy Registrar office. Bring your documents proving identity and residency, and pay the replacement fee. A replacement license costs $10.
Finding a Deputy Registrar office near you
Deputy Registrar offices are run by county governments and are located throughout Ohio. You can find the office nearest you by searching the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website or by calling 614-752-7500. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
Wait times at Deputy Registrar offices vary. If you are taking the written test, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. If you want to avoid a long wait, try going early in the morning or on a weekday rather than a Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home?
No. You must take the written test in person at a Deputy Registrar office. The vision screening also must be done in person. However, you can study for the test online using the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles practice test, which is free and covers the same topics as the real test.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need to. Each time you retake it, you pay the test fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can try. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so failing once does not mean you cannot get your license.
Do I need to take a driving test if I already have a license from another state?
If you move to Ohio and have a valid license from another state, you can exchange it for an Ohio license without taking a driving test. You will need to bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and two documents showing your Ohio address to a Deputy Registrar office. You will pay the license fee but not the test fee.
What if I wear glasses or contacts?
Bring your glasses or contacts with you to both the written test and the driving test. If you wear them while driving, you must wear them during the tests. Your license will have a restriction code if you must wear corrective lenses to drive safely.
How much does an Ohio driver's license cost?
The fee for a four-year license is $27.50 if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, the cost is lower and depends on how long the license is valid. There are also separate fees for the written test and the driving test; check the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website for current fees, as they change occasionally.