What you need to do to get an Ohio driver's license

To switch to an Ohio driver's license, you must visit a Deputy Registrar office or Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles location in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof documents, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. You'll leave with a temporary license that day and receive your permanent card by mail within two weeks.

Ohio accepts licenses from any U.S. state or territory. You do not need to surrender your old license — Ohio will not ask for it, though some people choose to keep it as a second form of ID. Your new Ohio license will be valid for eight years if you're under 65, or four years if you're 65 or older.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of your Social Security number to any Deputy Registrar or BMV office.
  • You must pass a vision screening at the office; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
  • The fee for an eight-year license is $38.50 if you're under 65, or $19.25 if you're 65 or older.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card will arrive by mail within two weeks.
  • Deputy Registrar offices are faster and less crowded than BMV locations, and you can find the nearest one on the Ohio BMV website.

Where to go and what documents to bring

You have two options: visit an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office or a Deputy Registrar. Deputy Registrars are private businesses licensed by the state to handle license transactions — they're usually faster and have shorter wait times. You can find a Deputy Registrar near you by searching the Ohio BMV website at bmv.ohio.gov and clicking "Find a Deputy Registrar."

Bring these documents with you: your current valid driver's license from another state, one proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Ohio address dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your out-of-state license was issued, also bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

If you don't have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation instead. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone won't work.

The vision test and what happens at the office

When you arrive, staff will check your documents and ask you to read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. This is a basic vision screening, not an eye exam. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the office. If you fail the vision test, you'll be told on the spot and can retake it, but you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction certificate.

You won't take a written test or driving test when switching from an out-of-state license. Ohio recognizes your existing license as proof that you've already passed those tests in your previous state. The office will take your photo and fingerprints, then process your process.

Fees and what your temporary license covers

An eight-year license costs $38.50 if you're under 65. If you're 65 or older, an eight-year license costs $19.25. Some Deputy Registrars charge an additional service fee of $5 to $10 on top of the state fee — ask before you pay. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most locations.

Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license works everywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID, and show it to police if stopped. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within two weeks. If it doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the Ohio BMV at 614-752-7500.

If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended

If your license expired fewer than six months ago, Ohio will still switch you over. If it expired more than six months ago, you'll need to take the written test and driving test as if you were a new driver — you can't use the streamlined switch process. Check your license expiration date before you go to avoid a wasted trip.

If your license is suspended or revoked in any state, you cannot get an Ohio license until the suspension ends. Ohio checks the National Driver Register before issuing your license. If you're unsure about your status, call the Ohio BMV at 614-752-7500 before visiting an office.

Renewing your Ohio license later

Once you have an Ohio license, you can renew it by mail or online before it expires — you won't need to visit an office again unless your address changes or you want to update your photo. Ohio sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration. Online renewal is available at bmv.ohio.gov if your license is not suspended and you haven't had any address changes.

Renewal by mail takes about two weeks. You'll receive a renewal form in the mail, fill it out, send it back with your payment, and your new card will arrive within two weeks. This is simpler than the initial switch and doesn't require a vision test or office visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a written test to switch my license to Ohio?

No. If your out-of-state license is current or expired fewer than six months ago, you skip the written test and driving test. Ohio trusts that you've already passed those in your previous state. If your license expired more than six months ago, you'll need to take both tests.

Can I do this online or by mail?

No. You must appear in person at a Deputy Registrar or BMV office to pass the vision screening and have your photo taken. There's no online or mail option for switching from an out-of-state license.

What if I don't have a utility bill for proof of residency?

A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Ohio address dated within the last 60 days will work. If you have none of these, call the Ohio BMV at 614-752-7500 to ask what other documents they accept — options may include a government benefit letter or insurance policy.

How long does the temporary license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive by mail within two weeks, so you'll have overlap. If your permanent card doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the Ohio BMV.

Can I keep my old license after I get the Ohio one?

Yes. Ohio doesn't require you to surrender your previous license. Many people keep it as a second form of ID. You can carry both legally.