Applying for a New License

The procedure for obtaining an Ohio driver's license varies according to your age, your driving experience, and whether you're new to the state. Here's the breakdown:

New Residents Over 18

If you've moved to Ohio and wish to drive, you'll need to get an Ohio driver license right away. You'll need to be considered an Ohio "resident" first. What constitutes this? Someone who has taken a job, bought a home, registered to vote, signed a lease, or enrolled in school.

Your first step will be to pick up the Digest of Ohio Motor Laws handbook at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch, or just download it.

Then, study the material. Once you feel confident enough to pass a test on the material, go to a license examination agency. Bring along two documents to prove your identity and Social Security number. No appointment is necessary.

While there, you will be asked to pass a written test and a vision test. There is no charge for these tests. If you pass both tests, and if you have a valid out-of-state driver license, you usually will be able to skip the driving test and get your new Ohio license. However, the examiner may require a driving for someone who needs a license restriction.

The fees for your license will vary.

If you're new to the state, are considered a resident, don't have a license, and are over 18, follow the procedures in the "Long-Term Residents Over 18" section.

New Residents Under 18

If you've moved to Ohio, are under 18, already have a license, are considered to be a "resident" (see above section for qualifications), and wish to drive, you'll need to get an Ohio driver license. Here's how.

For starters, you will need to provide proof that you've had at least six months of driving experience. Then, you'll need to complete an affidavit that documents that you've had at least 50 hours of driving, 10 of which were at night.

You'll also need to provide proof that that you've completed a driver education course that meets Ohio's standards. Just bring your original driver training certificate of completion and your out-of-state license to an license examination agency to see if the course you took qualifies.

Also, make sure to bring along a co-signer (parent or legal guardian) with you. If everything checks out fine, you can proceed to the testing phase.

Then pick up the Digest of Ohio Motor Laws handbook at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch or, even more convenient, just download it.

After you've studies the material, go to a license examination agency. Bring along two documents to prove your identity and Social Security number. You don't need an appointment.

You will be asked to pass a written test and a vision test. There is no charge for these tests. If you pass both tests, you will then have 10 days to go to a BMV branch office and get your license.

The fees for your license will vary.

If you're new to Ohio, under 18, and don't have a license but would like to get one, just follow the procedures in the last section.

Long-term Residents Over 18

If you're not a new resident of Ohio and are over 18, or even if you are a new resident who is over 18 but doesn't have a license from your previous state, follow these procedures.

Start by studying the Digest of Ohio Motor Laws handbook, which you can pick up at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch or simply download.

When you're ready to be tested, return to the branch. Bring along two documents to prove your identity and Social Security number. If everything checks out, you will be given a temporary permit packet. Be careful with the packet; if you should lose or damage it anywhere along the way to getting a license, you'll have to start all over. The cost of the packet is $22.

The packet will not give you the right to start driving; you'll have to pass the written and vision test first. To do this, proceed to a driver's license exam station with your packet. No appointment is necessary. While there, you will be asked to pass a written test and a vision test. There is no charge for these tests.

When you feel that you are ready to take the next step of passing the maneuverability and driving test, make an appointment with the exam station (you may also make an appointment online). Make sure to bring all packet materials with you to the test.

If you pass both tests, you will be given a completion certificate from your examiner. Take that within 10 days to a license agency to get your driver license. The fees for your license will vary.

Long-term Residents Under 18

If you're between 15 1/2 and 18, you will need to follow the same procedures as described in the section above, but with a few added details.

When you apply for your packet, you will need to bring along a parent or legal guardian, who will co-sign your application.

Also, before attempting to pass the road skills test, you will need to show proof that you've completed a driver education course that consists of at least 24 hours of classroom driving instruction and eight hours of driving with a certified instuctor. You'll also need to bring along a completed affadavit stating that you have at least 50 hours of driving experience, with at least 10 of these being at night.

Restrictions on who you are permitted to drive with vary by age and time of day.

Driver licenses are generally good for four years and will expire on your birthday. However, if you are under 21, they will expire on your 21st birthday, regardless of when you received it.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting Ohio and hold a valid driver's license from another country, you may drive in the state for up to one year. Be sure to have your license with you whenever you're driving.

It's a good idea to also obtain an International Driver's Permit issued by your home country. The permit, which basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials, should also be carried with you when driving.

To apply for an Ohio license, you first must provide proper evidence of your legal presence to be in the country. These licenses expire whenever your legal presence document expires, or in four years, whichever period is shortest. These licenses cannot be renewed, or transferred to another state.

If you become a resident of the state, you may apply for a standard Ohio license. These licenses expire either on the fourth birthday after license issuance, or when your green card expires, whichever period is shortest.

No matter your situation, you'll need to pass the standard driver's license written, vision, and road tests to obtain your Buckeye license.