1 - DRIVER LICENSING & VEHICLE REGISTRATION
(In-State)
Ohio’s driver licensing system is outlined by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). 
Chapter 4507 states that no person shall operate a motor vehicle on any public 
road, or any public or private property used by the public, for vehicular travel or 
parking unless the operator has passed the required tests and obtained a license 
from the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.
Ohio BMV driver license examinations and driver license issuance is the 
responsibility of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
While the vast majority of Ohio motorists hold a regular driver license — 
officially called a “driver license class D” — the state also issues a number of 
other licenses: commercial driver license (CDL); motorcycle license (MC) or 
endorsement; and motorized bicycle license (moped).
HOW TO OBTAIN AN OHIO DRIVER LICENSE
Persons applying for a first Ohio motor vehicle driver license must be at least 
15 years and six months of age and must provide documentary proof of their full 
legal name, age, Social Security number, citizenship or legal presence and address 
upon visiting the driver license exam station and deputy registrar (see Acceptable 
Documents List, pages 2 and 3). If under 18 years of age, the application must 
be co-signed at the deputy registrar by a parent or a legal guardian at the time of 
application. A co-signer must present either a valid Ohio driver license or valid 
Ohio ID card or prove all five elements (see Acceptable Documents List, pages 
2 and 3). All applicants must pass a vision test and a knowledge test to obtain 
a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). Applicants under 16 
years of age must practice driving with a licensed parent or legal guardian that 
occupies the seat next to them. If 16 years of age or older, they may practice 
driving with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older occupying the seat next to 
them.
First license requirements also apply to drivers who have allowed their 
license to expire for more than six months and to persons who must apply for a 
new license after losing their license due to a suspension or revocation.
Vertical driver licenses issued to persons under the age of 21 will have a 
red header bar, and the primary photo will be on the left side. Additionally, the 
wording “under 21” or “under 18” will appear on the vertical driver license. Ohio 
Driver License for those age 21 and older will have a horizontal driver license 
with a yellow header bar, and the primary photo will be on the left side.
There are different application procedures for new Ohio residents who 
already hold a valid license from another state (see Driver Licensing & Vehicle 
Registration - New Residents, Chapter 2), for persons who wish to apply for a 
commercial driver license (see Commercial Driver Licensing, Chapter 3) and for 
persons who wish to apply for a motorcycle endorsement or a motorized bicycle 
operator’s license (see Motorcycle & Motorized Bicycle Regulations, Chapter 4).