Are you a new dweller in Ohio? Welcome you to the Buckeye State! There are a lot of things you will need to do to be a fully resident here. Start with your driver’s license first because you need to drive all the time. In this Ohio driver’s license transfer guide, you will get all the essential information you need to complete the process! Are you ready for a new beginning?

 

ohio drivers license transfer
How to make the Ohio driver’s license transfer successfully?

 

1. Why do you have to transfer your driver’s license to Ohio?

After a certain amount of time, the state expects that you have gotten your affairs in order. You have 30 days in Ohio to complete your license transfer before law enforcement and other government agents start harassing you. If you own a vehicle, you must also obtain an Ohio title and license plate.

 

2. How to transfer my driver’s license to Ohio?

 

2.1. Out-of-state Ohio driver’s license transfer

To transfer your state license to Ohio, you must go in person to a DMV Service Center near you with the necessary papers. It is best to schedule an appointment ahead of time. Make certain that the DMV location you visit offers services like driver’s license transfers and vision and knowledge exams. 

Documents required to convert an out-of-state license to an Ohio license:

  • Evidence of complete name
  • Fees for transferring a license
  • Social Security number verification
  • Bring a document with your entire Social Security number. A W-2 form, SSA-1099 or non-SSA-1099 form, Social Security card, or pay stub may be included.
  • Valid out-of-state driver’s license
  • Bring your out-of-state license to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  • Proof of citizenship or legal status
  • This can be a legal, unexpired United States passport or passport card, as well as an authentic or certified United States birth certificate.
  • Evidence of Ohio residence
  • These documents must include your current address and name. Utility bills, credit card statements, mortgage documents, leases, bank statements, W-2 statements, current SSA, pension, or retirement statements, or a recent pay stub are all acceptable.

Following these steps to know exactly what to do:

Step 1: Pass the Vision and Knowledge Test

After you produce the relevant documentation at your preferred DMV Service Center, they will conduct a vision screening to ensure you fulfill the essential OH safety requirements before completing and submitting the Ohio Driver’s License Application.

To pass the vision screening, you must take a mandatory vision test and score 20/40 or higher. You may wear glasses or corrective lenses prescribed by your optometrist during the exam. A written knowledge test will be required as well. You can practice with Ohio DMV Practice Test in order to pass and score high successfully!

 

Step 2: Submit your Ohio Driver’s license application 

Your image will be captured at the time you submit your application. While there is no specific clothing code for having your picture taken, it is recommended that you dress casually because this photo will be on your driver’s license for years.

 

Step 3: Receive the Ohio temporary driver’s license

Your temporary OH driver’s license will be issued as soon as the Ohio DMV receives and accepts your needed documents, application, and payments. Your temporary Ohio driver’s license will be a black-and-white paper replica of your future permanent driver’s license, and it will still serve as verification of your birth date and identity.

 

Step 4: Receive Ohio Driver’s license

Your permanent Class D OH driver’s license may take up to two weeks to arrive in the mail.

 

Step 5: Register your car in Ohio

Prior to registering your vehicle and receiving a license plate in Ohio, you must have your out-of-state vehicle converted to an Ohio title.

The Ohio DMV gives a guide on how to transfer an Ohio car title. To apply for an Ohio automobile title (Form BMV-3774), you must go to the county clerk’s title office, not the DMV. A license/registration transfer in Ohio costs $6.00, and a temporary tag costs $20.00.

To register your car in Ohio, go to an Ohio deputy registrar license agency and present the required documents:

  • Ohio driver’s license, state identification card, or Social Security number
  • Certificate for E-Check (if applicable)
  • Ohio Title Certificate or Memorandum of Title
  • Tax identification number (if the vehicle is titled in a business name)
  • Power of attorney and lease agreement paperwork (if applicable)

In case you don’t have a driver’s license yet, read the Ohio driver’s license test study guide to know exactly what to do next!

 

2.2. Within-state Ohio driver’s license transfer

If you only move within the borderline of Ohio state, it will be much easier. You just need to go to the DMV office near you and ask the staff to assist you to complete the address change application. You also need to provide the following documents:

  • Identification proof: Birth certificate, Passport, etc
  • Proof of residency: resident card, bills, bank card, etc
  • Social Security Card

 

2.3. Move-out Ohio driver’s license transfer

If you move out from Ohio, you need to follow the requirements of your destination state. Your driver’s license will be automatically canceled after you obtain a new driver’s license. 

 

ohio dirvers license transfer guide
Follow the instruction of the state you are going to move in to transfer your driver’s license

 

3. What is the Ohio driver’s license transfer FAQ?

 

3.1. How do I transfer my driver’s license to Ohio?

After bringing all necessary documents and forms of identification to your chosen BMV Service Center, you must pass the vision and knowledge test, submit your Ohio driver’s license application and have your photo taken, receive your temporary driver’s license, and wait two weeks for your Ohio driver’s license to arrive via U.S. mail.

 

3.2. What do I need to receive an Ohio driver’s license?

You must present all applicable OH driver’s license documentation, satisfy any licensing restrictions, and demonstrate requisite abilities and knowledge by completing the required examinations.

 

3.3. Is it possible to obtain an Ohio driver’s license online?

Although you can renew your OH driver’s license online, you must visit a DMV office to obtain your driver’s permit and apply for your Ohio driver’s license.

 

3.4. Who issues driver’s licenses in Ohio?

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles issues driver’s licenses and examinations (OH BMV)

 

3.5. What are the two forms of verification of Ohio residency?

Proof of Ohio Domicile as of the first day of the enrollment term: signed copies of the rental agreement, lease, and/or HUD settlement statement of property held. If the student’s name is not on the list, a notarized statement from the person with whom they are living is also necessary.

 

3.6. What if you’re not from the United States?

If you have a foreign driver’s license, you can drive within the state for up to a year without having to transfer your license. However, if you wish to register a vehicle in your name and prove residency, you must transfer first. You will be needed to apply for a new driver’s license after one year.

 

3.7. What Happens If You Don’t Make the Transfer in Time?

As a new resident, you will have 30 days to fulfill various activities, including transferring your license. Because DMV will not notify you when the 30-day period has expired, it is best to mark it on your calendar. A late transfer has no immediate implications, but you may be stopped by law authorities and issued a penalty for noncompliance.

 

dmv ohio drivers license
A late transfer has no immediate implications

 

That’s all there is when it comes to Ohio driver’s license transfer as a new resident. Contrary to popular belief, completing the process is not nearly as difficult as it appears. Keep this information at the top of your mind and refer to it anytime you have any worries to avoid any complications at the DMV. Furthermore, because the driving laws in your new state will be different, we recommend that you study the Ohio driver’s manual book or take a refresher course.