How to Transfer Your Drivers License to Ohio: A Complete Guide

Are you a new resident in Ohio? If so, welcome to the state! We understand how excited you must be to start your brand new life. However, there are still a few things you’ll need to do once establishing residency in the state. Transferring your out-of-state driver’s license to Ohio is one of them. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about how to complete the process.

When Do You Need 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. In Ohio, you have 30 days to complete your license transfer before law enforcement officers and other government agents begin giving you trouble. You will also need to obtain an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle, if you have one.

How to Transfer an Out-of-State Driver’s License to Ohio

1- Visit Ohio BMV

First, you’ll need to find the nearest BMV location near you. There are several offices within the state and they all offer different services. You’ll want to be sure the one you choose is one that handles license transfers and offers vision and knowledge testing as well, since this is not offered in all locations.

2 – Pass Vision Screening

Like most states, a vision screening is required when transferring your license. You will need to exhibit a score of 20/40 or better in order to pass. You are allowed to use any glasses or corrective lenses that have been prescribed by your optometrist.

3 – Have Picture Taken

Your picture will be taken at the time of your application. There are no requirements for your picture. However, your license picture will remain on file for several years so you might want to look presentable.

4 – Bring Documentation

You will need to present certain documentation to the Ohio BMV at the time of your license transfer application. All of these credentials must be originals, as copies are not allowed.

1. Proof of full name
2. Proof of social security number
3. Proof of Ohio residency
4. Proof of citizenship or legal presence
5. Current out of state license
6. Relevant license transfer fees

5 – Receive Your Temporary License

Your temporary card will be a black and white paper card that is handed to you after the completion of your application. You can use this to prove your identity and birthdate or present it to a peace office when necessary.

Your new Ohio license will arrive in the mail within two weeks. You can check the status of your license online.

We provide state-of-the-art courses to help you quickly prepare for any exam you may come across using practice tests, a summarized handbook, and much more. Even if you don’t need to take any knowledge exams, we recommend that you learn the specific traffic laws for your new state as it will save you a lot of headaches (and maybe even tickets) in the future.

What If You’re from Another Country?

If you have a foregin driver’s license, you’re allowed to drive within the state for up to a year without transferring your license. However, if you establish residency and intend to register a vehicle in your name, you’ll need to transfer beforehand.

After the one year period, you will be required to apply for a new driver’s license.

What Happens If You Don’t Transfer in Time?

You’ll have 30 days to complete certain tasks as a new resident, including transferring your license. The BMW will not offer you any reminder when this 30 day period has expired, so it is best to keep a note of it on your calendar. There are no immediate consequences to a late transfer, but you may be stopped by law enforcement who will issue you a ticket for non compliance.

That’s It!

That’s all you need to know about how to transfer your driver’s license to Ohio as a new resident. Despite what you might have thought, completing the process is not nearly as hard as it may seem. To avoid any complications at the BMV, be sure to keep this guide at the top of your mind and reference it whenever you have any concerns.

Furthermore, we recommend that you read the Ohio driver’s manual or take a refresher course to learn about the specific driving laws in your new state since they will be different.