TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION
Driver License
New residents have maximum of 30 days to apply for an Ohio driver license. If you are the holder of a valid out of state driver license, bring it to the nearest Ohio driver license exam station to take the vision examination and a written exam. The road test is usually waived. If the new resident is younger than 18 years of age, the driver education requirement must also be met. If your license is under suspension in any other state, you will be required to provide a clearance from that state before receiving an Ohio license. You must also surrender the out-of-state license before you can receive an Ohio license. Present your completed exam to the nearest deputy registrar office to complete registration.
Vehicle Registration & Titling
State law requires that new residents obtain an Ohio title for all motor vehicle, and new license plates as soon as possible. No specific grace period is set, although 30 days is considered maximum. Visit the clerk of courts auto title office in your county to obtain a new title and proceed to the nearest deputy registrar license agency for new plates and a driver license. If you own a vehicle, you will need to have it inspected at a license agency or most new car dealerships. Next, go to your county’s auto title office to transfer the title to Ohio. Take this title to the license agency where the deputy registrar will collect the proper registration fees, register your vehicle, and issue new license plates. For details or answers to questions, contact:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
614-752-7500
https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/
Frequently Requested Numbers
Driver License Information
614-752-7600
Auto License
614-752-7800
800-589-8247
Accident, Insurance Information
614-752-7700
https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/
Safety Regulations
Safety belts are mandatory for drivers and front seat passengers. The child restraint law requires that any child who is either or both four years of age and weighs less than 40 pounds is required to be property secured in a child safety restraint that meets federal motor vehicle standards. Ohio takes an aggressive stand on enforcement, including zero tolerance and “click it or ticket” campaigns. For more information, contact:
Ohio Department of Public Safety
Ohio Traffic Safety Office
614-466-3250
State Highway Patrol
877-7-PATROL
https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/home
Watercraft Registration
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Watercraft
614-265-6480
877-4BOATER
https://ohiodnr.gov/home
