How To Get An Ohio Driver’s License

In this article, we will be discussing how to achieve getting your Ohio driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license.

Continue reading to learn the steps and documents you need to get your license in Ohio!

Types of Ohio Driver’s Licenses

There are 5 different types of Ohio driver’s licenses. Here are the facts you need to know about the types of Ohio driver’s licenses.

• Class A (Commercial) – permits individuals to operate any combination of vehicle(s) with a combined gross vehicle weight rating (CVWR) that is equal to or exceeds 26,001 lbs. The CVWR of the vehicle being towed or trailer must exceed 10,000 lbs.
• Class B (Commercial) – permits individuals to operate any single vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, or any vehicle towing a trailer with a CVWR that is equal to or weighs less than 10,000 lbs.
• Class C (Commercial) – permits individuals to operate any single or combination vehicle that does not fall under the above-listed categories, is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or carry hazardous materials, and any school bus with a GVWR of fewer than 16,001 lbs. that carries 16 or fewer passengers (including the driver)
• Class D – standard Ohio driver’s license that permits individuals to operate common cars, as well as trucks that are not commercial vehicles
• Class MC – permits individuals to drive motorcycles or motor scooters on public highways

Ohio Driver’s License Requirements

Before making your way to your local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (OH BMV), you need to determine whether you need to apply for a new OH driver’s license.

You must obtain an Ohio driver’s license if:

• You are an existing Ohio resident who’s never been licensed
• You are new to the state of Ohio and want to apply for an Ohio driver’s license or transfer an out-of-state driver’s license
• You plan on operating any of the non-commercial vehicle(s) described above
• You have a legal presence in the state of Ohio and the U.S. (you are not required to obtain an Ohio driver’s license if you possess a diplomatic driver’s license that has been issued by the U.S. Department of State).

You are not required to have an Ohio driver’s license if:

• You’re at least 18 years old and visiting Ohio with a valid out-of-state driver’s license
• You’re an active military member or dependent that is stationed in Ohio (as long as you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, and you haven’t established residency in OH)
• You only operate farm vehicles off public highways
• You only operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing the roads)

Applying for Your Ohio Driver’s License

Certain Ohio driver’s licenses are age specific. Make sure you are applying for the correct type of driver’s license or permit!

The minimum age requires to start each step of the OH BMV Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program is as follows:

• Temporary Instruction Permit (learner’s permit): 15 ½ years old
• Probationary license: 16 years old
• Full OH driver’s license: 18 years old

To apply for a new Ohio driver’s license, you are not allowed to have any discrepancies, such as revocations, suspensions, cancelations, or other legal matters, that would prevent you from possessing a valid OH driver’s license.

In order to successfully apply for your Class D driver’s license in Ohio, you must complete and pass the OH written knowledge exam and vision test. You also must have practiced driving with your temporary instruction permit. Once you’ve obtained your permit and practiced your driving skills, you need to take your behind-the-wheel road test.

When you’re ready to schedule your road test at an OH Driver’s License Examination Station, you must provide your own working vehicle to complete the driving exam. After you pass the exam, you need to visit your local OH BMV branch and:

• Surrender your instruction permit (if you didn’t obtain a REAL-ID-compliant permit, and you want to upgrade at this time, you need to bring the necessary documentation).
• Pay the required fee(s)

If you are younger than 21 years old, your new driver’s license will expire on your 21^st birthday. In other situations, your OH driver’s license will expire on your birthday 4 years from the date of issue.

The Ohio Driving Exam

The Ohio driving exam will consist of testing your driving skills and maneuverability. The OH driving skills component will test your ability to perform basic tasks, such as:

• Starting and stopping the vehicle
• Reversing (Backing)
• Turning around
• Proper lane usage

Be advised that the maneuverability component of this driving exam requires you to navigate your way through a given course. You will automatically fail this test if you hit any of the markers.

If you are at least 18 years old and fail the test, you are required to take an abbreviated driver’s taking course before you can attempt to take the test again.

Ohio Driver’s License Fees

The fee for your OH driver’s license will depend on your age and length of validity:

• 21 years old or older (valid for 4 years): $24.50
• 20 years old: $20.75
• 19 years old: $22
• 18 years old: $23.25

If you are younger than 21 years old, your OH driver’s license will be valid until your 21^st birthday.

Acceptable Identification Documents in Ohio

In the state of Ohio, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for your official OH driver’s license. These documents can include, but are not limited to:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Armed forces ID cards
• Permanent Resident Card
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 must be more than 2 months from the date you visit the office)

Full name Verification Documentation can include:

• Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
• Name change documents containing your legal name both before and after
• Marriage certificate
• Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
• A dissolution of marriage document that includes your legal name as a result of the court order

Acceptable residency documentation includes:

• Resident utility bills (including cell phone bills)
• Insurance documents
• Ohio vehicle or vessel title or registration
• A record of a financial institution

In this instance, a legal guardian, parent, or child can use a birth certificate. A spouse or domestic partner can submit a marriage license or domestic partner registration certificate to show proof of their relationship to the individual to whom the acceptable residency documentation was addressed.

Obtaining an Ohio Driver’s License Under the Age of 18

At the age of 15 and 6 months, you can complete the knowledge test online at OH BMV services or visit an OH driver exam station in person to complete the knowledge test and vision screening to start the process of obtaining your temporary permit. If you are completing the test online, the vision screening will be performed at any Deputy Registrar License Agency at the time you purchase a temporary permit.

If you choose to complete the driving test in person at a Driver Exam Station, you must bring acceptable documentation that provides proof of your:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Social security number (if assigned)

OH Knowledge Test and Vision Screening

Ohio applicants are required to pass both the knowledge test and vision screening to obtain a temporary instruction permit identification card. The OH knowledge test is 40 multiple-choice questions regarding motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs. Applicants are required to answer 75% of the questions correctly to pass the knowledge test. You can download the Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicles to learn about motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs.

If you fail the OH knowledge test, you must wait at least 24 hours before you can retest. The state of Ohio does not have a limit on the number of times you can take the knowledge test.

Purchasing Your Temporary Permit (TIPIC)

Once you pass the OH knowledge test and vision screening, the Deputy Registrar will conduct a vision screening if you completed your knowledge test online. You can head to the Deputy Registrar License Agency to purchase your TIPIC within 60 days of successfully passing the knowledge test.

Be advised that applicants who are minors (under 18 years old and unemancipated) are required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is willing to assume the responsibility imposed under section 4507.07 of the Ohio Revised Code. The parent or legal guardian must present proper identification (ID card or driver’s license) to co-sign for the TIPIC.

Applicants who are applying for an OH TIPIC need to bring acceptable documentation that proves their:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Social security number (if assigned)
• Ohio residency
• Citizenship or legal presence

If you have an Ohio ID card, you must surrender it when a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC) is issued.

TIPIC Restrictions for Minors

The TIPIC restrictions for OH minors are as follows:

• Drivers are required to carry the TIPIC at all times while driving
• Drivers who are under the age of 16 must have a parent, guardian, or licensed driving instructor in the passenger seat while driving
• Drivers who are at least 16 years old, driving with any valid licensed driver over the age of 21 in the passenger seat is permitted, except from midnight to 6 AM, when the driver is required to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, custodian, or a licensed driver 21 years or older named on a notarized BMV 2438.
• The parent, guardian, custodian, or licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and named on the notarized BMV 2438, in the passenger seat can’t be intoxicated
• All passengers and drivers are required to wear safety belts

Ohio Probationary Driver’s License Requirements

Before a minor can obtain their probationary driver’s license, the following requirements must be met:

• Driver must complete a driver’s education class at a licensed driver training school (includes 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and 8 hours of driving time)
• Driver must complete 50 hours of driving (with at least 10 hours of night driving, in addition to the driver’s education requirements) Download the 50-Hour Affidavit (Form BMV 5791) here.
• Driver must obtain the TIPIC for at least 6 months
• Driver must pass the OH driving and skills test
• The driver is not permitted to use any mobile devices, including cellular phones
• The driver is allowed to drive to or from work with the proper documentation from their employer or to or from an official school-sponsored event or a religious event with the proper documents

A traffic offense or conviction within the first 6 months of having your license could result in a parent or guardian having to accompany the driver for 6 months or until the driver reaches age 17.

After the first 12 months of obtaining a license under the age of 18:

• You are not permitted to operate a vehicle from 1- 5 AM (unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or custodian, or a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with their name printed on a notarized BMV 2438 or driving to or from an official school-sponsored event or a religious event with the appropriate documentation from the event official).
• The driver and all passengers are required to wear safety belts
• The driver may not use any mobile devices, which includes cell phones

Multiple traffic convictions before your 18^th birthday could result in the suspension of your license. If the conviction is alcohol-related, your driver’s license will be suspended for at least 6 months.

Getting Your Driver’s License as a New Resident of Ohio

If you are a new resident of the Buckeye state and have an out-of-state driver’s license, you must have your license transferred within 30 days of establishing residency in Ohio. Visit your local Deputy Registrar agency and:

• Submit proof of your:
  • Name (including a name change, if applicable)
  • Date of birth
  • Social security number (SSN)
  • Legal presence in the U.S.
  • Ohio residency:
    • 2 documents for a REAL-ID compliant license
    • 1 document for a non-compliant standard driver’s license
• Pay the required fee(s)
• Pass the vision screening
• Have your photo taken

As long as you obtain a valid out-of-state driver’s license, your driving exam may be waived. If you are not a U.S. citizen, your driver’s license will be valid for the length of your legal stay (4 years or 8 years depending on your individual qualifications.

Non-Commercial Class A or Class B Driver’s License

If you want to drive a shuttle, bus, or be a chauffeur, you will only need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) if any of the following apply to the vehicle you will be driving:

• A combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 26,001 lbs. (Class A license)
• A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 26,001 lbs. (Class B license)
• It is designed to carry at least 16 passengers, including the driver (Class C license)
• It’s a school bus designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers, including the driver (Class C license)

If either of the two applies to your situation, you must acquire a passenger endorsement. The state of Ohio no longer has a special chauffeur’s license.

To obtain a school bus endorsement, you will be required to:

• Pass a background check
• Have a clean driving record
• Take a school bus knowledge test
• Pass the driving test in a school bus

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

You may be required to submit a name change document in the state of Ohio if you’re applying for a new OH driver’s license or ID card. Keep in mind that you may be required to present name change documentation, such as a marriage license, to be issued a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in your true full name.

If the name that is presented on your identification document is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit documentation that establishes your true full name. Examples of documentation that establishes your true full name can include the following:

• A marriage certificate
• Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
• A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
• A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
• A dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Ohio Residents?

The REAL ID Act of 2005 requests that OH residents provide identification that is federally accepted to enter certain federal facilities, nuclear power plants, or when boarding commercial aircraft.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Ohio?

Obtaining a REAL ID is not mandatory in Ohio. As a resident of Ohio, you can continue to use standard identification credentials as proof of your identity when you register to vote, purchase alcoholic beverages, or obtain government benefits.

If you purchase a REAL ID-compliant ID or OH driver’s license, you can use it in lieu of a passport when you are flying domestically and entering military bases, nuclear power plants, or certain federal facilities.

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card?

To obtain a REAL ID card in Ohio, you need to visit your local OH BMV branch and provide:

• Proof of your full legal name, lawful presence, and birthdate. Appropriate documentation can include the following:
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. birth certificate
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Proof of your social security number
  • Social security card
  • W-2 or 1099 form
  • Paystub
• Proof of OH residency (2 documents are required)
  • A valid OH driver’s license or ID
  • Ohio vehicle registration
  • School transcript
• Payment for all applicable fees

You can view the complete list of acceptable documentation in Ohio here.

Ohio REAL ID Fees

There are different fees that are associated with REAL IDs in Ohio. The fees are as follows:

• Driver’s license renewal: $27.50
• Non-driver ID (new or renewal): $10.00
• First-time driver’s license (21 years old or older): $24.50
• First-time driver’s license (20 years old): $20.75
• First-time driver’s license (19 years old): $22.00
• First-time driver’s license (18 years old): $23.25
• First-time driver’s license (17 years old): $24.50
• First-time driver’s license (16 years old): $25.75
• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) renewal: $46.25

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Ohio

To qualify for an Ohio commercial driver’s license, you must have a valid, non-CDL OH driver’s license and be at least 18 years old. CDL holders who are under 21 years old will only be allowed to drive commercial vehicles within Ohio (intrastate), per FMCSA requirements.

Ohio Commercial Learner’s Permits

Before you will be eligible to apply for an Ohio commercial driver’s license, you must obtain your OH commercial learner’s permit (CLP). It is recommended that individuals should take the CDL training course to help them prepare for the different exams that are involved in the process.

When you’re ready to complete the required exams, you need to schedule an appointment with your local OG BMV office and provide:

• All required medical documents
• The $28.50 commercial learner’s permit fee
• Proper forms of identification, proving your:
  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Social security number (SSN)
  • U.S. citizenship/permanent legal presence
• Residential Ohio address
• Take the OH vision exam
• Submit to a driving record check
  • Your driving record for the past 10 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be under review

Be advised that the Ohio DMV will accept an OH driver’s license, state ID card, or commercial driver’s license that is current or expired less than 6 months as sufficient proof of all elements of identification.

Ohio CLP Restrictions

After you pass the OH written and vision exams, you must present the OH BMV with the proper documentation and pay the necessary fees, and you will be issued your Ohio commercial learner’s permit.

Your Ohio CLP will be valid for 6 months and you will be permitted to renew it 1 time before it expires. Keep in mind a renewal fee may apply. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all commercial license permit holders to drive on public roads only, and you can only do so when a full CDL holder is in the vehicle.

As a CLP holder, you must carry your commercial learner’s permit for a certain time before you can schedule a skills test and obtain their CDL. The FMCSA sets the federal standard at 14 days. However, this length of time could differ in Ohio.

Obtaining Your Ohio Commercial Driver’s License

To convert your CLP to a CDL in Ohio, you must return to an OH BMV branch and complete the skills/road test. These tests are only available by appointment only.

You need to bring the following documentation with you:

• Your Ohio commercial learner’s permit
• Your Ohio driver’s license
• Payment for:
  • The $43.50 first-time CDL fee
  • Testing fee

You must arrange to take the driving exam in the same type of vehicle you hope to drive with your CDL. If you can’t, a restriction may be placed on your OH CDL.

The Ohio skills/road test includes a:

• Pre-trip inspection (you have 30 minutes to complete this)
• Basic maneuverability test (you have 40 minutes to complete this)
  • Tests your ability to maneuver a commercial vehicle around other objects
• Road test
  • Tests your basic skills, such as turning, stopping/starting the vehicle, and general driving behaviors

You can either take this test through the OH BMV or a third-party testing center. The fees you must pay vary based on the location:

• State-owned testing facilities:
  • Pre-trip inspection fee: $10
  • Basic maneuverability test: $10
  • Road test: $30
• Third-party testing facility:
  • Pre-trip inspection: $27
  • Basic maneuverability test: $27
  • Road test: $61

If you fail any part of the test, you are required to wait at least 1 week to retake the test.

Medical Requirements for Ohio CDLs

Medical Self-Certification

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all CDL holders to be medically certified before you can receive your commercial driver’s license.

To receive your certification, you must schedule an appointment with a CDL-certified doctor and have them help you complete a Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination (Form 649-F) and a Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

You must also report to the state the type of commercial vehicle you intend on driving through a process known as self-certification. Once you obtain your medical certification, you must obtain a new physical examination at least every 2 years.

You will receive a medical certificate that you are required to keep with you at all times while you operate a commercial motor vehicle. You can call the OH FMCSA office at (614) 280-5657 or visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s medical certification page.

Ohio Vision Requirements

All OH CDL drivers are required to pass a vision test to receive their commercial driver’s license. Applicants are required to have:

• Vision in both eyes
• A minimum acuity of 20/40 in each eye (can be with or without lenses)
• A visual field of no less than 70 degrees

If you are not able to meet the minimum OH visual acuity standards, you may receive a restriction on your commercial driver’s license. You can check here to learn more about the Ohio BMV’s full visual standards chart for more information.

Be advised that if you have a “K” restriction on your license, you are prohibited from driving a commercial vehicle outside of Ohio. If you want to drive for a company regulated by the Public Commission Utilities of Ohio (PUCO), you must obtain a vision waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Commercial Driver License Classifications

The FMCSA has established several categories of commercial driver’s licenses, each of which allows the holder to drive different types of vehicles.

The CDL classes include:

• Class A CDL – allows you to operate multiple vehicles over a certain weight, such as a tractor-trailer
• Class B CDL – allows you to drive a single vehicle over a certain weight, such as a straight truck
• Class C CDL – covers all other types of vehicles over a certain weight not addressed by a Class A or Class B CDLs.

Depending on the type of Ohio commercial driver’s license you’re applying for, you may be required to take different written or skills exams and pay different fees.

Ohio CDL Endorsements and Restrictions

An endorsement is an additional certification that permits you to operate a larger number of commercial vehicles. Taking extra written tests and paying the necessary fees allow you to earn endorsement that will permit you to drive:

• HAZMAT vehicles
• Tanks
• Passenger vehicles and school buses
• Double or triple trailers

In other situations, different restrictions can be placed on your commercial driver’s license, which would restrict the number of commercial vehicles you’re permitted to operate. You may receive a restriction if you can’t operate full air brakes, or you can’t drive a manual transmission.

Ohio Commercial Driver’s License Fees

The OH BMV currently charges the following for commercial driver’s licenses and related services:

• Commercial learner’s permit: $28.50
• Commercial driver’s license: $43.50
• Endorsements: $44.50 each
• Farm waiver: $25.00
• Duplicate/replacement CDL: $28.50
• CDL renewal: $46.25

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

You must self-certify your type of vehicle operating with the Ohio BMV, which means you are required to self-certify one of the following categories:

• Non-excepted interstate
• Excepted interstate
• Non-excepted intrastate
• Excepted Intrastate

Applying for an Ohio Motorcycle License

The basics of obtaining an OH motorcycle from the BMV are as follows:

• Visit your local OH BMV office
• Provide the necessary proof of ID
• Pass the motorcycle written test
• Complete a Basic Rider’s Course (and/or pass the skills test)
• Pay the OH motorcycle license fee (fee will vary depending on age/type)

Which Ohio Motorcycle License is Best for You?

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle offers different types of motorcycle licenses:

• A TIPIC (Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card)
• A license is a restricted driver’s license that authorizes you to operate ONLY motorcycles
• A motorcycle endorsement is an add-on permit that is issued to individuals who currently have a valid, Ohio driver’s license, and authorizes you to operate motorcycles in addition to other types of vehicles.

Applying for an Ohio Temporary Instruction Permit (TIPIC)

The minimum age to obtain a TIPIC is 15 ½ years old. When you are ready, you will need to take the following steps:

• Be sure to study! Download the OH Motorcycle Operations Manual here and the Ohio Digest Motor Vehicles Laws here.
• Once you study, visit your local OH exam station to complete the motorcycle knowledge test and vision test. Both of these tests are free, and no appointment is required. It’s recommended that you schedule an appointment to avoid long wait times.
• Once you complete the OH knowledge and vision tests, you have 60 days from your test completion date to turn in your receipt of completion to a Deputy Registrar Agency to obtain your skills test waiver.
• Make sure you have two acceptable forms of ID (documents that show proof of your name, date of birth, and your social security number)
• Pay the $26.50 fee to receive your temporary packet for your motorcycle TIPIC

Motorcycle Temporary Permit Restrictions

Your Ohio TIPIC is valid for 1 year. Your TIPIC allows you to ride with restrictions until you receive a valid OH motorcycle license. Ohio motorcycle TIPIC restrictions include the following:

• Riders are required to wear a helmet and have eye protection
• A TIPIC is not valid on congested roadways or interstate highways
• Riders are not permitted to carry passengers
• Riders may ONLY ride in daylight hours

Applying for a Motorcycle-Only License in Ohio

The Ohio BMV requirements differ if applicants are younger or older than 18.

The requirements for an OH motorcycle license for individuals younger than 18 years old are as follows:

If you’re at least 15 ½ years old, but younger than 16 years old, the OH BMV requires you to have held your TIPIC for at least 6 months from the date of issuance before you can obtain your motorcycle-only license. To obtain, you need to:

• Complete an approved driver’s education course
• Pass the Basic Rider’s Course ($50)
• Complete the 50-hour Affidavit (Form BMV 5791)

You need to call any local exam station to schedule your skills test. You are required to take and pass your skills test before your motorcycle TIPIC expires. To complete the test, you are required to present your valid TIPIC and provide a street-legal motorcycle in safe working condition.

Once you have passed your skills test, you need to return to a Deputy Registrar Agency, present a document that verifies your social security number, and surrender your motorcycle TIPIC. Then you need to pay the fee to obtain your motorcycle license. The OH BMV fees are determined by age:

• Age 16: $25.75
• Age 17: $24.50
• Age 18: $23.25

The Ohio BMV requires license applications for individuals who are younger than 18 years old to be co-signed by a parent or legal guardian. The co-signer must also present forms of acceptable documents that verify identification.

Ohio Motorcycle-Only License Requirements

First, you need to contact your local exam station to schedule a skills test. You must submit your valid TIPIC and provide a street-legal motorcycle in safe working condition. You are required to take and pass the test before the expiration of your motorcycle TIPIC.

After you pass the OH skills test, you need to return to a Deputy Registrar Agency, present a document verifying your social security number and surrender your motorcycle TIPIC.

You must pay the appropriate fee to obtain your motorcycle license. These fees are determined by your age:

• Age 18: $23.25
• Age 19: $22
• Age 20: $20.75
• Age 21 and older: $24.50

The deputy will collect all applicable fees and issue your motorcycle license. This license will expire 4 years after the license has been issued.

Taking the Basic Rider Course

In some scenarios, completing the Basic Rider Course is optional. If you are at least 18 years old and choose to take the Ohio Motorcycle Basic Rider Course, you will also have a fee to pay based on your age.

After completing the course, your instructor will issue you a course completion card. Within 60 days of issuance, you must take the card to a Deputy Registrar’s office. If you wait longer than 60 days, you must complete the motorcycle skills test.

You must also pay the applicable fee, which is determined by age:

• Age 18: $24.25
• Age 19: $22
• Age 20: $20.75
• Age 21 and older: $24.50

Applying for an Ohio Motorcycle Endorsement

You are required to obtain a valid Ohio driver’s license before applying for an Ohio motorcycle endorsement. To obtain a motorcycle endorsement, you can visit any OH exam station. You need to complete a knowledge test and vision screening. You don’t need to schedule an appointment, but you can do so to avoid long wait times.

When you’re applying for an Ohio motorcycle endorsement:

• You are required to pass the written motorcycle knowledge test, then report to a Deputy Registrar Agency to obtain your motorcycle TIPIC. You must obtain this license within 60 days of passing the exam. The TIPIC will expire 1 year after the date of issuance.
• Now you can any OH exam station and schedule your skills test. When you arrive, present your valid motorcycle TIPIC. Once you pass the skills test, return to the Deputy Registrar Agency and pay all applicable fees, and surrender your Ohio license. You will be re-issued your OH license with the motorcycle endorsement on your new OH driver’s license. You must have an Ohio license before the expiration date of your TIPIC.

Unless you are younger than 21 years old, the expiration date of your OH license will remain the same. When you are adding a motorcycle endorsement to your Ohio license while within your renewal period, the endorsement is added at no additional charge.

Ohio Motorcycle Endorsement Skills Test Requirements

To take your OH motorcycle endorsement skills test, you must submit:

• A valid Ohio driver’s license
• A validated TIPIC
• An approved helmet
• Eye protection
• A street-legal motorcycle in safe operating condition. The motorcycle must have a firmly attached seat with handlebars or grips not higher than the driver’s shoulders, and it must be equipped with all required safety equipment.

Failure to comply with any of the above are grounds for denial of the skills test.

Transferring an Out-of-State Motorcycle License

Once you establish residency in Ohio, you have a maximum of 30 days to register your motorcycle with the OH BMV. The titling and registration process are completed simultaneously.

First, you will be required to complete an e-check emissions inspection if you live in a qualifying county.

You can then complete your registration by providing the following documents at your local OH Deputy Registrar License office:

• Your motorcycle’s title (If there are multiple owners of the motorcycle, they must all be present, otherwise, you must provide a power of attorney for the title signature and for the registration. The power of attorney for the title is required to be notarized). The OH BMV accepts a notarized power of attorney form or a Power of Attorney for Ohio Vehicle Registration (Form BMV 5736).
• Your lease agreement (if applicable)
• Proof of your valid OH motorcycle insurance policy
• An E-Check certificate if you are registering your motorcycle in a qualifying county
• Payment for the $25 base registration fee and all other applicable fees and taxes

Ohio BMV Locations

There are multiple BMV locations across the state of Ohio where you can obtain an OH driver’s license. Here are different BMV locations across Ohio.

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Gahanna Branch
415 Agler Rd
Gahanna, OH 43230
(616) 476-0398

Monday – (8 AM – 6 PM)
Tuesday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday – (8 AM -12 PM)
Sunday – (Closed)

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Columbus Branch
5287 Westpointe Plaza Dr
Columbus, OH 43228
(614) 777-8100

Monday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Tuesday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday (8 AM – 12 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Pickerington Branch
473 Hill Rd N
Pickerington, OH 43147
(614) 834 – 9930

Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)