Ohio driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Ohio REQUIRES SSN or proof of lawful presence for driver license and standard state ID. Foreign nationals need valid immigration documents (visa + I-94, EAD, green card).

Quick answer

  • Undocumented DL access: NO — SSN/lawful presence required
  • Program name: Standard DL only
  • State ID fee: FREE (17+ without a valid DL); $10 4-year / $19 8-year for ages 16 and under
  • DL fee: see the BMV fee table
  • REAL ID compliant by default: no — you choose a compliant or standard card (same price)
  • Agency: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
  • Website: bmv.ohio.gov
  • Phone: (844) 644-6268

What you need to know

Lawful presence is required and is verified through the federal SAVE system before any card is issued. You must prove your Social Security number if one was ever assigned (form BMV 5745 can prove it only if your SSN is already established with the BMV).

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs. To be REAL ID compliant (gold star on card), the ID can be used to:

  • Board domestic flights (starting May 7, 2025 enforcement)
  • Enter federal buildings
  • Access secure federal facilities

Most undocumented-accessible DLs (AB60-equivalent, DPC, etc.) are NOT REAL ID compliant. They explicitly state “Not For Federal Identification” or similar. They are valid for driving and many state purposes (banking with some institutions, state services, school enrollment) but cannot replace a passport for federal/flight purposes.

Documents typically required

  • Proof of Social Security number if one was ever assigned (SSN card; form BMV 5745 only if your SSN is already established with the BMV)
  • Proof of US citizenship or lawful presence (US birth certificate, US passport, naturalization certificate, green card, EAD, valid visa + I-94)
  • Proof of Ohio street address (utility bill, lease, bank statement — TWO documents from different sources for the compliant Real ID card)
  • Fee: state ID free for 17+ without a valid DL ($10/$19 for 16 and under); license fees on the BMV fee table

How to apply

  1. Make an appointment at your local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office (most states require online booking; walk-ins are limited or unavailable)
  2. Gather required documents per checklist above
  3. Bring originals — copies are usually not accepted
  4. Pay fees at the office (cash, credit/debit, or money order accepted at most locations)
  5. Take written knowledge test + vision test (for first-time DL applicants)
  6. Take road test (for first-time DL applicants — many states allow scheduling within 30 days)
  7. Receive temporary paper license; permanent card mailed within 2-4 weeks

Alternatives if SSN required and you don’t have one

  • Use foreign passport as primary ID for banking, employment (with EAD), federal flights
  • Get a matricula consular from your home country consulate (see Consulates by state)
  • Use International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained from your home country BEFORE traveling — valid for tourists short-term
  • ITIN-friendly bank account for opening accounts without SSN (see ITIN-friendly banks)
  • Consider relocating to an AB60-equivalent state if regular driving is required (CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, UT, VA, VT, WA)

Last verified: 2026-05-25. Source: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

General procedural information. DMV policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.