Requirements for Identification and other documents
you may need at the Driver License Office
If you are getting a license, learner's permit or an ID card for the first time in Ohio, you will need to provide proof of your identity and your date of birth. You will also need to provide proof of your residence address and proof of either a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayers Identification Number (ITIN). For a driver's license or learner's permit you will also need to show proof of Automobile Liability Insurance if you will be driving a personal vehicle or something other than a fleet vehicle (rental car, company car)
If you have a valid, unexpired driver license or photo ID issued by DMV in another state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or a US Territory or by a Canadian province, that is sufficient as proof of identity and date of birth, as long as it shows your full name.
If you do not have one of those documents, you must provide two forms of identification from the following list of acceptable document. One document must have your date of birth. The name must be same on both the documents. The documents cannot come from the same category (e.g. two school documents).
WARNING! The use of any fraudulent documents can result in your arrest and prosecution.
The following are the acceptable Proof of Identity Documents, effective February 2, 2004:
- Driver License or State-Issued Identification Card from another state, Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, or a Canadian province.
- Certified or original birth certificate.
- Original Social Security card (may not be laminated)
- Official Ohio School Registration records signed by a school official and Diplomas issued by Ohio schools, including secondary schools, community colleges, colleges and universities
- Unexpired U.S. Military Identification, including DD-2, DD-214, Common Access Card, and U.S. Military Dependents Card
- Valid, unexpired Passport from any nation
- Certified marriage certificate from a Register of Deeds or appropriate government agency in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories or Canada.
- Limited Driving Privilege issued by Ohio.
- Valid, unexpired documents issued by the U.S. Bureau of Immigration Services (BIS) formerly known as Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS)
- Court documents from U.S. jurisdiction, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories or Canada.
- U.S. Veterans Universal Access Card.
Social Security Number or ITIN Requirements: To obtain a driver license, learner’s permit, or ID card, you must have either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayers Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a SSN, you will be required to swear or affirm you are not eligible for an SSN. You will then be required to show proof of an Individual Taxpayer Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS.
Proof of Insurance: If you are getting a driver license, you will need to provide proof of liability insurance coverage from a Ohio-licensed insurance carrier. Otherwise, your driving privilege will be restricted to fleet vehicles only (rental cars, company cars, etc.). Proof of insurance documents includes:
- Form DL-123 from your insurance agent
- Copy of the insurance policy with your name on it and the issue and expiration date
- An insurance binder
- An insurance card with your name, the policy number, and issue and expiration date.
If you are under age 18 and are applying for a Driver's License or Learner's Permit you must provide:
- A Driver Eligibility Certificate or proof of graduation from high school
- And provide proof of completion of driver education training, unless transferring a license from another state with comparable driver education requirements.