Identification Cards in Ohio

Ohio Identification Cards

If you're not licensed to drive in Ohio, you may use an Ohio ID card as your photo identification to prove your identity, age, or address.

Ohio REAL ID Cards

The OH BMV issues federally-compliant REAL ID identification cards in addition to non-compliant IDs. As of October 1, 2021, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard ID card will not after this date.

You have the choice to apply for a non-compliant identification card or upgrade to a REAL ID—we'll walk you through the requirements below. For more detail, visit the BMV's guide to REAL IDs.

OH ID Card Eligibility Requirements

There is NO minimum age requirement for obtaining an Ohio ID card.

You may NOT hold an Ohio ID card and driver license at the same time. If you would like to apply for an Ohio driver's license, you should visit our Applying for a New License (Drivers 18+) in Ohio or Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Ohio pages.

Apply for an Ohio ID Card

You must visit an OH BMV branch office to apply for your OH identification card—you cannot apply online, by mail, or by phone.

The BMV does NOT take appointments for Ohio ID card applications. Since you'll have to wait in line, take a look at the suggested times to visit the OH BMV.

To apply for your OH ID card, you will need to bring proof of*:

  • Full legal name, such as:
    • Certificate of birth(must display gender).
    • Any U.S. driver license (current or expired less than 6 months).
    • U.S. state-issued photo identification card (current or expired less than 6 months).
  • Date of birth, such as:
    • Certificate of birth (with a seal, must display gender).
    • Court order (certified copy) that includes full name and date of birth.
    • Driver license (current or expired less than 6 months).
  • Social Security number (SSN), such as:
    • An official Social Security card.
    • Social Security number identification printout from the SSA.
  • Legal presence, such as:
    • Certificate of birth (certified with a seal, must display gender).
    • Valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.
    • Naturalization document issued by the U.S.
  • Ohio residency2 documents for a federally compliant REAL ID card, 1 document for a non-compliant card. Proofs include:
    • Current insurance policy (automobile, life or premises liability).
    • Ohio certificate of title.
    • Utility bill (electric, phone, cable, etc.).
  • Payment for the $10 fee. See the “OH Identification Card Fees" section below for accepted payment methods.

* The BMV offers complete guides to all acceptable proofs for both REAL ID cards and non-compliant cards.

Your new Ohio ID card will be mailed to you. The OH BMV will issue you a temporary document for the meantime.

Minors Only: If you're younger than 18 years old, you must bring a parent or guardian during the OH ID card application process. He or she will also be required to present proof of name, date of birth and Social Security number.

Next of Kin Information

The BMV allows Ohio ID card applicants and current OH ID cardholders to add “next of kin" contact information to their records to ensure authorities can get in touch with the appropriate people during emergency situations.

You may add up to 2 emergency contacts, such as:

  • Friends.
  • Co-workers.
  • Parents.
  • Guardians.

NOTE: If you're younger than 18 years old, you must list a parent or guardian as one of your emergency contacts.

You may add “next of kin" contact information to your record online, by mail, or in person at any local Deputy Registrar's office.

Online

To submit your “next of kin" information online, visit the Ohio BMV website.

Be prepared to enter:

  • Your OH state ID card number.
  • Date of birth.
  • Initials.
  • Last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN).

By Mail

To add “next of kin" information to your OH BMV records by mail, you may fill out the Next of Kin/Emergency Contact Enrollment form (BMV 2437) and send it to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 16520
Columbus, OH 43216

There is NO fee to add emergency contact information to your Ohio ID card records.

In Person

To add “next of kin" information to your OH BMV records, fill out the Next of Kin form (BMV 2437) and visit your local Deputy Registrar.

Change or Remove “Next of Kin" Contact Information:

If you would like to change your “next of kin" information on your Ohio BMV records, simply resubmit the Next of Kin/Emergency Contact Enrollment form (BMV 2437).

Non-U.S. Citizens

The OH BMV issues non-U.S. citizens identification cards (non-renewable/non-transferable) with an expiration date based on documents from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This date will not exceed 4 years.

You must apply in person at your local BMV branch office. You cannot apply online or by mail.

To apply for your non-renewable Ohio ID card, you must bring:

  • USCIS-issued documents (current).
  • Proof of Ohio residency.
  • Payment for the $10 Ohio ID card application fee.

If you're a non-U.S. citizen with permanent residency, the OH BMV will issue you a regular Ohio ID card. At the time of renewal, you must provide a valid I-551 (green card) and proof of OH residency.

OH Identification Card Fees

The cost for a new or renewed Ohio identification (ID) card is $10.

Replacement or duplicate OH ID cards cost $9.

Veterans who have service-related disabilities rated at 100% by the Department of Veterans Affairs do NOT pay for Ohio ID card issuance or duplicates.

Ohio BMV branch offices accept the following payment methods for transactions made in person:

  • Cash.
  • Checks (personal, certified cashier and traveler's checks).
  • Money orders.
  • County or intra-state agency vouchers.

Renew Your Ohio ID/Safe ID Card

Your Ohio ID card is valid for 4 years and expires on your birthday.

You must renew your Ohio ID card in person at your local BMV office. You cannot renew it online, by phone or mail.

You will need to bring:

  • Your Ohio ID card.
    • If you do NOT have your current Ohio ID card in hand, you will be required to present documents that meet the 5 elements required as proof of identity. Visit the OH BMV website for a complete list of acceptable documents.
    • If your document does not match what the BMV has on file, you will be required to present additional documents to establish your full legal name.
    • If you'd like to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant card, bring all additional required documents with you.
  • Payment of $10.
    • View the “OH Identification Card Fees" section above for more fee information and payment methods.

Your new Ohio ID card will be mailed to you.

NOTE: If your Ohio ID card has been expired for more than 6 months, you will need to show proof of:

Military Ohio ID Cards

U.S. Veterans in Ohio

The OH ID card application fee is waived for disabled veterans.

Remember, the OH BMV will require you to present a letter from Veteran Affairs confirming you are fully disabled.

Ohio ID Card Renewals for U.S. Military Personnel

While you are NOT required to renew your Ohio ID card if you're currently serving in the military and stationed out of state, you may be eligible to renew your Ohio ID card by mail.

To renew your OH ID card while stationed out of state, you must submit a request for the OH BMV to mail you an out-of-state renewal packet.

For more information on how to request the renewal packet, contact the Driver License Information Center at (844) 644-6268 or send an email via the OH BMV contact information page.

NOTE: If you decide to renew when you return to Ohio, you must be in active duty or still within 6 months of your discharge date.

For information on how to replace a lost OH state driver's license, you may read our page about Replacing a Lost License in Ohio.

Replace Your Ohio ID/Safe ID Card

To apply for a replacement Ohio ID card, you must visit your local OH Deputy Registrar office.

You'll need to:

  • Sign a statement indicating the original was lost or stolen.
  • Present 1 document (primary or secondary) to verify your:
    • Date of birth.
    • Social Security number.
    • U.S. citizenship or U.S. legal presence.
    • Ohio residency.
    • Full legal name.
      • If any of the above elements do not agree with your BMV records, you must present an acceptable document to validate the outdated document.
    • For a complete list of acceptable primary and secondary documents, please visit the OH BMV website.
  • Match your photograph on file at the BMV.
  • Pay the $10 renewal fee. See the “Ohio Identification Card Fees" section above for accepted payment methods.

For more information, visit our Replacing a Lost License in Ohio page.

Change Your OH ID Card Name or Address

Changing Your Name in Ohio

You must visit your local BMV branch office to complete your name change. You cannot change your name on your OH ID card online or by mail.

NOTE: You'll need to first change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) as the BMV will ask to see your current Social Security card.

To change your name on your OH ID Card, go to your local BMV office and bring your:

  • Ohio ID card.
  • Marriage certificate.
  • Current Social Security card.
  • Payment for the $9 duplicate Ohio ID card fee.
    • For accepted payment methods, refer to the “OH Identification Card Fees" section above.

For more information, read our page about Changing Your Name in Ohio.

Changing Your Address in OH

You may notify the OH BMV of your new address online, in person, or by mail.

NOTE: Notifying the OH BMV of your change of address will change your records with the OH BMV only. If you would like a replacement OH ID card showing your new address, you will need to apply for a replacement. See the “Replace Your OH ID Card" section above for more information.

Online

To change your OH address online, visit the OH BMV online change of address system.

You will need to provide your:

  • Ohio ID card number.
  • Date of birth.
  • Initials.
  • Last 4 digits of your Social Security number.

In Person

To change your OH address in person, bring a completed Address Change Form (BMV 5756) to your local BMV branch office.

By Mail

To change your address by mail in Ohio, complete the Address Change Form and send it to the address listed on the form.

Your request for a change of address must contain your:

  • Full name.
  • OH ID card number.
  • Previous address.
  • New address.

For more information, read our page about Changing Your Address in Ohio.

Forms

BMV 5756
Request for Change of Address
Notify the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles of a permanent OR temporary change of address.
BMV 2437
Next of Kin/Emergency Contact Enrollment
Add a next of kin/emergency contact to your OH driver's license OR identification card.
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