Chapter 4507 | Driver's License Law

Section 4507.01 | Driver's license law definitions - authority of registrar - deputy registrars.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this chapter, "motor vehicle," "motorized bicycle," "state," "owner," "operator," "chauffeur," and "highways" have the same meanings as in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code.

"Driver's license" means a class D license issued to any person to operate a motor vehicle or motor-driven cycle, other than a commercial motor vehicle, and includes "probationary license," "restricted license," "limited term license," and any operator's or chauffeur's license issued before January 1, 1990. Except as otherwise specifically provided, "driver's license" includes an "enhanced driver's license."

"Enhanced driver's license" means a driver's license issued in accordance with sections 4507.021 and 4507.063 of the Revised Code that denotes citizenship and identity and is approved by the United States secretary of homeland security or other designated federal agency for purposes of entering the United States.

"Probationary license" means the license issued to any person between sixteen and eighteen years of age to operate a motor vehicle.

"Restricted license" means the license issued to any person to operate a motor vehicle subject to conditions or restrictions imposed by the registrar of motor vehicles.

"Commercial driver's license" means the license issued to a person under Chapter 4506. of the Revised Code to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

"Commercial motor vehicle" has the same meaning as in section 4506.01 of the Revised Code.

"Motorcycle operator's temporary instruction permit, license, or endorsement" includes a temporary instruction permit, license, or endorsement for a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter unless otherwise specified.

"Motorized bicycle license" means the license issued under section 4511.521 of the Revised Code to any person to operate a motorized bicycle including a "probationary motorized bicycle license."

"Probationary motorized bicycle license" means the license issued under section 4511.521 of the Revised Code to any person between fourteen and sixteen years of age to operate a motorized bicycle.

"Identification card" means a card issued under sections 4507.50 to 4507.52 of the Revised Code. Except as otherwise specifically provided, "identification card" includes an "enhanced identification card."

"Enhanced identification card" means an identification card issued in accordance with sections 4507.021 and 4507.511 of the Revised Code that denotes citizenship and identity and is approved by the United States secretary of homeland security or other designated federal agency for purposes of entering the United States.

"Resident" means a person who, in accordance with standards prescribed in rules adopted by the registrar, resides in this state on a permanent basis.

"Temporary resident" means a person who, in accordance with standards prescribed in rules adopted by the registrar, resides in this state on a temporary basis.

(B) In the administration of this chapter and Chapter 4506. of the Revised Code, the registrar has the same authority as is conferred on the registrar by section 4501.02 of the Revised Code. Any act of an authorized deputy registrar of motor vehicles under direction of the registrar is deemed the act of the registrar.

To carry out this chapter, the registrar shall appoint such deputy registrars in each county as are necessary.

The registrar also shall provide at each place where an application for a driver's or commercial driver's license or identification card may be made the necessary equipment to take a photograph of the applicant for such license or card as required under section 4506.11 or 4507.06 of the Revised Code, and to conduct the vision screenings required by section 4507.12 of the Revised Code.

The registrar shall assign one or more deputy registrars to any driver's license examining station operated under the supervision of the director of public safety, whenever the registrar considers such assignment possible. Space shall be provided in the driver's license examining station for any such deputy registrar so assigned. The deputy registrars shall not exercise the powers conferred by such sections upon the registrar, unless they are specifically authorized to exercise such powers by such sections.

(C) No agent for any insurance company, writing automobile insurance, shall be appointed deputy registrar, and any such appointment is void. No deputy registrar shall in any manner solicit any form of automobile insurance, nor in any manner advise, suggest, or influence any licensee or applicant for license for or against any kind or type of automobile insurance, insurance company, or agent, nor have the deputy registrar's office directly connected with the office of any automobile insurance agent, nor impart any information furnished by any applicant for a license or identification card to any person, except the registrar. This division shall not apply to any nonprofit corporation appointed deputy registrar.

(D) The registrar shall immediately remove a deputy registrar who violates the requirements of this chapter.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 11:13 AM

Section 4507.011 | Deputy registrar - building rental fees.

• Effective: July 1, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 26 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) Each deputy registrar assigned to a driver's license examining station by the registrar of motor vehicles as provided in section 4507.01 of the Revised Code shall remit to the director of public safety a rental fee equal to the percentage of space occupied by the deputy registrar in the driver's license examining station multiplied by the rental fee paid for the entire driver's license examining station plus a pro rata share of all utility costs. All such moneys received by the director shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the public safety - highway purposes fund created in section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

(B) Each deputy registrar assigned to a bureau of motor vehicles' location shall reimburse the registrar a monthly building rental fee, including applicable utility charges. All such moneys received by the registrar shall be deposited into the public safety - highway purposes fund established in section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

Section 4507.02 | Permitting operation by unlicensed driver - surrender of out-of state license.

• Effective: June 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 74 - 134th General Assembly

(A)(1) No person shall permit the operation of a motor vehicle upon any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking knowing the operator does not have a valid driver's license issued to the operator by the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar under this chapter or a valid commercial driver's license issued under Chapter 4506. of the Revised Code. Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this division is guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor. When the offense is an unclassified misdemeanor, the offender shall be sentenced pursuant to sections 2929.21 to 2929.28 of the Revised Code, except that the offender shall not be sentenced to a jail term; the offender shall not be sentenced to a community residential sanction pursuant to section 2929.26 of the Revised Code; notwithstanding division (A)(2)(a) of section 2929.28 of the Revised Code, the offender may be fined up to one thousand dollars; and, notwithstanding division (A)(3) of section 2929.27 of the Revised Code, the offender may be ordered pursuant to division (C) of that section to serve a term of community service of up to five hundred hours. The failure of an offender to complete a term of community service imposed by the court may be punished as indirect criminal contempt under division (A) of section 2705.02 of the Revised Code that may be filed in the underlying case.

If, within three years of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of this section or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(2) No person shall receive a driver's license, or a motorcycle operator's endorsement of a driver's or commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or identification card unless and until the person surrenders to the registrar or a deputy registrar all valid licenses, temporary instruction permits, and identification cards issued to the person by another jurisdiction recognized by this state.

(3) The registrar shall report the cancellation of a license, temporary instruction permit, or identification card to the issuing authority, together with information that the license, temporary instruction permit, or identification card is now issued in this state. The registrar or a deputy registrar shall destroy any such license, temporary instruction permit, or identification card that is not returned to the issuing authority.

(4) No person shall possess more than one valid license, temporary instruction permit, or identification card at any time.

(B)(1) If a person is convicted of a violation of section 4510.11, 4510.14, or 4510.21 of the Revised Code or if division (E) of section 4507.164 of the Revised Code applies, the trial judge of any court, in addition to or independent of any other penalties provided by law or ordinance, may impound the identification license plates of any motor vehicle registered in the name of the person. The court shall send the impounded license plates to the registrar, who may retain the license plates until the driver's or commercial driver's license of the owner has been reinstated or destroy them pursuant to section 4503.232 of the Revised Code.

If the license plates of a person convicted of a violation of any provision of those sections have been impounded in accordance with the provisions of this division, the court shall notify the registrar of that action. The notice shall contain the name and address of the driver, the serial number of the driver's or commercial driver's license, the serial numbers of the license plates of the motor vehicle, and the length of time for which the license plates have been impounded. The registrar shall record the data in the notice as part of the driver's permanent record.

(2) Any motor vehicle owner who has had the license plates of a motor vehicle impounded pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section may apply to the registrar, or to a deputy registrar, for restricted license plates that shall conform to the requirements of section 4503.231 of the Revised Code. The registrar or deputy registrar forthwith shall notify the court of the application and, upon approval of the court, shall issue restricted license plates to the applicant. Until the driver's or commercial driver's license of the owner is reinstated, any new license plates issued to the owner also shall conform to the requirements of section 4503.231 of the Revised Code.

The registrar or deputy registrar shall charge the owner of a vehicle the fees provided in section 4503.19 of the Revised Code for restricted license plates that are issued in accordance with this division, except upon renewal as specified in section 4503.10 of the Revised Code, when the regular fee as provided in section 4503.04 of the Revised Code shall be charged. The registrar or deputy registrar shall charge the owner of a vehicle the fees provided in section 4503.19 of the Revised Code whenever restricted license plates are exchanged, by reason of the reinstatement of the driver's or commercial driver's license of the owner, for those ordinarily issued.

(3) If an owner wishes to sell a motor vehicle during the time the restricted license plates provided under division (B)(2) of this section are in use, the owner may apply to the court that impounded the license plates of the motor vehicle for permission to transfer title to the motor vehicle. If the court is satisfied that the sale will be made in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this section, it may certify its consent to the owner and to the registrar of motor vehicles who shall enter notice of the transfer of the title of the motor vehicle in the vehicle registration record.

If, during the time the restricted license plates provided under division (B)(2) of this section are in use, the title to a motor vehicle is transferred by the foreclosure of a chattel mortgage, a sale upon execution, the cancellation of a conditional sales contract, or by order of a court, the court shall notify the registrar of the action and the registrar shall enter notice of the transfer of the title to the motor vehicle in the vehicle registration record.

(C) This section is not intended to change or modify any provision of Chapter 4503. of the Revised Code with respect to the taxation of motor vehicles or the time within which the taxes on motor vehicles shall be paid.

Last updated April 14, 2021 at 7:28 AM

Section 4507.021 | Memorandum of understanding for enhanced licenses and IDs.

• Effective: June 30, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 23 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) The director of public safety shall enter into a memorandum of understanding agreement with the United States department of homeland security or other designated federal agency. The purpose of the agreement is to obtain approval to issue enhanced driver's licenses, enhanced commercial driver's licenses, and enhanced identification cards to Ohio residents for use as proof of identity and citizenship and for purposes of entering the United States at authorized land and sea ports.

(2) In conjunction with the United States department of homeland security or other designated federal agency, the director may enter into an agreement with the United Mexican States, any country within the region of the Caribbean, Canada, or any Canadian province for the purpose of implementing a border-crossing initiative.

(B)(1) Pursuant to an agreement under division (A)(1) of this section, the registrar of motor vehicles, subject to approval by the director, shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing issuance of an enhanced driver's license, enhanced commercial driver's license, and enhanced identification card.

(2) The rules shall establish all of the following:

(a) Acceptable methods of proving citizenship for an applicant for an enhanced driver's license, enhanced commercial driver's license, or enhanced identification card;

(b) Reasonable security measures to prevent counterfeiting of enhanced licenses and identification cards and to protect against unauthorized disclosure of personal information that is contained in an enhanced license or identification card. The rules may require a one-to-many biometric matching system for identification purposes, use of radio frequency identification technology, or use of other secure technology that is acceptable to the United States department of homeland security and is encrypted or otherwise secure from unauthorized data access.

(c) Any other additional characteristics of an enhanced license or identification card as determined by the registrar.

(C) The registrar may adopt any other rules necessary to administer the issuance of an enhanced driver's license, enhanced commercial driver's license, and enhanced identification card.

Last updated May 3, 2023 at 12:02 PM

Section 4507.023 | Exchange of information with tax commissioner.

• Effective: January 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 123 - 124th General Assembly

The registrar of motor vehicles may furnish the name and social security number of any person whose driver's license or commercial driver's license has been suspended or canceled, or of any person whose certificate of registration and license plates are subject to impoundment, to the tax commissioner. The tax commissioner may return to the registrar the address of any such person as shown on the most recent return filed by that person under section 5747.08 of the Revised Code.

Section 4507.03 | Exemptions.

• Effective: September 14, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 429 - 131st General Assembly

(A)(1) No person shall be required to obtain a driver's or commercial driver's license for the purpose of temporarily driving, operating, drawing, moving, or propelling a road roller or road machinery upon a street or highway.

(2) No person shall be required to obtain a driver's or commercial driver's license for the purpose of temporarily driving, operating, drawing, moving, or propelling any agricultural tractor or implement of husbandry upon a street or highway at a speed of twenty-five miles per hour or less.

(3) No person shall drive, operate, draw, move, or propel any agricultural tractor or implement of husbandry upon a street or highway at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour unless the person has a current, valid driver's or commercial driver's license.

(4) No person having a valid driver's or commercial driver's license shall be required to have a motorcycle operator's endorsement to operate a motorcycle having three wheels with a motor of not more than fifty cubic centimeters piston displacement.

(5) No person having a valid driver's or commercial driver's license shall be required to have a motorcycle operator's endorsement to operate an autocycle or a cab-enclosed motorcycle.

(B) Every person on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, when furnished with a driver's permit and when operating an official motor vehicle in connection with such duty, is exempt from the license requirements of Chapters 4506. and 4507. of the Revised Code.

Every person on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or in service with the peace corps, volunteers in service to America, or the foreign service of the United States is exempt from the license requirements of those chapters for the period of the person's active duty or service and for six months thereafter, provided the person was a licensee under those chapters at the time the person commenced the person's active duty or service. The spouse or a dependent of any such person on active duty or in service also is exempt from the license requirements of those chapters for the period of the person's active duty or service and for six months thereafter, provided the spouse or dependent was a licensee under those chapters at the time the person commenced the active duty or service, and provided further that the person's active duty or service causes the spouse or dependent to relocate outside of this state during the period of the active duty or service.

This section does not prevent such a person or the person's spouse or dependent from making an application, as provided in division (C) of section 4507.10 of the Revised Code, for the renewal of a driver's license or motorcycle operator's endorsement or as provided in section 4506.14 of the Revised Code for the renewal of a commercial driver's license during the period of the person's active duty or service.

(C) Whoever violates division (A)(3) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Section 4507.04 | Nonresident exemption.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

Nonresidents, permitted to drive upon the highways of their own state, may operate any motor vehicle upon any highway in this state without examination or license under sections 4507.01 to 4507.39, inclusive, of the Revised Code, upon condition that such nonresidents may be required at any time or place to prove lawful possession, or their right to operate, such motor vehicle, and to establish proper identity.

Section 4507.05 | Temporary instruction permit - temporary instruction permit identification card.

• Effective: January 1, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 51 - 130th General Assembly

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles, or a deputy registrar, upon receiving an application for a temporary instruction permit and a temporary instruction permit identification card for a driver's license from any person who is at least fifteen years six months of age, may issue such a permit and identification card entitling the applicant to drive a motor vehicle, other than a commercial motor vehicle, upon the highways under the following conditions:

(1) If the permit is issued to a person who is at least fifteen years six months of age, but less than sixteen years of age:

(a) The permit and identification card are in the holder's immediate possession;

(b) The holder is accompanied by an eligible adult who actually occupies the seat beside the permit holder and does not have a prohibited concentration of alcohol in the whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, or urine as provided in division (A) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code;

(c) The total number of occupants of the vehicle does not exceed the total number of occupant restraining devices originally installed in the motor vehicle by its manufacturer, and each occupant of the vehicle is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device.

(2) If the permit is issued to a person who is at least sixteen years of age:

(a) The permit and identification card are in the holder's immediate possession;

(b) The holder is accompanied by a licensed operator who is at least twenty-one years of age, is actually occupying a seat beside the driver, and does not have a prohibited concentration of alcohol in the whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, or urine as provided in division (A) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code;

(c) The total number of occupants of the vehicle does not exceed the total number of occupant restraining devices originally installed in the motor vehicle by its manufacturer, and each occupant of the vehicle is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device.

(B) The registrar or a deputy registrar, upon receiving from any person an application for a temporary instruction permit and temporary instruction permit identification card to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motor scooter, or motorized bicycle, may issue such a permit and identification card entitling the applicant, while having the permit and identification card in the applicant's immediate possession, to drive a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle or motor scooter, under the restrictions prescribed in section 4511.53 of the Revised Code, or to drive a motorized bicycle under restrictions determined by the registrar. A temporary instruction permit and temporary instruction permit identification card to operate a motorized bicycle may be issued to a person fourteen or fifteen years old.

(C) Any permit and identification card issued under this section shall be issued in the same manner as a driver's license, upon a form to be furnished by the registrar. A temporary instruction permit to drive a motor vehicle other than a commercial motor vehicle shall be valid for a period of one year.

(D) Any person having in the person's possession a valid and current driver's license or motorcycle operator's license or endorsement issued to the person by another jurisdiction recognized by this state is exempt from obtaining a temporary instruction permit for a driver's license and from submitting to the examination for a temporary instruction permit and the regular examination for obtaining a driver's license or motorcycle operator's endorsement in this state if the person does all of the following:

(1) Submits to and passes vision screening as provided in section 4507.12 of the Revised Code;

(2) Surrenders to the registrar or deputy registrar the person's driver's license issued by the other jurisdiction; and

(3) Complies with all other applicable requirements for issuance by this state of a driver's license, driver's license with a motorcycle operator's endorsement, or restricted license to operate a motorcycle.

If the person does not comply with all the requirements of this division, the person shall submit to the regular examination for obtaining a driver's license or motorcycle operator's endorsement in this state in order to obtain such a license or endorsement.

(E) The registrar may adopt rules governing the use of temporary instruction permits and temporary instruction permit identification cards.

(F)(1) No holder of a permit issued under division (A) of this section shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking in violation of the conditions established under division (A) of this section.

(2) Except as provided in division (F)(2) of this section, no holder of a permit that is issued under division (A) of this section and that is issued on or after July 1, 1998, and who has not attained the age of eighteen years, shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking between the hours of midnight and six a.m.

The holder of a permit issued under division (A) of this section on or after July 1, 1998, who has not attained the age of eighteen years, may operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking between the hours of midnight and six a.m. if, at the time of such operation, the holder is accompanied by the holder's parent, guardian, or custodian, and the parent, guardian, or custodian holds a current valid driver's or commercial driver's license issued by this state, is actually occupying a seat beside the permit holder, and does not have a prohibited concentration of alcohol in the whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, or urine as provided in division (A) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code.

(G)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no law enforcement officer shall cause the operator of a motor vehicle being operated on any street or highway to stop the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether each occupant of the motor vehicle is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device as required by division (A) of this section, or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation, or summons if the requirement in that division has been or is being violated, or for causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for a violation of that requirement.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no law enforcement officer shall cause the operator of a motor vehicle being operated on any street or highway to stop the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of division (F)(2) of this section has been or is being committed or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation, or summons for such a violation or for causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for such violation.

(H) As used in this section:

(1) "Eligible adult" means any of the following:

(a) An instructor of a driver training course approved by the department of public safety;

(b) Any of the following persons who holds a current valid driver's or commercial driver's license issued by this state:

(i) A parent, guardian, or custodian of the permit holder;

(ii) A person twenty-one years of age or older who acts in loco parentis of the permit holder.

(2) "Occupant restraining device" has the same meaning as in section 4513.263 of the Revised Code.

(I) Whoever violates division (F)(1) or (2) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

Section 4507.06 | Form and content of application for license - registration of electors.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) Every application for a driver's license, motorcycle operator's license or endorsement, or motor-driven cycle or motor scooter license or endorsement, or duplicate of any such license or endorsement, shall be made upon the approved form furnished by the registrar of motor vehicles and shall be signed by the applicant.

Every application shall state the following:

(a) The applicant's name, date of birth, social security number if such has been assigned, sex, general description, including height, weight, color of hair, and eyes, residence address, including county of residence, duration of residence in this state, and country of citizenship;

(b) Whether the applicant previously has been licensed as an operator, chauffeur, driver, commercial driver, or motorcycle operator and, if so, when, by what state, and whether such license is suspended or canceled at the present time and, if so, the date of and reason for the suspension or cancellation;

(c) Whether the applicant is now or ever has been afflicted with epilepsy, or whether the applicant now has any physical or mental disability or disease and, if so, the nature and extent of the disability or disease, giving the names and addresses of physicians then or previously in attendance upon the applicant;

(d) Whether an applicant for a duplicate driver's license, duplicate license containing a motorcycle operator endorsement, or duplicate license containing a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter endorsement has pending a citation for violation of any motor vehicle law or ordinance, a description of any such citation pending, and the date of the citation;

(e) If an applicant has not certified the applicant's willingness to make an anatomical gift under section 2108.05 of the Revised Code, whether the applicant wishes to certify willingness to make such an anatomical gift, which shall be given no consideration in the issuance of a license or endorsement;

(f) Whether the applicant has executed a valid durable power of attorney for health care pursuant to sections 1337.11 to 1337.17 of the Revised Code or has executed a declaration governing the use or continuation, or the withholding or withdrawal, of life-sustaining treatment pursuant to sections 2133.01 to 2133.15 of the Revised Code and, if the applicant has executed either type of instrument, whether the applicant wishes the applicant's license to indicate that the applicant has executed the instrument;

(g) Whether the applicant is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States and, if the applicant is such, whether the applicant wishes the applicant's license to indicate that the applicant is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States by a military designation on the license.

(2) Every applicant for a driver's license applying in person at a deputy registrar office shall be photographed at the time the application for the license is made. The application shall state any additional information that the registrar requires.

(B) The registrar or a deputy registrar, in accordance with section 3503.11 of the Revised Code, shall register as an elector any person who applies for a license or endorsement under division (A) of this section, or for a renewal or duplicate of the license or endorsement, if the applicant is eligible and wishes to be registered as an elector. The decision of an applicant whether to register as an elector shall be given no consideration in the decision of whether to issue the applicant a license or endorsement, or a renewal or duplicate.

(C) The registrar or a deputy registrar, in accordance with section 3503.11 of the Revised Code, shall offer the opportunity of completing a notice of change of residence or change of name to any applicant for a driver's license or endorsement under division (A) of this section, or for a renewal or duplicate of the license or endorsement, if the applicant is a registered elector who has changed the applicant's residence or name and has not filed such a notice.

(D) In addition to any other information it contains, the approved form furnished by the registrar of motor vehicles for an application for a license or endorsement or an application for a duplicate of any such license or endorsement shall inform applicants that the applicant must present a copy of the applicant's DD-214 or an equivalent document in order to qualify to have the license or duplicate indicate that the applicant is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States based on a request made pursuant to division (A)(1)(g) of this section.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 11:14 AM

Section 4507.061 | Online renewal of driver's license and identification card.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles may authorize the online renewal of a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card issued by the bureau of motor vehicles for eligible applicants. An applicant is eligible for online renewal if all of the following apply:

(1) The applicant's current driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card was processed in person at a deputy registrar office.

(2) The applicant has a photo on file with the bureau of motor vehicles from the applicant's current driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card.

(3) The applicant's current driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card expires on the birthday of the applicant in the fourth year after the date it was issued.

(4) The applicant is applying for a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card that expires on the birthday of the applicant in the fourth year after the date it is issued.

(5) The applicant's current driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card is unexpired or expired not more than six months prior to the date of the application.

(6) The applicant is a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States and a permanent resident of this state.

(7) The applicant's current driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card was issue when the applicant was twenty-one years of age or older.

(8) If the applicant is renewing a driver's license or commercial driver's license, the applicant is less than sixty-five years of age.

(9) The applicant's current driver's license, commercial driver's license, or driving privileges are not suspended, canceled, revoked, or restricted, and the applicant is not otherwise prohibited by law from obtaining a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card.

(10) The applicant has no changes to the applicant's name or personal information, other than a change of address.

(11) The applicant has no medical restrictions that would require the applicant to apply for a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card in person at a deputy registrar office. The registrar shall determine the medical restrictions that require in person applications.

(12) For a commercial driver's license, the applicant complies with all the requirements of Chapter 4506. of the Revised Code, including self-certification and medical certificate requirements.

(13) For a commercial driver's license, the applicant is not under any restriction specified by any federal regulation.

(B) An applicant may not submit an application online for any of the following:

(1) A temporary instruction permit;

(2) A commercial driver's license temporary instruction permit;

(3) An initial issuance of an Ohio driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card;

(4) An initial issuance of a federally compliant driver's license or identification card;

(5) An initial issuance of an enhanced driver's license, commercial driver's license, or enhanced identification card;

(6) An ignition interlock license;

(7) A limited term driver's license or nonrenewable commercial driver's license.

(C) The registrar may require an applicant to provide a digital copy of any identification documents and supporting documents as required by statute or administrative rule to comply with current state and federal requirements.

(D) Except as otherwise provided, an applicant shall comply with all other applicable laws related to the issuance of a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card in order to renew a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card under this section.

(E) The registrar may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement and administer this section.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 11:14 AM

Section 4507.062 | Bureau to forward information to selective service system.

• Effective: August 1, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 46 - 124th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "license" includes a driver's license, commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or identification card.

(B) Any person under twenty-six years of age who is required to register with the selective service system in accordance with the "Military Selective Service Act of 1967," 81 Stat. 100, 50 U.S.C. App. 451 et seq., as amended, upon submission of an application for issuance or renewal of a license is deemed to have given consent for the bureau of motor vehicles to forward to the selective service system the necessary information for such registration.

(C) Upon receipt of an application for issuance or renewal of a license from any person under twenty-six years of age who is required to register with the selective service system, the bureau shall forward to the selective service system in an electronic format the personal information necessary for such registration.

(D) Every application for a license shall state that submission of the application will serve as the applicant's consent to registration with the selective service system, if so required by federal law.

(E) The bureau may accept money from the selective service system to pay any costs that the bureau incurs in implementing this section.

Section 4507.063 | Enhanced driver's license.

• Effective: June 30, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 23 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Pursuant to the memorandum of understanding agreement authorized by section 4507.021 of the Revised Code between the director of public safety and the United States department of homeland security or other designated federal agency, and in accordance with the rules adopted by the registrar of motor vehicles under that section, the registrar or a deputy registrar shall issue an enhanced driver's license to an eligible applicant. An applicant for an enhanced driver's license shall do all of the following:

(1) Provide satisfactory proof of the applicant's identity and citizenship;

(2) Submit a biometric identifier as required by rule;

(3) Sign a declaration on a form prescribed by the registrar acknowledging the use of the one-to-many biometric match and radio frequency identification or other security features of the license;

(4) Pay a fee of twenty-five dollars, in addition to any other applicable fees in sections 4507.23 and 4507.24 of the Revised Code for issuance of a driver's license. The fee shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the public safety - highway purposes fund created in section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

(5) Comply with all other conditions, qualifications, and requirements for issuance of a driver's license.

(B) All provisions in the Revised Code relating to a driver's license include and apply to an enhanced driver's license. An enhanced driver's license may be used in the same manner as a driver's license and additionally is approved for purposes of entering the United States at authorized land and sea ports.

Last updated May 3, 2023 at 12:06 PM

Section 4507.07 | Application of minor for license or permit - signature of adult - liability.

• Effective: April 7, 2005
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 80 - 125th General Assembly

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles shall not grant the application of any minor under eighteen years of age for a probationary license, a restricted license, or a temporary instruction permit, unless the application is signed by one of the minor's parents, the minor's guardian, another person having custody of the applicant, or, if there is no parent or guardian, a responsible person who is willing to assume the obligation imposed under this section.

At the time a minor under eighteen years of age submits an application for a license or permit at a driver's license examining station, the adult who signs the application shall present identification establishing that the adult is the individual whose signature appears on the application. The registrar shall prescribe, by rule, the types of identification that are suitable for the purposes of this paragraph. If the adult who signs the application does not provide identification as required by this paragraph, the application shall not be accepted.

When a minor under eighteen years of age applies for a probationary license, a restricted license, or a temporary instruction permit, the registrar shall give the adult who signs the application notice of the potential liability that may be imputed to the adult pursuant to division (B) of this section and notice of how the adult may prevent any liability from being imputed to the adult pursuant to that division.

(B) Any negligence, or willful or wanton misconduct, that is committed by a minor under eighteen years of age when driving a motor vehicle upon a highway shall be imputed to the person who has signed the application of the minor for a probationary license, restricted license, or temporary instruction permit, which person shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for any damages caused by the negligence or the willful or wanton misconduct. This joint and several liability is not subject to section 2307.22 or 2315.36 of the Revised Code with respect to a tort claim that otherwise is subject to that section.

There shall be no imputed liability imposed under this division if a minor under eighteen years of age has proof of financial responsibility with respect to the operation of a motor vehicle owned by the minor or, if the minor is not the owner of a motor vehicle, with respect to the minor's operation of any motor vehicle, in the form and in the amounts required under Chapter 4509. of the Revised Code.

(C) Any person who has signed the application of a minor under eighteen years of age for a license or permit subsequently may surrender to the registrar the license or temporary instruction permit of the minor and request that the license or permit be canceled. The registrar then shall cancel the license or temporary instruction permit, and the person who signed the application of the minor shall be relieved from the liability imposed by division (B) of this section.

(D) Any minor under eighteen years of age whose probationary license, restricted license, or temporary instruction permit is surrendered to the registrar by the person who signed the application for the license or permit and whose license or temporary instruction permit subsequently is canceled by the registrar may obtain a new license or temporary instruction permit without having to undergo the examinations otherwise required by sections 4507.11 and 4507.12 of the Revised Code and without having to tender the fee for that license or temporary instruction permit, if the minor is able to produce another parent, guardian, other person having custody of the minor, or other adult, and that adult is willing to assume the liability imposed under division (B) of this section. That adult shall comply with the procedures contained in division (A) of this section.

Section 4507.071 | Probationary license - restrictions - violations.

• Effective: July 1, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 53 - 131st General Assembly

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles or any deputy registrar shall not issue a driver's license to any person under eighteen years of age, except that the registrar or a deputy registrar may issue a probationary license to a person who is at least sixteen years of age and has held a temporary instruction permit for a period of at least six months.

(B)(1)(a) No holder of a probationary driver's license who has held the license for less than twelve months shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking between the hours of midnight and six a.m. unless the holder is accompanied by the holder's parent or guardian.

(b) No holder of a probationary driver's license who has held the license for twelve months or longer shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking between the hours of one a.m. and five a.m. unless the holder is accompanied by the holder's parent or guardian.

(2)(a) Subject to division (D)(1) of this section, division (B)(1)(a) of this section does not apply to the holder of a probationary driver's license who is doing either of the following:

(i) Traveling to or from work between the hours of midnight and six a.m., provided that the holder has in the holder's immediate possession written documentation from the holder's employer.

(ii) Traveling to or from an official function sponsored by the school the holder attends between the hours of midnight and six a.m., provided that the holder has in the holder's immediate possession written documentation from an appropriate official of the school;

(iii) Traveling to or from an official religious event between the hours of midnight and six a.m., provided that the holder has in the holder's immediate possession written documentation from an appropriate official affiliated with the event.

(b) Division (B)(1)(b) of this section does not apply to the holder of a probationary driver's license who is doing either of the following:

(i) Traveling to or from work between the hours of one a.m. and five a.m., provided that the holder has in the holder's immediate possession written documentation from the holder's employer.

(ii) Traveling to or from an official function sponsored by the school the holder attends between the hours of one a.m. and five a.m., provided that the holder has in the holder's immediate possession written documentation from an appropriate official of the school;

(iii) Traveling to or from an official religious event between the hours of one a.m. and five a.m., provided that the holder has in the holder's immediate possession written documentation from an appropriate official affiliated with the event.

(3) An employer, school official, or official affiliated with a religious event is not liable in damages in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from, or is related to, the fact that the employer, school official, or official affiliated with a religious event provided the holder of a probationary driver's license with the written documentation described in division (B)(2) of this section.

The registrar of motor vehicles shall make available at no cost a form to serve as the written documentation described in division (B)(2) of this section, and employers, school officials, officials affiliated with religious events, and holders of probationary driver's licenses may utilize that form or may choose to utilize any other written documentation to meet the requirements of that division.

(4) No holder of a probationary driver's license who has held the license for less than twelve months shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking with more than one person who is not a family member occupying the vehicle unless the probationary license holder is accompanied by the probationary license holder's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(C) It is an affirmative defense to a violation of division (B)(1)(a) or (b) of this section if, at the time of the violation, an emergency existed that required the holder of the probationary driver's license to operate a motor vehicle in violation of division (B)(1)(a) or (b) of this section or the holder was an emancipated minor.

(D)(1) If a person is issued a probationary driver's license prior to attaining the age of seventeen years and the person pleads guilty to, is convicted of, or is adjudicated in juvenile court of having committed a moving violation during the six-month period commencing on the date on which the person is issued the probationary driver's license, the court with jurisdiction over the violation may order that the holder must be accompanied by the holder's parent or guardian whenever the holder is operating a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking for a period not to exceed six months or the date the holder attains the age of seventeen years, whichever occurs first.

(2) Any person who is subject to the operating restrictions established under division (D)(1) of this section as a result of a first moving violation may petition the court for driving privileges without being accompanied by the holder's parent or guardian during the period of time determined by the court under that division. In granting the driving privileges, the court shall specify the purposes of the privileges and shall issue the person appropriate forms setting forth the privileges granted. If a person is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is adjudicated in juvenile court of having committed a second or subsequent moving violation, the court with jurisdiction over the violation may terminate any driving privileges previously granted under this division.

(3) No person shall violate any operating restriction imposed under division (D)(1) or (2) of this section.

(E) No holder of a probationary license shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking unless the total number of occupants of the vehicle does not exceed the total number of occupant restraining devices originally installed in the motor vehicle by its manufacturer, and each occupant of the vehicle is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device.

(F) A restricted license may be issued to a person who is fourteen or fifteen years of age upon proof of hardship satisfactory to the registrar of motor vehicles.

(G) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no law enforcement officer shall cause the operator of a motor vehicle being operated on any street or highway to stop the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether each occupant of the motor vehicle is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device as required by division (E) of this section, or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation, or summons if the requirement in that division has been or is being violated, or for causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for a violation of that requirement.

(H) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no law enforcement officer shall cause the operator of a motor vehicle being operated on any street or highway to stop the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of division (B)(1)(a) or (b) of this section has been or is being committed or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation, or summons for such a violation or for causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for such violation.

(I) As used in this section:

(1) "Occupant restraining device" has the same meaning as in section 4513.263 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Family member" of a probationary license holder includes any of the following:

(a) A spouse;

(b) A child or stepchild;

(c) A parent, stepparent, grandparent, or parent-in-law;

(d) An aunt or uncle;

(e) A sibling, whether of the whole or half blood or by adoption, a brother-in-law, or a sister-in-law;

(f) A son or daughter of the probationary license holder's stepparent if the stepparent has not adopted the probationary license holder;

(g) An eligible adult, as defined in section 4507.05 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Moving violation" means any violation of any statute or ordinance that regulates the operation of vehicles, streetcars, or trackless trolleys on the highways or streets. "Moving violation" does not include a violation of section 4513.263 of the Revised Code or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, or a violation of any statute or ordinance regulating pedestrians or the parking of vehicles, vehicle size or load limitations, vehicle fitness requirements, or vehicle registration.

(J) Whoever violates division (B)(1) or (4), (D)(3), or (E) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

Section 4507.08 | Restrictions on issuance of license or temporary instruction permit.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

(A) No probationary license shall be issued to any person under the age of eighteen who has been adjudicated an unruly or delinquent child or a juvenile traffic offender for having committed any act that if committed by an adult would be a drug abuse offense, as defined in section 2925.01 of the Revised Code, a violation of division (B) of section 2917.11, or a violation of division (A) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code, unless the person has been required by the court to attend a drug abuse or alcohol abuse education, intervention, or treatment program specified by the court and has satisfactorily completed the program.

(B) No temporary instruction permit or driver's license shall be issued to any person whose license has been suspended, during the period for which the license was suspended, nor to any person whose license has been canceled, under Chapter 4510. or any other provision of the Revised Code.

(C) No temporary instruction permit or driver's license shall be issued to any person whose commercial driver's license is suspended under Chapter 4510. or any other provision of the Revised Code during the period of the suspension.

No temporary instruction permit or driver's license shall be issued to any person when issuance is prohibited by division (A) of section 4507.091 of the Revised Code.

(D) No temporary instruction permit or driver's license shall be issued to, or retained by, any of the following persons:

(1) Any person who has alcoholism, or is addicted to the use of controlled substances to the extent that the use constitutes an impairment to the person's ability to operate a motor vehicle with the required degree of safety;

(2) Any person who is under the age of eighteen and has been adjudicated an unruly or delinquent child or a juvenile traffic offender for having committed any act that if committed by an adult would be a drug abuse offense, as defined in section 2925.01 of the Revised Code, a violation of division (B) of section 2917.11, or a violation of division (A) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code, unless the person has been required by the court to attend a drug abuse or alcohol abuse education, intervention, or treatment program specified by the court and has satisfactorily completed the program;

(3) Any person who, in the opinion of the registrar, has a physical or mental disability or disease that prevents the person from exercising reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle while operating the vehicle upon the highways, except that a restricted license effective for six months may be issued to any person otherwise qualified who is or has been subject to any condition resulting in episodic impairment of consciousness or loss of muscular control and whose condition, in the opinion of the registrar, is dormant or is sufficiently under medical control that the person is capable of exercising reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle. A restricted license effective for six months shall be issued to any person who otherwise is qualified and who is subject to any condition that causes episodic impairment of consciousness or a loss of muscular control if the person presents a statement from a licensed physician that the person's condition is under effective medical control and the period of time for which the control has been continuously maintained, unless, thereafter, a medical examination is ordered and, pursuant thereto, cause for denial is found.

A person to whom a six-month restricted license has been issued shall give notice of the person's medical condition to the registrar on forms provided by the registrar and signed by the licensee's physician. The notice shall be sent to the registrar six months after the issuance of the license. Subsequent restricted licenses issued to the same individual shall be effective for six months.

(4) Any person who is unable to understand highway warnings or traffic signs or directions given in the English language;

(5) Any person making an application whose driver's license or driving privileges are under cancellation, revocation, or suspension in the jurisdiction where issued or any other jurisdiction, until the expiration of one year after the license was canceled or revoked or until the period of suspension ends. Any person whose application is denied under this division may file a petition in the municipal court or county court in whose jurisdiction the person resides agreeing to pay the cost of the proceedings and alleging that the conduct involved in the offense that resulted in suspension, cancellation, or revocation in the foreign jurisdiction would not have resulted in a suspension, cancellation, or revocation had the offense occurred in this state. If the petition is granted, the petitioner shall notify the registrar by a certified copy of the court's findings and a license shall not be denied under this division.

(6) Any person who is under a class one or two suspension imposed for a violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.04, 2903.06, 2903.08, 2903.11, 2921.331, or 2923.02 of the Revised Code or whose driver's or commercial driver's license or permit was permanently revoked prior to January 1, 2004, for a substantially equivalent violation pursuant to section 4507.16 of the Revised Code;

(7) Any person who is not a resident or temporary resident of this state.

(E) No person whose driver's license or permit has been suspended under Chapter 4510. of the Revised Code or any other provision of the Revised Code shall have driving privileges reinstated if the registrar determines that a warrant has been issued in this state or any other state for the person's arrest and that warrant is an active warrant.

Last updated January 25, 2023 at 11:28 AM

Section 4507.081 | Replacing restricted license.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Upon the expiration of a restricted license issued under division (D)(3) of section 4507.08 of the Revised Code and submission of a statement as provided in division (C) of this section, the registrar of motor vehicles may issue a driver's license to the person to whom the restricted license was issued. A driver's license issued under this section, unless otherwise suspended or canceled, shall be effective for one year.

(B) A driver's license issued under this section may be renewed annually, for no more than three consecutive years, whenever the person to whom the license has been issued submits to the registrar no sooner than thirty days prior to the expiration date of the license or renewal thereof, a statement as provided in division (C) of this section. A renewal of a driver's license, unless the license is otherwise suspended or canceled, shall be effective for one year following the expiration date of the license or renewal thereof.

(C) No person may be issued a driver's license under this section, and no such driver's license may be renewed, unless the person presents a signed statement from a licensed physician that the person's condition either is dormant or is under effective medical control, that the control has been maintained continuously for at least one year prior to the date on which application for the license is made, and that, if continued medication is prescribed to control the condition, the person may be depended upon to take the medication.

The statement shall be made on a form provided by the registrar and shall contain any other information the registrar considers necessary.

(D) Whenever the registrar receives a statement indicating that the condition of a person to whom a driver's license has been issued under this section no longer is dormant or under effective medical control, the registrar shall cancel the person's driver's license.

(E) Nothing in this section shall require a person submitting a signed statement from a licensed physician to obtain a medical examination prior to the submission of the statement.

(F) Any person whose driver's license has been canceled under this section may apply for a subsequent restricted license according to the provisions of section 4507.08 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 18, 2023 at 10:28 AM

Section 4507.09 | Expiration and renewal of license - nonrenewable license.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, every driver's license issued to a resident of this state expires on the birthday of the applicant in the fourth or eighth year after the date it is issued, based on the period of renewal requested by the applicant. A resident who is sixty-five years of age or older may only apply for a driver's license that expires on the birthday of the applicant in the fourth year after the date it is issued. In no event shall any license be issued for a period longer than eight years and ninety days.

Subject to the requirements of section 4507.12 of the Revised Code, every driver's license issued to a resident is renewable at any time prior to its expiration.

(2) A driver's license issued to a temporary resident shall expire in accordance with rules adopted by the registrar of motor vehicles. A driver's license issued to a temporary resident is a limited term license, but may be renewed within ninety days prior to its expiration in accordance with division (E) of this section.

(3) No refund shall be made or credit given for the unexpired portion of the driver's license that is renewed. The registrar shall notify each person whose driver's license has expired within forty-five days after the date of expiration. Notification shall be made by regular mail sent to the person's last known address as shown in the records of the bureau of motor vehicles. Failure to provide such notification shall not be construed as a renewal or extension of any license.

(4) For the purposes of this section, the date of birth of any applicant born on the twenty-ninth day of February shall be deemed to be the first day of March in any year in which there is no twenty-ninth day of February.

(B) Every driver's license or renewal of a driver's license issued to a resident applicant who is sixteen years of age or older, but less than twenty-one years of age, expires on the twenty-first birthday of the applicant, except that an applicant who applies no more than thirty days before the applicant's twenty-first birthday shall be issued a license in accordance with division (A) of this section.

(C) Each person licensed as a driver under this chapter shall notify the registrar of any change in the person's address within ten days following that change. The notification shall be in writing on a form provided by the registrar and shall include the full name, date of birth, license number, county of residence, social security number, and new address of the person.

(D) No driver's license shall be renewed when renewal is prohibited by division (A) of section 4507.091 of the Revised Code.

(E)(1) Except as provided in division (E)(2) of this section, a limited term license shall not be issued to a temporary resident for a period longer than the expiration date of the temporary resident's authorized stay in the United States, or for four years from the date of issuance, whichever date is earliest.

(2) If there is no expiration date for a temporary resident's authorized stay in the United States, a limited term license shall not be issued to the temporary resident for a period longer than one year from the date of issuance.

(3) A limited term license may be renewed within ninety days prior to its expiration upon the applicant's presentation of documentation verifying the applicant's legal presence or continued temporary lawful status in the United States.

(3) A limited term license is not transferable, and the applicant may not rely on it to obtain a driver's license in another state.

(4) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the registrar shall adopt rules governing limited term licenses for temporary residents.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 11:15 AM

Section 4507.091 | Ineligibility for license due to outstanding municipal, county, or mayor's court arrest warrant.

• Effective: July 1, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 26 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) A municipal court, county court, or mayor's court, at the court's discretion, may order the clerk of the court to send to the registrar of motor vehicles a report containing the name, address, and such other information as the registrar may require by rule, of any person for whom an arrest warrant has been issued by that court and is outstanding.

Upon receipt of such a report, the registrar shall enter the information contained in the report into the records of the bureau of motor vehicles. Neither the registrar nor any deputy registrar shall issue a temporary instruction permit or driver's or commercial driver's license to the person named in the report, or renew the driver's or commercial driver's license of such person, until the registrar receives notification from the municipal court, county court, or mayor's court that there are no outstanding arrest warrants in the name of the person. The registrar also shall send a notice to the person who is named in the report, via regular first class mail sent to the person's last known address as shown in the records of the bureau, informing the person that neither the registrar nor any deputy registrar is permitted to issue a temporary instruction permit or driver's or commercial driver's license to the person, or renew the driver's or commercial driver's license of the person, until the registrar receives notification that there are no outstanding arrest warrants in the name of the person.

(B) A clerk who reports an outstanding arrest warrant in accordance with division (A) of this section immediately shall notify the registrar when the warrant has been executed and returned to the issuing court or has been canceled. The clerk shall charge and collect from the person named in the executed or canceled arrest warrant a processing fee of fifteen dollars to cover the costs of the bureau in administering this section. The clerk shall transmit monthly all such processing fees to the registrar for deposit into the public safety - highway purposes fund created by section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

Upon receipt of such notification, the registrar shall cause the report of that outstanding arrest warrant to be removed from the records of the bureau and, if there are no other outstanding arrest warrants issued by a municipal court, county court, or mayor's court in the name of the person and the person otherwise is eligible to be issued a driver's or commercial driver's license or to have such a license renewed, the registrar or a deputy registrar may issue a driver's license or commercial driver's license to the person named in the executed or canceled arrest warrant, or renew the driver's or commercial driver's license of such person.

(C) Neither the registrar, any employee of the bureau, a deputy registrar, nor any employee of a deputy registrar is personally liable for damages or injuries resulting from any error made by a clerk in entering information contained in a report submitted to the registrar under this section.

(D) Any information submitted to the registrar by a clerk under this section shall be transmitted by means of an electronic data transfer system.

Section 4507.10 | Examination for temporary permit, license, or endorsement - exceptions.

• Effective: June 1, 2000
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 271, House Bill 600 - 123rd General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in section 4507.11 of the Revised Code, the registrar of motor vehicles shall examine every applicant for a temporary instruction permit, driver's license, or motorcycle operator's endorsement before issuing any such permit, license, or endorsement.

(B) Except as provided in section 4507.12 of the Revised Code, the registrar may waive the examination of any person applying for the renewal of a driver's license or motorcycle operator's endorsement issued under this chapter, if the person presents and surrenders either an unexpired license or endorsement or a license or endorsement which has expired not more than six months prior to the date of application. Except as provided in section 4507.12 of the Revised Code, the registrar may waive the examination of any person applying for a driver's license if the person presents and surrenders a valid license issued by another state and the license is unexpired or expired not more than six months.

(C) The registrar may waive the examination of any person applying for the renewal of such a license or endorsement who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or in service with the peace corps, volunteers in service to America, or the foreign service of the United States if the applicant has no physical or mental disabilities that would affect the applicant's driving ability, had a valid Ohio driver's or commercial driver's license at the time the applicant commenced such active duty or service, and the applicant's license is not under suspension or revocation by this state or any other jurisdiction. The registrar also may waive the examination of the spouse or a dependent of any such person on active duty or in service if the applicant has no physical or mental disabilities that would affect the applicant's driving ability, was an Ohio licensee at the time the person commenced the active duty or service, and if the person's active duty caused the spouse or dependent to relocate outside of this state during the period of the active duty or service.

(D) Except as provided in section 4507.12 of the Revised Code, the registrar may waive the examination of any person applying for such a license or endorsement who meets any of the following sets of qualifications:

(1) Has been on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, presents an honorable discharge certificate showing that the applicant has no physical or mental disabilities that would affect the applicant's driving ability, had a valid Ohio driver's or commercial driver's license at the time the applicant commenced the applicant's active duty, is not under a license suspension or revocation by this state or any other jurisdiction, and makes the application not more than six months after the date of discharge or separation;

(2) Was in service with the peace corps, volunteers in service to America, or the foreign service of the United States; presents such evidence of the applicant's service as the registrar prescribes showing that the applicant has no physical or mental disabilities that would affect the applicant's driving ability; had a valid Ohio driver's or commercial driver's license at the time the applicant commenced the applicant's service, is not under a license suspension or revocation by this state or any other jurisdiction, and makes the application no more than six months after leaving the peace corps, volunteers, or foreign service.

(3) Is the spouse or a dependent of a person on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, or in service with the peace corps, volunteers in service to America, or the foreign service of the United States; presents such evidence as the registrar prescribes showing that the applicant has no physical or mental disabilities that would affect his driving ability; presents such evidence as the registrar prescribes showing that the applicant relocated outside of Ohio as a result of the person's active duty or service; was an Ohio licensee at the time of the relocation; and makes the application not more than six months after returning to Ohio.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Section 4507.101 | International reciprocity.

• Effective: September 1, 2000
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 600 - 123rd General Assembly

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles may enter into a reciprocal arrangement with another country for reciprocal recognition of driver's licenses if both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The country grants the same or similar exemptions relating to drivers' licenses to persons holding valid driver's licenses issued by this state;

(2) The country charges only reasonable fees for driver's license applications, as determined by the registrar in the registrar's sole discretion, and the fees are charged impartially to all applicants.

(B) The registrar shall not enter into a reciprocal arrangement, and shall cancel any such arrangement previously entered into, if the country does not comply with divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section.

(C) Except as provided in section 4507.12 of the Revised Code, the registrar may waive the examination of any person applying for a driver's license if the person presents a valid, unexpired license issued by a country with which the registrar has a reciprocal arrangement.

(D) The registrar may prescribe the conditions upon which a driver's license may be issued or retained under this section. The registrar shall not prohibit an applicant from retaining the foreign license after the registrar or deputy registrar issuing the Ohio license views and authenticates the foreign license.

Section 4507.11 | Examination for temporary permit, license or endorsement - examiner's driving permit.

• Effective: April 4, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 288 - 134th General Assembly

(A)(1) Except as provided in section 4507.112 of the Revised Code, the registrar of motor vehicles shall conduct all necessary examinations of applicants for temporary instruction permits, drivers' licenses, motorcycle operators' endorsements, or motor-driven cycle or motor scooter endorsements. The examination shall include a test of the applicant's knowledge of motor vehicle laws, including the laws governing stopping for school buses and use of an electronic wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle, a test of the applicant's physical fitness to drive, and a test of the applicant's ability to understand highway traffic control devices. The registrar may conduct the examination in such a manner that applicants who are illiterate or limited in their knowledge of the English language are tested by methods that would indicate to the examining officer that the applicant has a reasonable knowledge of motor vehicle laws and understands highway traffic control devices.

(2) An applicant for a driver's license shall give an actual demonstration of the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle by driving a motor vehicle under the supervision of an examining officer; however, no applicant for a driver's license shall use a low-speed or under-speed vehicle or a mini-truck for the purpose of demonstrating ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control over a vehicle. The demonstration shall consist of a maneuverability test and a road test. The director of public safety shall determine the formats of the tests.

(3) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, an applicant for a motorcycle operator's endorsement or a restricted license that permits only the operation of a motorcycle shall give an actual demonstration of the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motorcycle by driving a motorcycle under the supervision of an examining officer. However, no applicant for such an endorsement or restricted license shall use a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter for the purpose of demonstrating ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motorcycle.

(4) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, an applicant for a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter operator's endorsement or a restricted license that permits only the operation of a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter shall give an actual demonstration of the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter by driving a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter under the supervision of an examining officer.

(5) Except as provided in sections 4507.112 and 4507.12 of the Revised Code, the registrar shall designate the highway patrol, any law enforcement body, or any other employee of the department of public safety to supervise and conduct examinations for temporary instruction permits, drivers' licenses, and motorcycle operators' endorsements and shall provide the necessary rules and forms to properly conduct the examinations. A deputy registrar shall forward to the registrar the records of the examinations, together with the application for a temporary instruction permit, driver's license, or motorcycle operator's endorsement. If in the opinion of the registrar the applicant is qualified to operate a motor vehicle, the registrar shall issue the permit, license, or endorsement.

(6) The registrar may authorize the highway patrol, other designated law enforcement body, or other designated employee of the department of public safety to issue an examiner's driving permit to an applicant who has passed the required examination, authorizing that applicant to operate a motor vehicle while the registrar is completing an investigation relative to that applicant's qualifications to receive a temporary instruction permit, driver's license, or motorcycle operator's endorsement. The applicant shall keep the examiner's driving permit in the applicant's immediate possession while operating a motor vehicle. The examiner's driving permit is effective until final action and notification has been given by the registrar, but in no event longer than sixty days from its date of issuance.

(B)(1) An applicant for a motorcycle operator's endorsement or a restricted license that permits only the operation of a motorcycle who presents to the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar a form approved by the director of public safety attesting to the applicant's successful completion within the preceding sixty days of a course of basic instruction provided by the motorcycle safety and education program approved by the director pursuant to section 4508.08 of the Revised Code shall not be required to give an actual demonstration of the ability to operate a motorcycle by driving a motorcycle under the supervision of an examining officer, as described in division (A) of this section. An applicant for a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter operator's endorsement or a restricted license that permits only the operation of a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter who presents to the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar a form approved by the director of public safety attesting to the applicant's successful completion within the preceding sixty days of a course of basic instruction provided by the motorcycle safety and education program approved by the director pursuant to section 4508.08 of the Revised Code shall not be required to give an actual demonstration of the ability to operate a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter by driving a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter under the supervision of an examining officer, as described in division (A) of this section. Upon presentation of the form described in division (B)(1) of this section and compliance with all other requirements relating to the issuance of a motorcycle operator's endorsement or a restricted license that permits only the operation of a motorcycle, the registrar or deputy registrar shall issue to the applicant the endorsement or restricted license, as the case may be.

(2) A person who has not attained eighteen years of age and presents an application for a motorcycle operator's endorsement or a restricted license under division (B)(1) of this section also shall comply with the requirements of section 4507.21 of the Revised Code.

(C) A person who holds a valid motorcycle endorsement or restricted license that permits only the operation of a motorcycle may operate a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter with that endorsement or restricted license.

Last updated March 8, 2023 at 12:14 PM

Section 4507.111 | Effect of child support default on permit.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.54 of the Revised Code, the registrar of motor vehicles shall comply with sections 3123.53 to 3123.60 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to any driver's or commercial license or permit, motorcycle operator's license or endorsement, or temporary instruction permit or commercial driver's temporary instruction permit issued by this state that is the subject of the notice.

Section 4507.112 | Third-party administration of skills test.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 56 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The director of public safety may authorize a third party to administer the motor vehicle skills test specified in division (A)(2) of section 4507.11 of the Revised Code. A third-party administrator may be any person, any agency of this state, or any agency, department, or instrumentality of local government, including a clerk of the court of common pleas. The third party shall administer the same skills test as otherwise would be administered by the bureau of motor vehicles.

(B) For purposes of authorizing a third party to administer the motor vehicle skills test, the director and the third party shall enter into an agreement that does all of the following:

(1) Allows the director or the director's representative to conduct random examinations, inspections, and audits of the third party, whether covert or overt, without prior notice;

(2) Requires all examiners of the third party to meet the same qualification and training standards as examiners of the department of public safety;

(3) Requires the third party to use designated road test routes that have been approved by the director;

(4) If the third party also is a driver training school, prohibits a skills test examiner employed by the school from administering a skills test to an applicant that the examiner personally trained;

(5) Establishes appropriate documentation and communication between the third party and the department indicating who has attempted the skills test with the third party and whether the person completed the test successfully;

(6) Reserves to the department the right to take prompt and appropriate remedial action against the third party and its skills test examiners if the third party or its skills test examiners fail to comply with state standards for the testing program or with any other terms of the agreement.

(C)(1) The director may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing reasonable fees that a third party authorized to administer the motor vehicle skills test under this section may charge for the skills test.

(2) If the director does not adopt the rules authorized under division (C)(1) of this section, a third party may charge a fee to an applicant who attempts the skills test with that third party. However, a third party shall not charge a fee greater than the cost of administering the skills test to that applicant.

Last updated August 22, 2024 at 11:03 AM

Section 4507.12 | Vision screening prior to license renewal - examiner to retain license upon failure to meet vision standards.

• Effective: June 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 74 - 134th General Assembly

(A)(1) Except as provided in division (C) of section 4507.10 of the Revised Code, each person applying for the renewal of a driver's license in person at a deputy registrar office shall submit to a screening of the person's vision before the license may be renewed. Except as provided in division (A)(2) of this section, the vision screening shall be conducted at the office of the deputy registrar receiving the application for license renewal.

(2) A person applying for the renewal of a driver's license in person at a deputy registrar office who is capable of meeting the standards required for licensing, but who is not capable of passing the vision screening conducted at the office of the deputy registrar, may have the vision screening conducted at a licensed optometrist's or ophthalmologist's office of the person's choice. The person shall have the vision screening performed within ninety days prior to the time the person applies for the driver's license renewal. The person shall bring any forms required by the registrar to the vision screening conducted at the optometrist's or ophthalmologist's office to be completed by the optometrist or ophthalmologist. The person shall submit such forms to a deputy registrar at the time the person applies for the driver's license renewal to verify that the vision screening results meet the vision standards required for licensing.

(B) When the results of a vision screening given under division (A) of this section indicate that the vision of the person examined meets the standards required for licensing, the deputy registrar may renew the person's driver's license at that time.

(C) When the results of a vision screening given under division (A) of this section indicate that the vision of the person screened may not meet the standards required for licensing, the deputy registrar shall not renew the person's driver's license at that time but shall refer the person to a driver's license examiner appointed by the director of public safety under section 5502.05 of the Revised Code for a further examination of the person's vision.

(D) When a person referred to a driver's license examiner by a deputy registrar does not meet the vision standards required for licensing, the driver's license examiner shall retain the person's operator's license and shall immediately notify the registrar of motor vehicles of that fact. The driver's license examiner shall refer the person to a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist of the person's choice. The person may have the optometrist or ophthalmologist conduct a vision screening and shall request the optometrist or ophthalmologist to certify the vision screening results on any forms required by the registrar. The person shall submit such forms to a deputy registrar or driver's license examiner to verify that the vision screening results meet the vision standards required for licensing.

(E) No driver's license shall be issued to a person, until the person's vision is corrected to meet the standards required for licensing by this section. Any person who operates a motor vehicle on a highway, or on any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, during the time the person's driver's license is held by a driver's license examiner under this division, shall be deemed to be operating a motor vehicle in violation of division (A) of section 4510.12 of the Revised Code.

(F) The registrar shall adopt rules and shall provide any forms necessary to properly conduct vision screenings at the office of a deputy registrar, a driver examination station, or at the office of a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.

(G) A person conducting vision screenings under this section is not personally liable for damages for injury or loss to persons or property and for death caused by the operation of a motor vehicle by any person whose driver's license was renewed by the deputy registrar under division (B) of this section.

Last updated April 14, 2021 at 7:29 AM

Section 4507.13 | Contents and characteristics of driver's license.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) The registrar of motor vehicles shall issue a driver's license to every person licensed as an operator of motor vehicles other than commercial motor vehicles. No person licensed as a commercial motor vehicle driver under Chapter 4506. of the Revised Code need procure a driver's license, but no person shall drive any commercial motor vehicle unless licensed as a commercial motor vehicle driver.

(2) Every driver's license shall display all of the following information:

(a) The distinguishing number assigned to the licensee;

(b) The licensee's name and date of birth;

(c) The licensee's residence address and county of residence;

(d) A photograph of the licensee;

(e) A brief description of the licensee for the purpose of identification;

(f) A facsimile of the signature of the licensee as it appears on the application for the license;

(g) A notation, in a manner prescribed by the registrar, indicating any condition described in division (D)(3) of section 4507.08 of the Revised Code to which the licensee is subject;

(h) If the licensee has executed a durable power of attorney for health care or a declaration governing the use or continuation, or the withholding or withdrawal, of life-sustaining treatment and has specified that the licensee wishes the license to indicate that the licensee has executed either type of instrument, any symbol chosen by the registrar to indicate that the licensee has executed either type of instrument;

(i) If the licensee has specified that the licensee wishes the license to indicate that the licensee is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States and has presented a copy of the licensee's DD-214 form or an equivalent document, any symbol chosen by the registrar to indicate that the licensee is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States;

(j) If the licensee is a noncitizen of the United States, a notation designating that the licensee is a noncitizen;

(k) Any additional information that the registrar requires by rule.

(3) No license shall display the licensee's social security number unless the licensee specifically requests that the licensee's social security number be displayed on the license. If federal law requires the licensee's social security number to be displayed on the license, the social security number shall be displayed on the license notwithstanding this section.

(4) The driver's license for licensees under twenty-one years of age shall have characteristics prescribed by the registrar distinguishing it from that issued to a licensee who is twenty-one years of age or older, except that a driver's license issued to a person who applies no more than thirty days before the applicant's twenty-first birthday shall have the characteristics of a license issued to a person who is twenty-one years of age or older.

(5) The limited term license issued to a temporary resident shall contain the word "limited term" and shall have any additional characteristics prescribed by the registrar distinguishing it from a license issued to a resident.

(6) Every enhanced driver's license shall have any additional characteristics established by the rules adopted under section 4507.021 of the Revised Code.

(7) Every driver's or commercial driver's license displaying a motorcycle operator's endorsement and every restricted license to operate a motor vehicle also shall display the designation "novice," if the endorsement or license is issued to a person who is eighteen years of age or older and previously has not been licensed to operate a motorcycle by this state or another jurisdiction recognized by this state. The "novice" designation shall be effective for one year after the date of issuance of the motorcycle operator's endorsement or license.

(8) Each license issued under this section shall be of such material and so designed as to prevent its reproduction or alteration without ready detection.

(B) Except in regard to a driver's license issued to a person who applies no more than thirty days before the applicant's twenty-first birthday, neither the registrar nor any deputy registrar shall issue a driver's license to anyone under twenty-one years of age that does not have the characteristics prescribed by the registrar distinguishing it from the driver's license issued to persons who are twenty-one years of age or older.

(C) The registrar shall ensure that driver's licenses issued in accordance with the federal "Real ID Act," 49 U.S.C. 30301, et seq., comply with the regulations specified in 6 C.F.R. part 37.

(D) Whoever violates division (B) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 11:17 AM

Section 4507.14 | Registrar to impose restrictions suitable to driving ability.

• Effective: January 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 123 - 124th General Assembly

The registrar of motor vehicles upon issuing a driver's license, a motorcycle operator's endorsement, a driver's license renewal, or the renewal of any other license issued under this chapter, whenever good cause appears, may impose restrictions suitable to the licensee's driving ability with respect to the type of or special mechanical control devices required on a motor vehicle that the licensee may operate, or any other restrictions applicable to the licensee that the registrar determines to be necessary.

When issuing a license to a person with impaired hearing, the registrar shall require that a motor vehicle operated by the person be equipped with two outside rear vision mirrors, one on the left side and the other on the right side.

The registrar either may issue a special restricted license or may set forth any restrictions applicable to the license upon the usual license form.

The registrar, upon receiving satisfactory evidence of any violation of the restrictions of any license, after an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may impose upon the offender a class D suspension of the license from the range specified in division (B)(4) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code.

Section 4507.141 | Hearing-impaired identification card.

• Effective: September 16, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 125th General Assembly

(A) Any hearing-impaired person may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles for an identification card identifying the person as hearing-impaired. The application for a hearing-impaired identification card shall be accompanied by a signed statement from the applicant's personal physician certifying that the applicant is hearing-impaired. Upon receipt of the application for the identification card and the signed statement from the applicant's personal physician, and upon presentation by the applicant of the applicant's driver's or commercial driver's license or motorcycle operator's license, the registrar shall issue the applicant an identification card. A hearing-impaired person may also apply for a hearing-impaired identification card at the time the person applies for a driver's or commercial driver's license or motorcycle operator's license or endorsement. Every hearing-impaired identification card shall expire on the same date that the cardholder's driver's or commercial driver's license or motorcycle operator's license expires.

(B) The hearing-impaired identification card shall be rectangular in shape, approximately the same size as an average motor vehicle sun visor, as determined by the registrar, to enable the identification card to be attached to a sun visor in a motor vehicle. The identification card shall contain the heading "Identification Card for the Hearing-impaired Driver" in boldface type, the name and signature of the hearing-impaired person to whom it is issued, an identifying number, and instructions on the actions the hearing-impaired person should take and the actions the person should refrain from taking in the event the person is stopped by a law enforcement officer while operating the motor vehicle. The registrar shall determine the preferred manner in which a hearing-impaired motorcycle operator should carry or display the hearing-impaired identification card, and the color and composition of, and any other information to be included on, the identification card.

(C) As used in this section, "hearing-impaired" means a hearing loss of forty decibels or more in one or both ears.

Section 4507.15 | County-wide jurisdiction of courts - reports of convictions and forfeitures.

• Effective: January 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 123 - 124th General Assembly

For the purpose of enforcing this chapter and Chapter 4510. of the Revised Code, any court of record having criminal jurisdiction shall have county-wide jurisdiction within the county in which it is located to hear and finally determine cases arising under this chapter and Chapter 4510. of the Revised Code. An action arising under this section shall be commenced by the filing of an affidavit, and the right of trial by jury is preserved, but indictments are not required in misdemeanor cases arising under this chapter and Chapter 4510. of the Revised Code. The registrar shall prepare and furnish blanks for the use of the court in making reports of convictions and bond forfeitures arising under this chapter and Chapter 4510. of the Revised Code.

Section 4507.16 | Suspension of license by trial judge - prohibitions concerning registering, renewing, or transferring vehicle.

• Effective: January 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 123 - 124th General Assembly

(A) The trial judge of any court of record, in addition to or independent of all other penalties provided by law or by ordinance, shall impose upon any person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to perjury or the making of a false affidavit under this chapter, or any other law of this state requiring the registration of motor vehicles or regulating their operation on the highway, a class six suspension of the offender's driver's license, commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(6) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code. No judge shall suspend the first three months of suspension of an offender's license, permit, or privilege required by this division.

(B) If the trial judge of any court of record suspends the driver's or commercial driver's license or permit or nonresident operating privilege of a person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to any offense for which a suspension of that type is provided by law or ordinance, in addition to all other penalties provided by law or ordinance, the judge may issue an order prohibiting the offender from registering, renewing, or transferring the registration of any vehicle during the period that the offender's license, permit, or privilege is suspended. The court promptly shall send a copy of the order to the registrar of motor vehicles.

Upon receipt of the order from the court, neither the registrar nor any deputy registrar shall accept any application for the registration, registration renewal, or transfer of registration of any motor vehicle owned or leased by the person named in the order during the period that the person's license, permit, or privilege is suspended, unless the registrar is properly notified by the court that the order of suspension has been canceled. When the period of suspension expires or the order is canceled, the registrar or deputy registrar shall accept the application for registration, registration renewal, or transfer of registration of the person named in the order.

Section 4507.164 | Impounding license plates upon suspension of license - immobilizing or criminal forfeiture of vehicle.

• Effective: September 28, 2012
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 337 - 129th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in divisions (C) to (E) of this section, when the license of any person is suspended pursuant to any provision of the Revised Code other than division (G) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code and other than section 4510.07 of the Revised Code for a violation of a municipal OVI ordinance, the trial judge may impound the identification license plates of any motor vehicle registered in the name of the person.

(B)(1) When the license of any person is suspended pursuant to division (G)(1)(a) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code, or pursuant to section 4510.07 of the Revised Code for a municipal OVI offense when the suspension is equivalent in length to the suspension under division (G) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code that is specified in this division, the trial judge of the court of record or the mayor of the mayor's court that suspended the license may impound the identification license plates of any motor vehicle registered in the name of the person.

(2) When the license of any person is suspended pursuant to division (G)(1)(b) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code, or pursuant to section 4510.07 of the Revised Code for a municipal OVI offense when the suspension is equivalent in length to the suspension under division (G) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code that is specified in this division, the trial judge of the court of record that suspended the license shall order the impoundment of the identification license plates of the motor vehicle the offender was operating at the time of the offense and the immobilization of that vehicle in accordance with section 4503.233 and division (G)(1)(b) of section 4511.19 or division (C)(2)(a) of section 4511.193 of the Revised Code and may impound the identification license plates of any other motor vehicle registered in the name of the person whose license is suspended.

(3) When the license of any person is suspended pursuant to division (G)(1)(c), (d), or (e) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code, or pursuant to section 4510.07 of the Revised Code for a municipal OVI offense when the suspension is equivalent in length to the suspension under division (G) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code that is specified in this division, the trial judge of the court of record that suspended the license shall order the criminal forfeiture to the state of the motor vehicle the offender was operating at the time of the offense in accordance with section 4503.234 and division (G)(1)(c), (d), or (e) of section 4511.19 or division (C)(2)(b) of section 4511.193 of the Revised Code and may impound the identification license plates of any other motor vehicle registered in the name of the person whose license is suspended.

(C)(1) When a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of section 4510.14 of the Revised Code or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance and division (B)(1) or (2) of section 4510.14 or division (B)(1) or (2) of section 4510.161 of the Revised Code applies, the trial judge of the court of record or the mayor of the mayor's court that imposes sentence shall order the immobilization of the vehicle the person was operating at the time of the offense and the impoundment of its identification license plates in accordance with section 4503.233 and division (B)(1) or (2) of section 4510.14 or division (B)(1) or (2) of section 4510.161 of the Revised Code and may impound the identification license plates of any other vehicle registered in the name of that person.

(2) When a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of section 4510.14 of the Revised Code or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance and division (B)(3) of section 4510.14 or division (B)(3) of section 4510.161 of the Revised Code applies, the trial judge of the court of record that imposes sentence shall order the criminal forfeiture to the state of the vehicle the person was operating at the time of the offense in accordance with section 4503.234 and division (B)(3) of section 4510.14 or division (B)(3) of section 4510.161 of the Revised Code and may impound the identification license plates of any other vehicle registered in the name of that person.

(D)(1) When a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of section 4511.203 of the Revised Code and the person is sentenced pursuant to division (C)(3)(a) or (b) of section 4511.203 of the Revised Code, the trial judge of the court of record or the mayor of the mayor's court that imposes sentence shall order the immobilization of the vehicle that was involved in the commission of the offense and the impoundment of its identification license plates in accordance with division (C)(3)(a) or (b) of section 4511.203 and section 4503.233 of the Revised Code and may impound the identification license plates of any other vehicle registered in the name of that person.

(2) When a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of section 4511.203 of the Revised Code and the person is sentenced pursuant to division (C)(3)(c) of section 4511.203 of the Revised Code, the trial judge of the court of record or the mayor of the mayor's court that imposes sentence shall order the criminal forfeiture to the state of the vehicle that was involved in the commission of the offense in accordance with division (C)(3)(c) of section 4511.203 and section 4503.234 of the Revised Code and may impound the identification license plates of any other vehicle registered in the name of that person.

(E) Except as provided in section 4503.233 or 4503.234 of the Revised Code, when the certificate of registration, the identification license plates, or both have been impounded, division (B) of section 4507.02 of the Revised Code is applicable.

(F) As used in this section, "municipal OVI offense" has the same meaning as in section 4511.181 of the Revised Code.

Section 4507.1612 | Reinstatement fee before restoration of license.

• Effective: July 1, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 26 - 132nd General Assembly

The registrar of motor vehicles shall not restore any operating privileges or reissue a probationary driver's license, restricted license, driver's license, or probationary commercial driver's license suspended under section 2923.122 of the Revised Code until the person whose license was suspended pays a reinstatement fee of thirty dollars to the registrar or an eligible deputy registrar. In addition, each deputy registrar shall collect a service fee of ten dollars to compensate the deputy registrar for services performed under this section. The deputy registrar shall retain eight dollars of the service fee and shall transmit the reinstatement fee, plus two dollars of the service fee, to the registrar in the manner the registrar shall determine.

The bureau of motor vehicles shall pay all fees collected under this section into the state treasury to the credit of the public safety - highway purposes fund created by section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

Section 4507.1614 | Registrar to suspend license or permit.

• Effective: September 16, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 125th General Assembly

The registrar shall suspend the person's license or permit under division (A) of section 4507.162 of the Revised Code regardless of whether the disposition of the case in juvenile court occurred after the person's eighteenth birthday.

Section 4507.17 | Effect of suspension or cancellation of license.

• Effective: January 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 123 - 124th General Assembly

Any person whose license is suspended or canceled is not entitled to apply for or receive a new license during the effective dates of the suspension or cancellation.

Section 4507.18 | Renewal of license or endorsement by electronic means.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles shall permit all of the following to renew a driver's license or motorcycle operator's endorsement issued by this state by electronic means:

(1) Any person who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States who is stationed outside of this state;

(2) The spouse of a person described in division (A)(1) of this section who is also outside of this state;

(3) The dependents of a person described in division (A)(1) of this section who are also outside of this state.

(B) The registrar shall require all of the following:

(1) That the applicant provide a digital copy of the applicant's military identification card or military dependent identification card;

(2) That any spouse or dependent applicant provide a digital copy of a form provided by the registrar demonstrating that the applicant received and passed a vision examination in accordance with the vision requirements under section 4507.12 of the Revised Code;

(3) That the applicant provide a digital copy of a current two inch by two inch passport quality photograph with a white background to be used as the applicant's new driver's license or motorcycle operator's endorsement photograph;

(4) That the applicant provide a digital copy of any identification documents and supporting documents as required by statute or administrative rule to comply with current state and federal requirements.

(C) The registrar shall make it possible for applicants to upload and send by electronic means all required copies of supporting documents and photographs for a driver's license or motorcycle operator's endorsement renewal under this section.

(D)(1) This section does not impact a person's ability to use the exemption from the license requirements available under division (B) of section 4507.03 of the Revised Code.

(2) This section does not prevent a person who is permitted to renew a driver's license or motorcycle operator's endorsement by electronic means under this section from making an application, as provided in section 4507.10 of the Revised Code, in person at a deputy registrar's office.

(E) The registrar shall adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement and administer this section.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 11:18 AM

Section 4507.19 | Cancellation of license.

• Effective: September 16, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 125th General Assembly

The registrar of motor vehicles may cancel any driver's or commercial driver's license or identification card that was obtained fraudulently or unlawfully, was issued in error, or has been altered or willfully destroyed.

Section 4507.20 | Examination of licensee's competency.

• Effective: September 16, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 125th General Assembly

The registrar of motor vehicles, when the registrar has good cause to believe that the holder of a driver's or commercial driver's license is incompetent or otherwise not qualified to be licensed, shall send a written notice to the licensee's last known address, requiring the licensee to submit to a driver's license examination, a physical examination, or both, or a commercial driver's license examination within the time indicated on the notice. The physical examination may be conducted by any individual authorized by the Revised Code to do so, including a physician assistant, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife. Any written documentation of the physical examination shall be completed by the individual who conducted the examination.

Upon the conclusion of the examination, the registrar may suspend the license of the person, may permit the licensee to retain the license, or may issue the licensee a restricted license. Refusal or neglect of the licensee to submit to the examination is ground for suspension of the licensee's license.

A physician licensed under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code may submit a report to the registrar stating that in the physician's professional opinion the holder of a driver's or commercial driver's license may be incompetent or otherwise not qualified to operate safely a motor vehicle due to medical reasons. Any such report submitted to the registrar is confidential, is not a public record, and is not subject to disclosure under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

Section 4507.21 | Application for and issuance of license.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in section 4507.061 of the Revised Code, each applicant for a driver's license shall file an application in the office of the registrar of motor vehicles or of a deputy registrar.

(B)(1) Each person under eighteen years of age applying for a driver's license issued in this state shall present satisfactory evidence of having successfully completed any one of the following:

(a) A driver education course approved by the state department of education and workforce prior to December 31, 2003.

(b) A driver training course approved by the director of public safety.

(c) A driver training course comparable to a driver education or driver training course described in division (B)(1)(a) or (b) of this section and administered by a branch of the armed forces of the United States and completed by the applicant while residing outside this state for the purpose of being with or near any person serving in the armed forces of the United States.

(2) Each person under eighteen years of age applying for a driver's license also shall present, on a form prescribed by the registrar, an affidavit signed by an eligible adult attesting that the person has acquired at least fifty hours of actual driving experience, with at least ten of those hours being at night.

(C)(1) An applicant for an initial driver's license shall present satisfactory evidence of successful completion of the abbreviated driver training course for adults, approved by the director of public safety under section 4508.02 of the Revised Code, if all of the following apply:

(a) The applicant is eighteen years of age or older.

(b) The applicant failed the road or maneuverability test required under division (A)(2) of section 4507.11 of the Revised Code.

(c) In the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant has not successfully completed a driver training course.

(2) An applicant shall present satisfactory evidence as required under division (C)(1) of this section prior to attempting the test a second or subsequent time.

(D) If the registrar or deputy registrar determines that the applicant is entitled to the driver's license, it shall be issued. If the application shows that the applicant's license has been previously canceled or suspended, the deputy registrar shall forward the application to the registrar, who shall determine whether the license shall be granted.

(E) An applicant shall file an application under this section in duplicate, and the deputy registrar issuing the license shall immediately forward to the office of the registrar the original copy of the application, together with the duplicate copy of any certificate of completion if issued for purposes of division (B) of this section. The registrar shall prescribe rules as to the manner in which the deputy registrar files and maintains the applications and other records. The registrar shall file every application for a driver's or commercial driver's license and index them by name and number, and shall maintain a suitable record of all licenses issued, all convictions and bond forfeitures, all applications for licenses denied, and all licenses that have been suspended or canceled.

(F) For purposes of section 2313.06 of the Revised Code, the registrar shall maintain accurate and current lists of the residents of each county who are eighteen years of age or older, have been issued, on and after January 1, 1984, driver's or commercial driver's licenses that are valid and current, and would be electors if they were registered to vote, regardless of whether they actually are registered to vote. The lists shall contain the names, addresses, dates of birth, duration of residence in this state, citizenship status, and social security numbers, if the numbers are available, of the licensees, and may contain any other information that the registrar considers suitable.

(G) Each person under eighteen years of age applying for a motorcycle operator's endorsement or a restricted license enabling the applicant to operate a motorcycle shall present satisfactory evidence of having completed the courses of instruction in the motorcycle safety and education program described in section 4508.08 of the Revised Code or a comparable course of instruction administered by a branch of the armed forces of the United States and completed by the applicant while residing outside this state for the purpose of being with or near any person serving in the armed forces of the United States. If the registrar or deputy registrar then determines that the applicant is entitled to the endorsement or restricted license, it shall be issued.

(H) No person shall knowingly make a false statement in an affidavit presented in accordance with division (B)(2) of this section.

(I) As used in this section, "eligible adult" means any of the following persons:

(1) A parent, guardian, or custodian of the applicant;

(2) A person over the age of twenty-one who acts in loco parentis of the applicant and who maintains proof of financial responsibility with respect to the operation of a motor vehicle owned by the applicant or with respect to the applicant's operation of any motor vehicle.

(J) Whoever violates division (H) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor and shall be fined one hundred dollars.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 12:01 PM

Section 4507.212 | Statement of proof of financial responsibility - penalties form.

• Effective: October 20, 1994
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 20 - 120th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "motor vehicle" has the same meaning as in section 4509.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) An application for a driver's, commercial driver's, restricted, or probationary license, or renewal of such license shall contain a statement, to be signed by the applicant, that does all of the following:

(1) States that the applicant maintains, or has maintained on his behalf, proof of financial responsibility at the time of application, and will not operate a motor vehicle in this state, unless he maintains, or has maintained on his behalf, proof of financial responsibility;

(2) Contains a brief summary of the purposes and operation of section 4509.101 of the Revised Code, the rights and duties of the applicant under that section, and the penalties for violation of that section;

(3) Warns the applicant that the financial responsibility law does not prevent the possibility that the applicant may be involved in an accident with an owner or operator of a motor vehicle who is without proof of financial responsibility.

(C) The registrar of motor vehicles shall prescribe the form of the statement, and the manner in which the statement shall be presented to the applicant. The statement shall be designed to enable the applicant to retain a copy of it.

(D) Nothing within this section shall be construed to excuse a violation of section 4509.101 of the Revised Code.

(E) At the time a person submits an application for a driver's, commercial driver's, restricted, or probationary license, or renewal of such a license, the applicant also shall be furnished with a form that lists in plain language all the possible penalties to which the applicant could be subject for a violation of the financial responsibility law, including driver's license suspensions; all fees, including nonvoluntary compliance and reinstatement fees; and vehicle immobilization or impoundment. The applicant shall sign the form, which shall be submitted along with the application. The form shall be retained by the registrar or deputy registrar who issues the license or renewal or his successor for a period of two years from the date of issuance of the license or renewal. The registrar shall prescribe the manner in which the form shall be presented to the applicant, and the format of the form, which shall be such that the applicant can retain a copy of it.

Section 4507.213 | Surrender of foreign driver's license.

• Effective: June 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 74 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Any person who becomes a resident of this state, within thirty days of becoming a resident, shall surrender any driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or identification card issued by another state to the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar. If such a person intends to operate a motor vehicle upon the public roads or highways, the person shall apply for a temporary instruction permit or driver's license in this state. If the person fails to apply for a driver's license or temporary instruction permit within thirty days of becoming a resident, the person shall not operate any motor vehicle in this state under a license or permit issued by another state.

(B)(1) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(2) The offense established under division (B)(1) of this section is a strict liability offense and strict liability is a culpable mental state for purposes of section 2901.20 of the Revised Code. The designation of this offense as a strict liability offense shall not be construed to imply that any other offense, for which there is no specified degree of culpability, is not a strict liability offense.

(C) For purposes of division (A) of this section, "resident" means any person to whom any of the following applies:

(1) The person maintains their principal residence in this state and does not reside in this state as a result of the person's active service in the United States armed forces.

(2) The person is determined by the registrar of motor vehicles to be a resident in accordance with standards adopted by the registrar under section 4507.01 of the Revised Code.

Last updated April 14, 2021 at 7:29 AM

Section 4507.214 | Summary page for hands free law.

• Effective: April 4, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 288 - 134th General Assembly

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles or deputy registrar shall provide each applicant for a temporary instruction permit, driver's license, commercial driver's license, motorized bicycle license, motorcycle operator's license, or the renewal thereof, a one-page summary of Ohio's laws governing the use of an electronic wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle. The summary shall explain the prohibition, the exemptions, and the penalties set forth in section 4511.204 of the Revised Code.

(B) Upon receiving the summary described in division (A) of this section, the applicant shall sign a statement acknowledging receipt of the summary, either manually or by electronic signature.

(C) The registrar shall prescribe the form of the summary and the manner in which the summary is presented to the applicant. The summary shall be designed to enable the applicant to retain either a physical or electronic copy of it.

(D) Nothing within this section shall be construed to excuse a violation of section 4511.204 of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 3:00 PM

Section 4507.22 | Transmission of application with report of findings to registrar.

• Effective: July 1, 1989
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 381 - 118th General Assembly

If the deputy registrar finds that an applicant is not entitled to an identification card or a driver's license, he shall transmit to the registrar of motor vehicles the original of the application together with the written report of his findings and recommendations in connection with such application. Upon receipt thereof, the registrar shall review the findings and recommendations and determine whether the application shall be granted, and report his findings to the deputy registrar and the applicant. If the registrar determines the the application should be granted, he shall thereupon notify the deputy registrar, who shall forthwith issue the license or card.

Section 4507.23 | License and permit fees - disabled veteran exemptions.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 68 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (I) of this section, each application for a temporary instruction permit and examination or a reprint shall be accompanied by a fee of five dollars.

(B) Except as provided in division (I) of this section, each application for a driver's license made by a person who previously held such a license and whose license has expired not more than two years prior to the date of application, and who is required under this chapter to give an actual demonstration of the person's ability to drive, shall be accompanied by a fee of three dollars in addition to any other fees.

(C)(1) Except as provided in divisions (E) and (I) of this section, each application for a driver's license, or motorcycle operator's endorsement, or renewal of a driver's license shall be accompanied by a fee of six dollars if the license or endorsement will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance or a fee of eleven dollars and fifty cents if the license or endorsement will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance.

(2) Except as provided in divisions (I) and (J) of this section, each application for a duplicate driver's license shall be accompanied by a fee of seven dollars and fifty cents. The duplicate driver's licenses issued under this section shall be distributed by the deputy registrar in accordance with rules adopted by the registrar of motor vehicles.

(3) Except as provided in division (I) of this section, each application for a reprint of a driver's license shall be accompanied by a fee equivalent to the fee required for a duplicate driver's license.

(D) Except as provided in division (I) of this section, each application for a motorized bicycle license or a reprint or duplicate thereof shall be accompanied by a fee of two dollars and fifty cents if the license will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance or a fee of four dollars and fifty cents if the license will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance.

(E) Except as provided in division (I) of this section, each application for a driver's license or renewal of a driver's license that will be issued to a person who is less than twenty-one years of age shall be accompanied by whichever of the following fees is applicable:

(1) If the person is sixteen years of age or older, but less than seventeen years of age, a fee of seven dollars and twenty-five cents;

(2) If the person is seventeen years of age or older, but less than eighteen years of age, a fee of six dollars;

(3) If the person is eighteen years of age or older, but less than nineteen years of age, a fee of four dollars and seventy-five cents;

(4) If the person is nineteen years of age or older, but less than twenty years of age, a fee of three dollars and fifty cents;

(5) If the person is twenty years of age or older, but less than twenty-one years of age, a fee of two dollars and twenty-five cents.

(F) The registrar and any deputy registrar may charge a fee for the authentication of the documents required for processing a driver's license, motorized bicycle license, or temporary instruction permit identification cards as required by sections 4507.13 and 4511.521 of the Revised Code as follows:

(1) One dollar and fifty cents for a temporary instruction permit;

(2) One dollar and fifty cents for a license issued to a person who is less than twenty-one years of age;

(3) One dollar and fifty cents for a license that will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance;

(4) Three dollars for a license that will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance.

A deputy registrar that authenticates the required documents for a driver's license, motorized bicycle license, or temporary instruction permit identification cards shall retain the entire amount of the fee.

(G) Except as provided in division (I) of this section, each transaction described in divisions (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) of this section shall be accompanied by an additional fee as follows:

(1) Twelve dollars for a temporary instruction permit;

(2) Twelve dollars for a license issued to a person who is less than twenty-one years of age;

(3) Twelve dollars for a license or endorsement that will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance;

(4) Twenty-three dollars and fifty cents for a license or endorsement that will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance.

The additional fee is for the purpose of defraying the department of public safety's costs associated with the administration and enforcement of the motor vehicle and traffic laws of Ohio.

(H) At the time and in the manner provided by section 4503.10 of the Revised Code, the deputy registrar shall transmit the fees collected under divisions (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E), those portions of the fees specified in and collected under division (F), and the additional fee under division (G) of this section to the registrar. The registrar shall deposit the fees into the public safety - highway purposes fund established in section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

(I) A disabled veteran who has a service-connected disability rated at one hundred per cent by the veterans' administration may apply to the registrar or a deputy registrar for the issuance to that veteran, without the payment of any fee prescribed in this section, of any of the following items:

(1) A temporary instruction permit and examination;

(2) A new, renewal, reprint, or duplicate driver's or commercial driver's license;

(3) A motorcycle operator's endorsement;

(4) A motorized bicycle license or reprint or duplicate thereof;

(5) A document authentication fee as provided in division (F) of this section.

An application made under division (I) of this section shall be accompanied by such documentary evidence of disability as the registrar may require by rule.

(J)(1) The registrar of motor vehicles shall adopt rules that establish a prorated fee schedule that specifies the fee to be charged by the registrar or a deputy registrar for the issuance of a duplicate driver's license. The rules shall require the base fee to be equal to the fee for a duplicate driver's license that existed immediately prior to July 1, 2015. In order to determine the prorated amount for a duplicate license under the rules, the registrar shall reduce the base fee by an amount determined by the registrar that is correlated with the number of months between the date a person applies for the duplicate and the date of expiration of the license. The registrar shall allocate the money received from a prorated duplicate driver's license fee to the same funds and in the same proportion as the allocation of the base fee.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, after the registrar has adopted rules under division (J)(1) of this section, an applicant for a duplicate driver's license shall be required to pay only the appropriate prorated fee established under those rules.

Section 4507.232 | Student driver sticker or banner.

• Effective: April 7, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 54 - 125th General Assembly

When the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar issues a temporary instruction permit under this chapter, the registrar or deputy registrar also shall issue to the applicant a sticker or banner that reads "student driver." When the holder of the temporary instruction permit operates a motor vehicle, the sticker or banner may be displayed on the motor vehicle to inform other motor vehicle operators that the motor vehicle is being operated by a holder of a temporary instruction permit, but such display is not required.

The sticker or banner may be displayed on a side window or the rear window of the motor vehicle notwithstanding section 4513.24 and division (F) of section 4513.241 of the Revised Code or any rule adopted thereunder.

The registrar shall determine the size of the sticker or banner, which shall not exceed four inches in height by twelve inches in length, and the material and all other properties of the sticker or banner, but shall select a material so that the sticker or banner can be transferred readily from one motor vehicle to another.

Section 4507.233 | Replacement driver's license or identification card for new United States citizen.

• Effective: April 7, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 458 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding sections 4506.08, 4507.23, 4507.24, 4507.50, and 4507.52 of the Revised Code, a person may apply for and obtain a replacement commercial driver's license, driver's license, or identification card without paying any fee, if all of the following apply:

(1) The license or card is valid and its expiration date is not within ninety days of the date for renewal.

(2) The license or card indicates the licensee or cardholder was a noncitizen.

(3) At the time of application, the applicant is a United States citizen.

(B) The applicant shall include any documentary evidence of United States citizenship with an application made under division (A) of this section as the registrar of motor vehicles may require by rule.

(C) A replacement commercial driver's license, driver's license, or identification card issued under this section shall be identical to the license or card replaced, except that it shall no longer indicate that the licensee or cardholder is a noncitizen.

(D) The registrar shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code for purposes of implementing and administering this section. Notwithstanding any provision of section 121.95 of the Revised Code to the contrary, a regulatory restriction contained in a rule adopted under this section is not subject to sections 121.95 to 121.953 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 31, 2023 at 4:50 PM

Section 4507.24 | Collection of fees.

• Effective: August 31, 2022
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 338 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar may collect a fee not to exceed the following:

(1) The amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code plus a two dollar and seventy-five cents vision screening fee for each application for renewal of a driver's license received by the deputy registrar if the license will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance and the applicant is required to submit to a screening of the applicant's vision under section 4507.12 of the Revised Code;

(2) Twice the amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code plus a five dollar and fifty cents vision screening fee for each application for renewal of a driver's license received by the deputy registrar if the license will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance and the applicant is required to submit to a screening of the applicant's vision under section 4507.12 of the Revised Code;

(3) The amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code for each application for a driver's license or a motorized bicycle license, or for renewal of such a license, received by the deputy registrar, when the license will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance and the applicant is not required to submit to a screening of the applicant's vision under section 4507.12 of the Revised Code;

(4) Twice the amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code for each application for a driver's license or motorized bicycle license, or for renewal of such a license, received by the deputy registrar, when the license will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance and the applicant is not required to submit to a screening of the applicant's vision under section 4507.12 of the Revised Code;

(5) The amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code for each application for a duplicate or replacement driver's license received by the deputy registrar.

(B) The fees prescribed by division (A) of this section shall be in addition to the fee for a temporary instruction permit and examination, a driver's license, a motorized bicycle license, or duplicates thereof. The fees retained by a deputy registrar shall compensate the deputy registrar for the deputy registrar's services, for office and rental expense, and for costs as provided in division (D) of this section, as are necessary for the proper discharge of the deputy registrar's duties under sections 4507.01 to 4507.39 of the Revised Code.

(C) A disabled veteran who submits an application described in this division is not required to pay any of the fees prescribed in division (A) of this section. The disabled veteran still is required to submit with the disabled veteran's application such documentary evidence of disability as the registrar may require by rule.

(D)(1) Out of each fee collected under division (A)(1) of this section, each deputy registrar shall transmit to the registrar, at such time and in such manner as the registrar shall require by rule, one dollar and seventy-five cents plus an amount determined by the registrar.

(2) Out of each fee collected under division (A)(2) of this section, each deputy registrar shall transmit to the registrar, at such time and in such manner as the registrar shall require by rule, three dollars and fifty-cents plus an amount determined by the registrar.

(3) The registrar shall pay all moneys received into the public safety - highway purposes fund created in section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

(E) The purpose of amending divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section by H.B. 338 of the 134th General Assembly is to harmonize the requirements of those divisions with the requirements of section 4503.038 of the Revised Code, as amended by Sub. H.B. 166 of the 133rd General Assembly.

Last updated June 6, 2022 at 2:34 PM

Section 4507.30 | Prohibitions.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 68 - 133rd General Assembly

No person shall do any of the following:

(A) Display, or cause or permit to be displayed, or possess any identification card, driver's or commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or commercial driver's license temporary instruction permit knowing the same to be fictitious, or to have been canceled, suspended, or altered;

(B) Lend to a person not entitled thereto, or knowingly permit a person not entitled thereto to use any identification card, driver's or commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or commercial driver's license temporary instruction permit issued to the person so lending or permitting the use thereof;

(C) Display, or represent as one's own, any identification card, driver's or commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or commercial driver's license temporary instruction permit not issued to the person so displaying the same;

(D) Fail to surrender to the registrar of motor vehicles, upon the registrar's demand, any identification card, driver's or commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or commercial driver's license temporary instruction permit that has been suspended or canceled;

(E) In any application for an identification card, driver's or commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or commercial driver's license temporary instruction permit, or any renewal, reprint, or duplicate thereof, knowingly conceal a material fact, or present any physician's statement required under section 4507.08 or 4507.081 of the Revised Code when knowing the same to be false or fictitious.

(F) Whoever violates any division of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Section 4507.31 | Prohibition against permitting minor to operate vehicle.

• Effective: January 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 123 - 124th General Assembly

(A) No person shall cause or knowingly permit any minor to drive a motor vehicle upon a highway as an operator, unless the minor has first obtained a license or permit to drive a motor vehicle under this chapter.

(B) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Section 4507.321 | Prohibition against employing minor to operate taxicab.

• Effective: January 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 123 - 124th General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding the definition of "chauffeur" in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code, no person shall employ any minor for the purpose of operating a taxicab.

(B) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Section 4507.35 | Duty to display license or furnish satisfactory proof of license upon demand; penalty.

• Effective: September 23, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 5 - 129th General Assembly

(A) The operator of a motor vehicle shall display the operator's driver's license, or furnish satisfactory proof that the operator has a driver's license, upon demand of any peace officer or of any person damaged or injured in any collision in which the licensee may be involved. When a demand is properly made and the operator has the operator's driver's license on or about the operator's person, the operator shall not refuse to display the license. A person's failure to furnish satisfactory evidence that the person is licensed under this chapter when the person does not have the person's license on or about the person's person shall be prima-facie evidence of the person's not having obtained a driver's license.

(B)(1) Except as provided in division (B)(2) of this section, whoever violates this section is guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor. When the offense is an unclassified misdemeanor, the offender shall be sentenced pursuant to sections 2929.21 to 2929.28 of the Revised Code, except that the offender shall not be sentenced to a jail term; the offender shall not be sentenced to a community residential sanction pursuant to section 2929.26 of the Revised Code; notwithstanding division (A)(2)(a) of section 2929.28 of the Revised Code, the offender may be fined up to one thousand dollars; and, notwithstanding division (A)(3) of section 2929.27 of the Revised Code, the offender may be ordered pursuant to division (C) of that section to serve a term of community service of up to five hundred hours. The failure of an offender to complete a term of community service imposed by the court may be punished as indirect criminal contempt under division (A) of section 2705.02 of the Revised Code that may be filed in the underlying case.

(2) If, within three years of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of this section or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Section 4507.36 | Prohibition against false statements.

• Effective: January 1, 2004
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 123 - 124th General Assembly

(A) No person shall knowingly make a false statement to any matter or thing required by this chapter.

(B) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Section 4507.40 | Reprints.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 68 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "Ohio credential" means a temporary instruction permit identification card, driver's license, commercial driver's license, motorcycle operator's license, motorized bicycle license, or identification card issued by the Ohio bureau of motor vehicles.

(B) Any valid holder of an Ohio credential issued after July 2, 2018, may apply online to obtain an exact reprint of that Ohio credential. Not more than one hundred eighty days after the effective date of this section, the registrar of motor vehicles shall make the reprint application process available through electronic means on the bureau of motor vehicle's web site. A reprint of an Ohio credential shall be available only through the online process.

(C) An applicant may obtain not more than one reprint between the initial issuance and renewal of an Ohio credential or between renewals of an Ohio credential. A reprint shall be an exact copy of the last-issued Ohio credential that it replaces. A reprint expires on the same date as the Ohio credential it replaces.

(D) The applicant shall do all of the following in the application:

(1) Certify that the current Ohio credential is lost, destroyed, or mutilated;

(2) Provide identifying information, as required by the registrar, in order to confirm the applicant's identity;

(3) Include with the application a financial transaction device number to pay the applicable fees for the reprint of the Ohio credential, and a service fee equal to the amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code.

(E) Upon receipt of a completed application, the registrar shall issue a reprint Ohio credential to the applicant, if the applicant is eligible for the reprint. If the applicant does not qualify for a reprint, the registrar shall notify the applicant why the application was denied.

(F) The fees that are collected from a person who applies for a reprint of an Ohio credential shall be paid to the credit of the public safety - highway purposes fund established by section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

Section 4507.45 | Reinstatement fee.

• Effective: July 1, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 26 - 132nd General Assembly

If a person's driver's license, commercial driver's license, or nonresident operating privilege is suspended, disqualified, or canceled for an indefinite period of time or for a period of at least ninety days, and if at the end of the period of suspension, disqualification, or cancellation the person is eligible to have the license or privilege reinstated, the registrar of motor vehicles or an eligible deputy registrar shall collect a reinstatement fee of forty dollars when the person requests reinstatement. In addition, each deputy registrar shall collect a service fee of ten dollars to compensate the deputy registrar for services performed under this section. The deputy registrar shall retain eight dollars of the service fee and shall transmit the reinstatement fee, plus two dollars of the service fee, to the registrar in the manner the registrar shall determine. However, the registrar or an eligible deputy registrar shall not collect the fee prescribed by this section if a different driver's license, commercial driver's license, or nonresident operating privilege reinstatement fee is prescribed by law.

The registrar shall deposit ten dollars of each forty-dollar fee into the state treasury to the credit of the indigent defense support fund created by section 120.08 of the Revised Code and thirty dollars of each fee into the state treasury to the credit of the public safety - highway purposes fund created by section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

Section 4507.49 | Reimbursement of deputy registrars for issuing free identification cards.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) On the last business day of every month or on a more frequent schedule as determined by the registrar of motor vehicles, each deputy registrar shall submit a verification form to the registrar that contains the following information:

(a) The number of identification cards and temporary identification cards issued or renewed under section 4507.50 of the Revised Code during the established schedule without payment of any fees;

(b) The number of replacement identification cards issued under section 4507.52 of the Revised Code during the established schedule without payment of any fees.

(2) The registrar shall establish the necessary verification form and the manner and frequency in which the form shall be submitted.

(B) The registrar shall reimburse each deputy registrar for the deputy registrar's services in issuing identification cards, based on the information submitted in accordance with division (A) of this section, in the following amounts:

(1) The amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code for each card issued under section 4507.50 of the Revised Code that will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance;

(2) Two times the amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code for each card issued under section 4507.50 of the Revised Code that will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance;

(3) One dollar and fifty cents for the authentication of documents for each card issued under section 4507.50 of the Revised Code that will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance;

(4) Three dollars for the authentication of documents for each card issued under section 4507.50 of the Revised Code that will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance;

(5) The amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code for each replacement card issued under section 4507.52 of the Revised Code.

(C) The registrar may adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer this section. Notwithstanding any provision of section 121.95 of the Revised Code to the contrary, a regulatory restriction contained in a rule adopted under this section is not subject to sections 121.95 to 121.953 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 11:18 AM

Section 4507.50 | Issuance of identification card or temporary identification card.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) The registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar shall issue an identification card to a person when all of the following apply:

(a) The registrar or deputy registrar receives an application completed in accordance with section 4507.51 of the Revised Code and, if the person is under seventeen years of age, payment of the applicable fees.

(b) The person is a resident or a temporary resident of this state.

(c) The person is not licensed as an operator of a motor vehicle in this state or another licensing jurisdiction.

(d) The person does not hold an identification card from another jurisdiction.

(2)(a) The registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar may issue a temporary identification card when all of the following apply:

(i) The registrar or deputy registrar receives an application completed in accordance with section 4507.51 of the Revised Code and payment of the applicable fees.

(ii) The person is a resident or temporary resident of this state.

(iii) The person's Ohio driver's or commercial driver's license has been suspended or canceled.

(iv) The person does not hold an identification card from another jurisdiction.

(b) The temporary identification card shall be identical to an identification card, except that it shall be printed on its face with a statement that the card is valid for a temporary period. The temporary period shall be in accordance with the expiration dates specified in section 4507.501 of the Revised Code.

(c) The cardholder shall surrender the temporary identification card to the registrar or any deputy registrar before the cardholder's driver's or commercial driver's license is restored or reissued.

(B)(1) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, an applicant who is under seventeen years of age shall pay the following fees prior to issuance of an identification card or a temporary identification card:

(a) A fee of three dollars and fifty cents if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance or a fee of six dollars if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance;

(b) A fee equal to the amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance or twice that amount if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance;

(c) A fee of one dollar and fifty cents if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance or three dollars if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance, for the authentication of the documents required for processing an identification card or temporary identification card. A deputy registrar that authenticates the required documents shall retain the entire amount of the fee.

(2) The fees collected for issuing an identification card under this section, except for any fees allowed to the deputy registrar, shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the public safety - highway purposes fund created in section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

(C) A person seventeen years of age or older may apply to the registrar or a deputy registrar for the issuance to that person of an identification card or a temporary identification card under this section without payment of any fee prescribed in division (B) of this section.

(D) A resident who is permanently or irreversibly disabled and who is under seventeen years of age may apply to the registrar or a deputy registrar for the issuance of an identification card under this section without payment of any fee as prescribed in division (B) of this section. As used in this section, "permanently or irreversibly disabled" means a condition of disability from which there is no present indication of recovery.

An application made under division (D) of this section shall be accompanied by such documentary evidence of disability as the registrar may require by rule.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 11:19 AM

Section 4507.501 | State identification card expiration dates.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) An identification card issued to a resident shall expire, unless canceled or surrendered earlier, on the birthday of the cardholder in the fourth or the eighth year after the date on which it is issued, based on the period of renewal requested by the applicant.

(B) A temporary identification card issued to a resident shall expire on the earliest of the following dates:

(1) After the effective dates of the suspension or cancellation of the cardholder's driver's or commercial driver's license;

(2) The birthday of the cardholder in the fourth year after the date on which it is issued.

(C)(1) Subject to rules adopted under division (D) of this section, a limited term identification card issued to a temporary resident who has a definite expiration date for the resident's authorized stay in the United States shall expire on the earliest of the following dates:

(a) The expiration date of the applicant's authorized stay in the United States;

(b) Four years from the date of issuance.

(2) Subject to rules adopted under division (D) of this section, a limited term identification card issued to a temporary resident who has no expiration date for the applicant's authorized stay in the United States shall expire one year from the date of issuance.

(D) The registrar of motor vehicles shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing limited term identification cards for temporary residents and limited term temporary identification cards for temporary residents.

(E) A cardholder may renew the cardholder's identification card within ninety days prior to the day on which it expires by filing an application and paying the prescribed fee, if required, in accordance with section 4507.50 of the Revised Code. A limited term identification card or limited term temporary identification card may only be renewed upon verification of the applicant's continued temporary lawful status in the United States and the applicant's compliance with any other applicable requirements.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 4:44 PM

Section 4507.51 | Application for identification card or duplicate.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) Every application for an identification card or duplicate shall be made on a form furnished or in a manner specified by the registrar of motor vehicles, shall be signed by the applicant, and by the applicant's parent or guardian if the applicant is under eighteen years of age, and shall contain the following information pertaining to the applicant: name, date of birth, sex, general description including the applicant's height, weight, hair color, and eye color, address, country of citizenship, and social security number. The application also shall include, for an applicant who has not already certified the applicant's willingness to make an anatomical gift under section 2108.05 of the Revised Code, whether the applicant wishes to certify willingness to make such an anatomical gift and shall include information about the requirements of sections 2108.01 to 2108.29 of the Revised Code that apply to persons who are less than eighteen years of age. The statement regarding willingness to make such a donation shall be given no consideration in the decision of whether to issue an identification card. Each applicant applying in person at a deputy registrar office shall be photographed at the time of making application.

(2)(a) The application also shall state whether the applicant has executed a valid durable power of attorney for health care pursuant to sections 1337.11 to 1337.17 of the Revised Code or has executed a declaration governing the use or continuation, or the withholding or withdrawal, of life-sustaining treatment pursuant to sections 2133.01 to 2133.15 of the Revised Code and, if the applicant has executed either type of instrument, whether the applicant wishes the identification card issued to indicate that the applicant has executed the instrument.

(b) The application also shall state whether the applicant is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States and, if the applicant is such, whether the applicant wishes the identification card issued to indicate that the applicant is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States by a military designation on the identification card.

(3) The registrar or deputy registrar, in accordance with section 3503.11 of the Revised Code, shall register as an elector any person who applies for an identification card or duplicate if the applicant is eligible and wishes to be registered as an elector. The decision of an applicant whether to register as an elector shall be given no consideration in the decision of whether to issue the applicant an identification card or duplicate.

(B) Except as provided in section 4507.061 of the Revised Code, the application for an identification card or duplicate shall be filed in the office of the registrar or deputy registrar. Each applicant shall present documentary evidence as required by the registrar of the applicant's age and identity, and the applicant shall swear that all information given is true. An identification card issued by the department of rehabilitation and correction under section 5120.59 of the Revised Code or an identification card issued by the department of youth services under section 5139.511 of the Revised Code shall be sufficient documentary evidence under this division upon verification of the applicant's social security number by the registrar or a deputy registrar. Upon issuing an identification card under this section for a person who has been issued an identification card under section 5120.59 or section 5139.511 of the Revised Code, the registrar or deputy registrar shall destroy the identification card issued under section 5120.59 or section 5139.511 of the Revised Code.

All applications for an identification card or duplicate under this section shall be filed in duplicate, and if submitted to a deputy registrar, a copy shall be forwarded to the registrar. The registrar shall prescribe rules for the manner in which a deputy registrar is to file and maintain applications and other records. The registrar shall maintain a suitable, indexed record of all applications denied and cards issued or canceled.

(C) In addition to any other information it contains, the form furnished by the registrar of motor vehicles for an application for an identification card or duplicate shall inform applicants that the applicant must present a copy of the applicant's DD-214 or an equivalent document in order to qualify to have the card or duplicate indicate that the applicant is an honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces of the United States based on a request made pursuant to division (A)(2)(b) of this section.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 11:20 AM

Section 4507.511 | Enhanced state identification card.

• Effective: June 30, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 23 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Pursuant to the memorandum of understanding agreement authorized by section 4507.021 of the Revised Code between the director of public safety and the United States department of homeland security or other designated federal agency, and in accordance with the rules adopted by the registrar of motor vehicles under that section, the registrar or a deputy registrar shall issue an enhanced identification card to an eligible applicant. An applicant for an enhanced identification card shall do all of the following:

(1) Provide satisfactory proof of the applicant's identity and citizenship;

(2) Submit a biometric identifier as required by rule;

(3) Sign a declaration on a form prescribed by the registrar acknowledging the use of the one-to-many biometric match and radio frequency identification or other security features of the card;

(4) Pay a fee of twenty-five dollars, in addition to any other applicable fees in section 4507.50 of the Revised Code for issuance of an identification card. The fee shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the public safety - highway purposes fund created in section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

(5) Comply with all other requirements for issuance of an identification card.

(B) All provisions in the Revised Code relating to an identification card issued under sections 4507.50 to 4507.52 of the Revised Code include and apply to an enhanced identification card. An enhanced identification card may be used in the same manner as an identification card and additionally is approved for purposes of entering the United States at authorized land and sea ports.

Last updated May 3, 2023 at 12:07 PM

Section 4507.52 | Identification card contents.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) Each identification card issued by the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar shall display a distinguishing number assigned to the cardholder, and shall display the following inscription:

"STATE OF OHIO IDENTIFICATION CARD

This card is not valid for the purpose of operating a motor vehicle. It is provided solely for the purpose of establishing the identity of the bearer described on the card."

(2) The identification card shall display substantially the same information as contained in the application and as described in division (A)(1) of section 4507.51 of the Revised Code, including, if the cardholder is a noncitizen of the United States, a notation designating that the cardholder is a noncitizen. The identification card shall not display the cardholder's social security number unless the cardholder specifically requests that the cardholder's social security number be displayed on the card. If federal law requires the cardholder's social security number to be displayed on the identification card, the social security number shall be displayed on the card notwithstanding this section.

(3) The identification card also shall display the photograph of the cardholder.

(4) If the cardholder has executed a durable power of attorney for health care or a declaration governing the use or continuation, or the withholding or withdrawal, of life-sustaining treatment and has specified that the cardholder wishes the identification card to indicate that the cardholder has executed either type of instrument, the card also shall display any symbol chosen by the registrar to indicate that the cardholder has executed either type of instrument.

(5) If the cardholder has specified that the cardholder wishes the identification card to indicate that the cardholder is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States and has presented a copy of the cardholder's DD-214 form or an equivalent document, the card also shall display any symbol chosen by the registrar to indicate that the cardholder is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States.

(6) The card shall be designed as to prevent its reproduction or alteration without ready detection.

(7) The identification card for persons under twenty-one years of age shall have characteristics prescribed by the registrar distinguishing it from that issued to a person who is twenty-one years of age or older, except that an identification card issued to a person who applies no more than thirty days before the applicant's twenty-first birthday shall have the characteristics of an identification card issued to a person who is twenty-one years of age or older.

(8) Every identification card issued to a resident of this state shall display the expiration date of the card, in accordance with section 4507.501 of the Revised Code.

(9) Every identification card issued to a temporary resident shall expire in accordance with section 4507.501 of the Revised Code and rules adopted by the registrar and is limited term. Every limited term identification card and limited term temporary identification card shall contain the words "limited term" and shall have any additional characteristics prescribed by the registrar distinguishing it from an identification card issued to a resident.

(10) Every enhanced identification card shall have any additional characteristics established by the rules adopted under section 4507.021 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) If a card is lost, destroyed, or mutilated, the person to whom the card was issued may obtain a duplicate by doing both of the following:

(a) Furnishing suitable proof of the loss, destruction, or mutilation to the registrar or a deputy registrar;

(b) Filing an application and presenting documentary evidence under section 4507.51 of the Revised Code.

(2) A cardholder may apply to obtain a reprint of the cardholder's identification card through electronic means in accordance with section 4507.40 of the Revised Code.

(3) A cardholder may obtain a replacement identification card that reflects any change of the cardholder's name by furnishing suitable proof of the change to the registrar or a deputy registrar.

(4) Except as provided in division (B)(5) or (6) of this section, when a cardholder applies for a duplicate, reprint, or replacement identification card, the cardholder shall pay the following fees:

(a) Two dollars and fifty cents;

(b) A deputy registrar or service fee equal to the amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code.

(5) The following cardholders may apply for a duplicate, reprint, or replacement identification card without payment of any fee prescribed in division (B)(4) of this section:

(a) A disabled veteran who has a service-connected disability rated at one hundred per cent by the veterans' administration;

(b) A resident who is permanently or irreversibly disabled.

(6) A cardholder who is seventeen years of age or older may apply for a replacement identification card without payment of any fee prescribed in division (B)(4) of this section.

(7) A duplicate, reprint, or replacement identification card expires on the same date as the card it replaces.

(C) The registrar shall cancel any card upon determining that the card was obtained unlawfully, issued in error, or was altered.

(D)(1) No agent of the state or its political subdivisions shall condition the granting of any benefit, service, right, or privilege upon the possession by any person of an identification card. Nothing in this section shall preclude any publicly operated or franchised transit system from using an identification card for the purpose of granting benefits or services of the system.

(2) No person shall be required to apply for, carry, or possess an identification card.

(E) Except in regard to an identification card issued to a person who applies no more than thirty days before the applicant's twenty-first birthday, neither the registrar nor any deputy registrar shall issue an identification card to a person under twenty-one years of age that does not have the characteristics prescribed by the registrar distinguishing it from the identification card issued to persons who are twenty-one years of age or older.

(F) The registrar shall ensure that identification cards issued in accordance with the federal "Real ID Act," 49 U.S.C. 30301, et seq., comply with the regulations specified in 6 C.F.R. part 37.

(G) Whoever violates division (E) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

Last updated September 5, 2023 at 11:22 AM

Section 4507.53 | Release of digitalized photographic records.

• Effective: April 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 302 - 134th General Assembly

Digitalized photographic records of the department of public safety may be released only to the following:

(A) State, local, or federal governmental agencies for criminal justice purposes;

(B) Any court;

(C) The American association of motor vehicle administrators to allow state department of motor vehicles participating in the association's state-to-state verification services and digital image access and exchange program to use the photographic records for identity verification purposes;

(D) The department of job and family services for the purpose of carrying out the department's functions under Chapter 4141. of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 4:21 PM

Section 4507.99 | Penalty.

• Effective: September 16, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 125th General Assembly

Unless another penalty is provided by the section that contains the provision violated or otherwise is provided by the laws of this state, whoever violates any provision of sections 4507.01 to 4507.081 or 4507.10 to 4507.37 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.