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• Drivers License Test Cost Ohio
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Graduated License Law. Ohio has a graduated driver licensing law program for teen drivers, which lets them get experience behind the wheel in different stages. The temporary learner's permit is the first phase of the three-tier licensing program.It is followed by a probationary license and then, ultimately, a full driver's license. Department of Motor Vehicle laws in every state require that you pass a vision test to get or renew a driver’s license. While state laws may vary slightly, they typically call for visual acuity of at least 20/40 in either or both eyes, with or without corrective eyeglasses, and peripheral vision of 140 degrees. Helpful information. Acceptable forms of documentation; Acceptable forms of payment; E-Check information; Fees for services; Forms and publications; Late fees; New Ohio Resident; Ohio BMV homepage; Reinstatement of a suspended license; Testing - Ohio driver's license, CDL or temporary permit; Titles - Vehicle.

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Renew Your Ohio Driver's License

If you need to operate your vehicle in Ohio, you'll be required to hold a valid OH driver's license. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is the agency that will process your driver's license renewals.

On this page you'll find complete details about renewing your driver's license in Ohio. If you need information about a different type of driver's license or permit, please refer to any the following links:

Check Your OH Driver's License Status

Is your driver's license valid or suspended in Ohio? Find out by ordering your driving record online today.

When to Renew Your OH Driver's License

NOTE: If you need to update your address with the OH BMV, you may want to handle this before you renew your driver's license. For more information, please see our Changing Your Address page.

You can renew your Ohio Class D (operator) driver's license any time before it expires. However, if you do so more than 90 days in advance, your OH driver's license will be valid for 3 years instead of the usual 4 years.

If you're younger than 21 years old, your Ohio driver's license will be valid until your 21st birthday, no matter when you initially received it. You may renew your driver's license within 30 days of turning 21 years old.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License

If you misplaced your OH driver's license and it is close to expiring, you may have the option of renewing it instead of applying for a replacement. To verify, contact your local OH driver's license office.

For more information about how to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license in Ohio, please read our page about Replacing a Lost License.

Expired License

If your license has already expired, the Ohio BMV gives you up to 6 months after it expires to renew it without having to re-start the entire driver's licensing process.

If you're not sure if your driver's license is expired or would like to check the status of your license, you can always obtain a copy of your Ohio driving record.

If your driver's license has been expired for more than 6 months, you will be required to re-apply for a new license. This means applying for an instruction permit and passing a road test.

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Renew Your Ohio Driver's License

You must renew your OH driver's license inperson at any local Ohio DPS office.

The only exceptions are if you're a member of the military or a civilian temporarily living outside of Ohio (see “ Out-of-State OH Residents and Military' below).

You'll need to:

• Show documents proving your:
  • Birth date.
  • Legal name.
  • Social Security number (SSN).
  • Proof of citizenship or legal presence in the U.S.
  • Ohio residency.
• Pass a vision test.
• Submit payment for the $25.75 renewal fee.
  • See “Fees to Renew Your Ohio Driver's License' below for accepted payment methods.

NOTE: If you have changed your name since you last renewed your driver's license, you will be required to bring additional documentation. Visit our Changing Your Name page for more details.

If you need to check the status of your license renewal, you can do so by contacting the OH BMV.

Out-of-State OH Residents & Military

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you're temporarily living outside the state, the Ohio BMV does offer mail renewals as a courtesy. You'll be sent a mail renewal packet, which you must complete and return. Call (844) 644-6268, email the BMV or request a Live Chat for more detailed instructions.

If you're an active-duty military member stationed out of state, visit the Ohio BMV website.

Fees to Renew Your Ohio Driver's License

The fee to renew your OH driver's license is $25.75.

Ohio BMV offices accept payment by:

• Cash.
• Check.
• Money order.
• Credit card.

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Driver License Cost By State

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Applying for a New Teen Driver's License in Ohio

If you're a teenager applying for your first driver's license, you'll need to complete each step of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) graduated driver licensing (GDL) program.

Completing each step of the Ohio GDL program will help you build the skills necessary to pass your DMV road test and become a safe driver.

On this page you'll find information about the Ohio BMV GDL program requirements and the steps you'll need to complete to obtain your first unrestricted driver's license.

New to Ohio?

If you are younger than 18 years old, have recently moved to Ohio, and wish to transfer your out-of-state driver's license, visit your local Ohio BMV office (If you are required to take a road test you will need to go to a Driver Exam Station) and:

• Have your parent or legal guardian with you.
• Present your out-of-state Driver's Ed completion certificate.
• Pass a vision exam and DMV written test.
• Provide proof of your name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal presence, and Ohio residency with documents such as your:
  • Birth certificate.
  • Out-of-state driver's license.
  • U.S. passport.
  • Bank statement.
  • Mortgage agreement.
  • Utility bill.
    • The BMV website provides a complete list of acceptable documents.
• Pay your driver's license fee by cash, check or money order.

Your first Ohio driver's license will cost:

• $24.25, if you are 16 years old.
• $23, if you are 17 years old.
• $21.75, if you are 18 years old.

NOTE: The DMV driving test is usually not required when you transfer a valid out-of-state driver's license. If you need to take a road test, schedule an appointment with your local Driver Exam Station.

Ohio GDL Program & Restrictions

The Ohio GDL program is made up of the following phases:

• Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC), or learner's permit, which allows you to drive:
  • When supervised by a licensed parent, guardian, or certified driving instructor.
  • With any licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, if you are at least 16 years old.
• Probationary license:
  • See Driving Restrictions below for more information.
• Full, unrestricted driver's license.

Age Requirements

The minimum age requirements to begin each step of the Ohio BMV GDL program are as follows:

• Temporary Instruction Permit (Learner's permit): 15 1/2 years old.
• Probationary license: 16 years old.
• Full driver's license: 18 years old.

Ohio Learner's Permit

When you turn 15 1/2 years old, you'll be eligible for your Ohio learner's permit. Visit your local Ohio BMV Driver Exam Stationwith your parent or legal guardian and:

• Present proof of your identity, date of birth, Social Security number, U.S. citizenship/legal presence, and residency with documents such as your:
  • Birth certificate.
  • U.S. passport.
  • Military ID.
  • Student ID.
  • School records.
  • Bank statements.
    • Visit the BMV website for a complete list of acceptable identification documents.
• Have your parent/legal guardian provide documents to verify their identity.
• Pass a vision exam and the DMV written test.
• Pay the $22 temporary permit fee with cash, check, or money order.

Pass The Written Test On Your First Try

If you need to prepare for the written test, the DMV offers a basic practice test. We suggest you take your studying a step further with an online practice test from our certified partner. These tests are designed to help you pass on your first attempt.

With your learner's permit, you'll be able to begin your supervised driving practice and complete your driver's education program. For more information about your driver's education requirements, please visit our page on Driver's Ed in Ohio.

Driving Restrictions & Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

While on your learner's permit, you may only drive when supervised by a licensed parent, guardian, or certified driving instructor.

NOTE: If you are at least 16 years old, you may drive with any licensed driver as long as they are at least 21 years old.

Before moving on to your probationary Ohio driver's license, you'll need to complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.

Probationary License

You'll be able to move on to the next step of the Ohio BMV GDL program by obtaining your probationary license if you:

• Are at least 16 years old.
• Have had your temporary instruction permit for at least 6 months.
• Have the certificate proving you completed an OH driver's education course.
• Have completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving with 10 hours completed at night and submit a Fifty Hour Affidavit (Form BMV 5791).

Once you meet the requirements above, contact the Ohio BMV to schedule your driving test, or schedule one online.

For the driving test, you must:

• Provide your own car.
• Bring your Driver's Ed certificate of completion.
• Pass both the driving and maneuverability portions of the test.
  • If you're 18 years old or older and fail the test, you MUST take an abbreviated driver's training course before attempting the test again.

After you pass the BMV road test, submit the following to your local Ohio deputy registrar office:

• Your OH learner's permit.
• Payment for your first-time probationary driver's license fee (cash, check, or money order) As you can see below, due to Ohio driving laws 16 year old drivers pay slightly more for their licenses:

Drivers License Test Cost Ohio

• 16 years old: $24.25.
• 17 years old: $23.
• 18 years old: $21.75

Driving Restrictions

During the first 12 months of holding a probationary Ohio driver's license, you may:

Get Ohio Drivers License

• NOT drive between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m..
  
  • You may operate a vehicle outside of those hours when traveling with a parent/legal guardian OR to and from:
    • Work, with an Employer Approval for Probationary Driver License Holders Driving Within Restricted Hours (Form BMV 2825.)
    • A school or church event, with an Event Official Approval for Probationary Driver License Holders Driving Within Restricted Hours (Form BMV 2826.)
• Not drive with more than 1 passenger who is not a family member without a parent or guardian present.

After the first 12 months, if you're under 18 years old, you may:

• NOT drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m..
  
  • You may operate a vehicle outside of those hours when traveling with a parent/legal guardian OR to and from:
    • Work, with an Employer Approval for Probationary Driver License Holders Driving Within Restricted Hours (Form BMV 2825.)
    • A school or church event, with an Event Official Approval for Probationary Driver License Holders Driving Within Restricted Hours (Form BMV 2826.)

Full Unrestricted Ohio Driver License

You must follow the Ohio BMV probationary license driving restrictions until you are at least 18 years old. See “Ohio GDL Program & Restrictions' above for details. When you turn 18 years old, these driving restrictions will be lifted and your probationary driver's license will convert to a full, unrestricted OH driver's license. Track and share your progress when you follow our new license checklist for Ohio.

Forms

BMV 5791

BMV 2825

This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

Please select one of the below to continue:

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