Get a REAL ID in Ohio

Online or in person

No, first Compliant card in person · One visit to a deputy registrarThe BMV says a first Compliant license or ID cannot be completed online or by mail. You can Get In Line Online first. It is not an appointment, and there may be a wait when you arrive.

Cost

No extra chargeCompliant and Standard cards cost the same: the regular card fee. Driver license renewal: $30.25 (4 years) or $59.40 (8 years; not available at 65 or older). See the BMV fees page for ID cards and first licenses.

You leave with

Paper interim now, card by mailThe card arrives within 10 business days in a plain white envelope. The interim paper is not a form of identification.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of full legal name, date of birth and U.S. legal presence
     Birth certificates must be originals or certified copies.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy, issued by a government agency)
     • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
     • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
     • I-797 for an N-565 case (notice of receipt, approval or fee waiver)
   • Proof of Social Security number
     Metal Social Security cards are not accepted. Tax documents and pay stubs must show your full number, not handwritten, from the current or last tax year.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • W-2
     • 1099 form
     • Pay stub with your name and full number
     • BMV form 5745 (only if you already established your number with the BMV)
   • Two proofs of Ohio street address · 2 different documents
     From two different sources. Bills and statements must be issued within the last 12 months.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, sewer, phone, cable)
     • Bank or credit card statement
     • Mortgage account statement
     • Current renter, homeowner, life or auto insurance policy or card
     • Ohio vehicle title or registration
     • Ohio driver license, permit or ID card (valid or expired no more than 6 months)
     • Federal or Ohio income tax return (current or previous tax year, with proof of filing)

2. Get in line online (optional)

   Use Get In Line Online on the BMV home page to join the line at a deputy registrar agency. It is not an appointment, and you can also check in at the agency's kiosk.

   Get In Line Online FAQ ↗

3. Visit a deputy registrar license agency

   Choose the Compliant Card and show your documents. You get interim paper documentation to carry until your card arrives.

   Ohio's Real ID on bmv.ohio.gov ↗

4. Watch your mail

   Your card should arrive within 10 business days in a plain white envelope. If it hasn't arrived after 28 days, call 1-844-644-6268 or contact the BMV online.