TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION
New residents have maximum of 30 days to apply for an Ohio driver license. If you are the holder of a valid out of state driver license, bring it to the nearest Ohio driver license exam station to take the vision examination and a written exam. The road test is usually waived. If the new resident is under 18 years of age, the driver education requirement must also be met. If your license is under suspension in any other state, you will be required to provide a clearance from that state before receiving an Ohio license. You must also surrender the out-of-state license before you can receive an Ohio license. Present your completed exam to the nearest deputy registrar office to complete registration.
Ohio law requires that new residents obtain a new drivers license, an Ohio title for all motor vehicles, and new license plates as soon as possible. No specific grace period is set, although 30 days is considered maximum. Visit the clerk of courts auto title office in your county to obtain a new title and proceed to the nearest deputy registrar license agency for new plates and a driver license. If you own a vehicle, you will need to have it inspected at a license agency or most new car dealerships. Next, go to your county’s auto title office to transfer the title to Ohio. Take this title to the license agency where the deputy registrar will collect the proper registration fees, register your vehicle, and issue new license plates. For details or answers to questions, contact:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
844-644-6268
www.bmv.ohio.gov
Driver License Information Center
614-752-7600
www.bmv.ohio.gov
BMV Service Directories
Auto Title Information
http://bmv.ohio.gov/titles-vehicle.aspx
BMV Branch Office Directory
http://bmv.ohio.gov/locations.aspx
Emissions Testing
Ohio has instituted a vehicle emissions testing program, E-Check, for Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit counties. Tests are required every two years. Possible exceptions to this cycle are new vehicles (depending on title date) and some newly-purchased used vehicles. If a vehicle is less than two years old but has undergone a title change or is being titled in Ohio for the first time, a test is required.
Safety Regulations
Safety belts are mandatory for drivers and front seat passengers. The child restraint law requires that any child who is either or both four years of age and weighs less than 40 pounds is required to be property secured in a child safety restraint that meets federal motor vehicle standards. Ohio takes an aggressive stand on enforcement, including zero tolerance and “click it or ticket” campaigns. For more information, contact:
Ohio Department of Public Safety
https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odps
