For Immediate Release
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Implements Free State ID Program for Voters
[Columbus, OH — April 12, 2023] – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has implemented statutory changes that require the BMV to offer free State IDs to Ohioans who are seventeen and older, in accordance with Ohio House Bill 458. This bill also requires voters to provide an Ohio or federally issued photo identification for in-person voting on Election Day.
To help Ohioans understand the process to obtain a State ID, the BMV is reaching out to county board of election officials to provide information on the updated procedures. While the cost of a State ID has changed to free for eligible individuals under HB 458, the process to obtain a State ID remains unchanged. Individuals who are 17 or older can receive an initial issuance ID free of charge, and existing eligible ID holders will not be charged for renewing an ID or replacing a lost/stolen/mutilated card.
Ohioans can obtain a State ID by visiting one of the 179 BMV Deputy Registrar license agencies located in every county. The BMV encourages all Ohio residents to plan in advance and ensure they have the proper documentation before visiting a Deputy Registrar license agency. The documentation requirements to obtain a State ID remain unchanged, and individuals must provide proof of legal name, date of birth, social security number, legal presence, and Ohio residency. Detailed information on securing an ID, including an interactive acceptable documents list, can be found on the BMV website at bmv.ohio.gov.
In addition to in-person options, the BMV also offers online services for eligible individuals who are renewing an existing ID credential or need a replacement card. Ohioans are encouraged to take advantage of recent modernization efforts and use BMV Online Services to complete their transaction when possible. The BMV also offers a time-saving virtual queuing system, Get In Line Online, on their website.
The BMV has also received inquiries regarding nursing home locations and how these facilities can obtain State IDs for their residents. The BMV has an existing homebound credentialing process for exceptional circumstances when an individual has a medical condition or disability and is unable to travel to a Deputy Registrar’s license agency to apply for a State ID. Homebound nursing home residents are encouraged to review the requirements for absentee voting established by the Ohio Secretary of State’s office to participate in the election process conveniently.
The BMV will continue to engage and communicate with the public on the process to obtain a State ID and is grateful for the partnership with county board of election officials in the successful implementation of House Bill 458. For inquiries or questions about the BMV and its processes, contact Miles Grilliot at mjgrilliot@dps.ohio.gov or 614-644-3942. For general public inquiries, call 614-644-6268.
A palm card with all pertinent information on how to obtain a free State ID through the BMV is available for reference on the BMV website and can be reproduced and used as needed. You can view the palm card here.
Contact Information:
Miles Grilliot
mjgrilliot@dps.ohio.gov
614-644-3942
General Public Inquiries:
614-644-6268