The documents Ohio requires for Real ID

Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires you to bring five categories of documents when you explore for a Real ID driver's license or ID card: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Ohio residency, proof of legal presence, and a completed process form. You cannot explore online or by mail — you must appear in person at an Ohio BMV office.

The specific documents that work in each category vary. For example, proof of identity can be a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, or a military ID, but not a Social Security card or a school ID. The BMV has a published list of acceptable documents for each category, and bringing the wrong document means a wasted trip.

Below is what documents fit each requirement, what to bring if you don't have the standard option, and what happens if you're missing something on the day of your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document from each of five categories: identity, Social Security number, Ohio residency, legal presence, and a completed process.
  • A valid passport or certified birth certificate works for identity; a school ID or Social Security card alone does not.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • If you were not born in the United States, you will need a passport, visa, or employment authorization document to prove legal presence.
  • The BMV will not accept expired documents for identity or legal presence, so check expiration dates before you go.

Proof of identity documents Ohio accepts

A valid passport (U.S. or foreign) is the easiest proof of identity because it covers identity, Social Security number, and legal presence all at once. If you have a passport, you still need to bring the other documents, but the passport satisfies three categories.

A certified birth certificate is the second most common choice. It must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a photocopy or a hospital-issued copy does not work. If you were born in Ohio, you can order a certified copy from the Ohio Department of Health. If you were born out of state, contact that state's vital records office. Certified birth certificates typically cost $10 to $25 and take one to three weeks to arrive by mail.

Other documents that work for identity include a valid military ID, a valid tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a valid foreign national ID. An expired document does not work for this category.

Documents that do not work for identity include a Social Security card, a school ID, a work ID, a library card, or a credit card. These are not considered proof of identity by the BMV, even if they have your photo or name.

Proof of Social Security number

You must bring an original or certified copy of a document showing your Social Security number. The most common option is your Social Security card. If you have lost your card or never received one, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. A replacement card takes one to two weeks.

Other documents that show your Social Security number include a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement with your Social Security number printed on it. If you use a tax form or pay stub, it must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy is not accepted.

If you do not have a Social Security number because you are not a U.S. citizen, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead, such as an ITIN letter from the IRS or a tax return showing your ITIN.

Proof of Ohio residency

You must show that you live in Ohio. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and must show your name and current Ohio address. The BMV accepts:

  • A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • A lease or rental agreement
  • A mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • A bank or credit card statement
  • A government check or benefit statement (such as unemployment or Social Security)
  • A vehicle registration or insurance card
  • A letter from a government agency

The document must have your name and address printed on it — a handwritten address does not work. If you recently moved and your name is not yet on a utility bill or lease, bring the lease or rental agreement from your new address plus a document from your old address to show the move was recent.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there, plus the bill itself. Some BMV offices accept this; others do not, so call ahead if this is your situation.

Proof of legal presence in the United States

If you were born in the United States, your certified birth certificate or passport serves as proof of legal presence. You do not need to bring anything else for this category.

If you were not born in the United States, you must bring one of these documents:

  • A valid U.S. passport
  • A valid visa (such as an employment visa, student visa, or travel visa)
  • An Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also called a work permit
  • A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • A Refugee Travel Document
  • A valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa stamp
  • An I-94 arrival/departure record with a valid visa

The document must be valid — an expired visa or work permit does not work. If your visa or work permit is expiring soon, you can still use it as long as it has not yet expired on the day you explore.

The process form and what to bring to the BMV office

You must complete Form DL 43, the Ohio driver's license or ID card process, before you go to the BMV office. You can print it from the Ohio BMV website (bmv.ohio.gov) or pick up a copy at any BMV office. Bring the completed form with you — do not fill it out at the office.

Bring originals or certified copies of all documents. Photocopies are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus a certified English translation.

Bring your current driver's license or ID card if you have one, even if it is expired. If you are renewing, this helps the BMV process your process faster.

Bring your Social Security number written down if you do not have your Social Security card with you, but the BMV still requires you to bring a document that shows it — they will not accept a number you write yourself.

What to do if you don't have a required document

If you do not have a certified birth certificate, you can order one before your appointment. Most states mail certified copies within two to three weeks. If you need it faster, some states offer expedited service for an additional fee, or you can pick up a copy in person at the vital records office if you live near one.

If you do not have a Social Security card, order a replacement from the Social Security Administration. This takes one to two weeks by mail. You cannot get a Real ID without proof of your Social Security number, so you will need to wait for the replacement to arrive.

If you do not have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, you can ask your utility company, bank, or landlord to issue a new statement. Most will do this for free or a small fee. If you just moved, bring your lease or rental agreement plus a document from your old address.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a valid visa or work permit, you cannot get a Real ID. You can get a standard Ohio driver's license or ID card instead, which does not require proof of legal presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a hospital birth certificate instead of a certified one?

No. The BMV requires a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A hospital birth certificate or a photocopy does not work. You must order a certified copy, which typically takes one to three weeks and costs $10 to $25.

What if my residency document has my old address on it?

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days with your current address. If you just moved and nothing has your new address yet, bring your lease or rental agreement for the new place plus a recent utility bill or bank statement from your old address to show the move was recent.

Do I need to make an appointment at the BMV?

Ohio BMV offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online at bmv.ohio.gov. Appointments typically have shorter wait times, especially during busy seasons. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day.

Can I use a credit card or school ID as proof of identity?

No. The BMV does not accept credit cards, school IDs, work IDs, or library cards as proof of identity. You must bring a passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or valid tribal ID.

What if my visa or work permit expires next month?

You can use it as long as it has not expired on the day you explore. If it expires before your appointment, you will need to renew it first or bring a different document that proves legal presence.