Congratulations on your 60 day membership to our Roadside Assistance.

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2 Bonus Features Congratulations on your 60 day membership to our Roadside Assistance. When out on the road, you ll know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere. 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada. 24-Hour Towing Service Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per 7 days, 2 services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer. 24-Hour Mechanical First Aid Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available. 24-Hour Tire Change Service Customers may have their at tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire. 24-Hour Emergency Delivery A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil, or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies. 24-Hour Emergency Battery Service Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road. 24-Hour Lost Key Service If keys are locked inside a customer s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer s expense for labor and key making. Rental Car Discounts Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Map Routing Service We will, at no charge, provide customers with a 4-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify. Theft And Hit & Run Protection A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers vehicles. Whenever you travel, you ll like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection. Keeping You Safe Mile After Mile Once your purchase is processed, you ll receive an with the information you ll need to start your 60 days Road Assistance CONGRATULATIONS! Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online Follow the link in your confirmation to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon. *PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership

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4 Table of Contents Starting the Journey Page 5 Getting Your First Ohio License Page 13 Renewing Your License Page 17 Updating Your License Page 19 Replacing Your License Page 22 Reinstating Your Driver License Page 24 Getting a Ohio ID Card Page 27 Vehicle Safety Tips Page 32 BMV Hours and Locations Page 35 DriversLicenseAssistance.org is a privately owned website that is not owned or operated by any government agency.

5 Starting the Journey Welcome to the world of driving in Ohio! Obtaining your license is one of the most gratifying moments in your life. Our purpose through this guide is to make sure you get to that moment with as little stress or complications as possible. Getting your driver license in Ohio is a smooth sailing process that only requires that you prepare slightly before embarking on the adventure. That is where we come in, we are here to help you know exactly what it is you need to prepare and how to prepare it properly. This is a process that will only take a small amount of your time; in fact, the guide is specifically organized towards ensuring that you are able to get through things as quickly as possible. Jam packed with information regarding everything from obtaining your learner permit, driver license, or ID card all the way to how to renew, replace, or change these items. We will make getting ready to drive on the friendly Ohio roads fast and easy. So, enjoy as we make life a bit less complicated. ALL DRIVERS You must also remember that the roads aren t always safe; therefore, it is in your best interest to fully prepare for whatever may your way before you begin driving. When you begin driving, you not only take on the responsibility for your safety, but you also take on the responsibility of the safety of your passengers and all passengers in the vehicles around you. So, in order to best prepare yourself to take on that responsibility, it is always wise to first obtain your Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) to be able to learn to drive properly. If you would like to understand how to obtain your TIPIC, please read the steps below: Visit the BMV office. Provide a primary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your full name and date of birth. Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide a secondary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your Social Security Number if not already displayed on your primary document. 5

6 Credit Card Valid Health Insurance Card Provide ONE proof of your legal presence in the United States: o Only required if not already displayed on your proof of identity document. Birth Certificate Valid. U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of your Ohio residency: o Only required if not already displayed on your proof of identity document. Bank Statement Property Tax Bill Provide ONE proof of any name changes: o Court Order of Name Change o Divorce Decree o Marriage Certificate Pass the vision exam. Pass the written test. Take a photograph. Pay the fee $22. o Must be paid with cash, check, or money order. After you complete the above steps you will receive your TIPIC in the mail within 60 days. If your TIPIC expires you will have to repeat the process, however if it remains expired for more than six months but within two years the fee will be raised to $25. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. Vision Exam Getting your vision checked before you obtain your learner s permit or driver s license is essential to ensure that you are physically capable of driving. The exam is very straight 6

7 forward and will only require that you have a minimum vision of 20/40. Otherwise, if you fail your vision exam you will be required to get corrective lenses to drive. In the case that your vision is still not up to standards even with the assistance of corrective lenses, you may be restricted to driving only during the daylight hours. If you like further information regarding the standards of the Ohio BMV vision test, please take a look here. Written Exam When it comes to obtaining your learner s permit, you will need to take a written exam first before receiving your permit. At first it may seem intimidating to take the exam, but once you understand how the process goes it will be less frightening to you. The test will be broken into two parts; the first will be regarding motor vehicle regulations, laws, and safety, while the second will be about traffic signs and their meanings. In order to prepare for the written exam, you will need to review all information regarding driver safety, traffic laws, and all Ohio laws. You will have to answer correctly 75 percent of the total 20 questions in each test in order to pass. All the information you will need to study to prepare for the test can be found in the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, which you can read here. In the case that you fail the written test, you are allowed to retake the test but will be required to wait 24 hours before being allowed to retake it. But if you fail after the second time you will need to wait seven days before retaking the test. If you require, the test is also available in different languages as well as interpretation for those who have hearing impairment upon request at the BMV office. To take a look at a sample of the written test click here. TEEN DRIVERS If you re a teenager on the brink of entering adulthood, then, chances are you re currently dreaming of obtaining your driver s license. Well, we are here to help you to make that dream a reality! In each step moving towards obtaining your license, we will outline and help you to better understand each procedure you must complete. As a new driver, it is important that you carefully read through each step and fully understand how everything operates. This is to ensure that you avoid any complications, but also to be sure that you are well prepared to take on your responsibilities on the road. By completing these steps and obtaining your license, you will take those first steps towards proving you are a well prepared driver. So let s begin the journey! 7

8 Step 1: Driver s Education In order to obtain your driver s license in Indiana as a teen younger than 18 years old, you will need to first complete and obtain a Certificate of Driver Education by attending and passing a Driver s Education course. To start, you must be at least 15 years and six months old to enroll into a driver education course. Once you are of age you can choose the type of course you wish to receive your driver education through. Depending on the price, schedule, and proximity to your residency, you can decide on the following course types: High School Course Private State Approved Driver Training Program Online Course Military Course o This is only applicable to those who are enrolled in the military. The driver education course will be broken up in two parts: o 24 hour classroom education o Eight hour behind the wheel training During the classroom portion of the driver education course you will learn about all necessary traffic laws in Ohio, how to operate a vehicle, and how to engage in emergency situation on the road. If you would like to read about the standard driver training school curriculum please take a look here. If you decide to participate in an online course, you are required to take the eight hour behind the wheel training portion of the course at a private state approved driver training program. Once you have completed both the classroom and behind the wheel portions of the course, you will receive your driver education certificate of completion. However, if you are a new resident to Ohio and hold an out-of-state driver license you will have to send your out-of-state driver education certificate either by mail or by fax. By mail to the following address: Ohio Department of Public Safety Driver Training Manager 1970 West Broad Street P.O. Box Columbus, OH By fax to the following number

9 Once you submit your out-of-state driver education certificate, the BMV office will review it and notify you of their decision. If your out-of-state driver education certificate meets the Ohio BMV standards the BMV will notify you of what tests to take in order to obtain your Ohio driver license to fully meet any remaining BMV requirements. However, if your certificate does not meet Ohio BMV standards, they will notify you that you will have to complete an Ohio driver education course. If you require any further information regarding obtaining a driver education certificate in Ohio, please contact the Ohio BMV at Step 2: Learner s Permit The second step you must take after you ve finished your driver s education is obtaining Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC). This permit will allow you to practice driving behind the wheel until you are officially ready to obtain your probationary driver s license and afterwards your full unrestricted driver s license. This process is fairly simple and will take only a small amount of preparation on your part. Follow the steps below to best prepare yourself and obtain your TIPIC: Visit the BMV office. Provide ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your full name, date of birth, and legal presence. Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of your legal presence in the United States: o Only required if not already displayed on your proof of identity document. Birth Certificate Valid. U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of your Social Security Number. o Only required if not already displayed on your proof of identity document. Provide ONE proof of your Ohio residency: o Only required if not already displayed on your proof of identity document. 9

10 Bank Statement Property Tax Bill Provide ONE proof of any name changes: o Court Order of Name Change o Divorce Decree o Marriage Certificate Your parent or legal guardian must provide two proofs of their identity: o Birth Certificate o Valid U.S. Passport Pass the vision exam. Pass the written test. Pay the fee $22. o Must be paid with cash, check, or money order. After you complete the above steps, you will receive your TIPIC in the mail within 60 days. Your TIPIC will be valid for one year after you obtain it. If your TIPIC expires you will have to repeat the process; however, if it remains expired for more than six months but within two years the fee will be raised to $25. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. Step 3: Probationary Driver License The last step before you are able to move towards obtaining your adult driver s license is obtaining your probationary driver s license after you have held a limited provisional license. This license will allow you to continue practicing to drive behind the wheel until you are officially ready to obtain your unrestricted driver s license once you turn 18 years old. This process is fairly simple and will take only a small amount of preparation on your part. 10

11 In order to move on to obtain your probationary driver license you are required to fulfill the following requirements: Be 16 years old. Hold onto your learner s permit for at least six months. Provide ONE proof of your Driver Education Certification of Completion. Complete 50 hours of behind the wheel supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. o Filling out the Fifty Hour Affidavit (5791 BVM Form). Once you meet these standards, you will be able to take your driving test to obtain your probationary driver license. All it will require you do is contact the BMV office at or go online to schedule an appointment to take the driving test. When it s time to take the driving test, you will be required to provide the following things in order to take it: Your own vehicle. ONE proof of your Driver Education Certification of Completion. Then it will be time to take your driving test and once you pass, you will have to take the following steps to officially obtain your probationary driver license Hand over your TIPIC. Take a photograph. Pay the necessary fee. Fees The fees you will have to pay for your driver s license will depend on your age. You can pay this fee at the BMV office with cash, check, or money order. To see which fee you will have to pay, please match your age to the prices listed below: 16 Years Old. $ Years Old. $23 18 Years Old. $

12 You will receive your probationary driver license in the mail within 60 days of completing the above steps. When you turn 18 years old, your probationary driver license will become a fully unrestricted driver license and you are allowed to drive without any restrictions. Restrictions If you are under 18 years old, you will have certain restrictions on your permit and your probationary license. These restrictions are based on your age to ensure that as you slowly progress in skill, you also begin to obtain more freedom in driving. While you hold your TIPIC you will be have to obey restrictions on your permit until you obtain your probationary driver license. Under 16 Years Old o You may only drive when accompanied by a licensed parent, legal guardian, or a certified driving instructor. 16 Years or Older o You may only drive when accompanied by any 21 year old licensed driver. o You may only drive when accompanied by a licensed parent or legal guardian between the hours of 12 A.M. and 6 A.M. While you hold your probationary driver license you will be allowed to drive under these circumstances as long as you are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian: 17 to 18 Years Old: o Between the hours of 1 A.M. and 5 A.M. Under 17 Years Old: o Between the hours of 12 A.M. to 6 A.M. o You may have only one passenger in vehicle unrelated to you in your vehicle. Tip Making an appointment for any DMV visit is always advised in order to avoid long lines and the stress of waiting. 12

13 Getting Your First Ohio License Congratulations! If you have gone through the steps of getting your Driver s Permit in Ohio, then you are now only one step closer to of obtaining your driver license. And we re sure you are more than ready to finish the process. Well, no need to worry because the process is almost over! Now it s only a matter of mastering the art of driving to get your license. All that is required now is that you follow the steps below that best fit your situation to officially hold that brand new license. DRIVING TEST Taking a driving test is necessary in order for the BMV to determine your driving skills level. You will have to make an appointment with the BMV office in order to take your driving test. The first part of the exam, which includes a safety check, will show the examiner that you have an acceptable level regarding your vehicle. When you go to take your driving test, you are required to provide a vehicle that is both insured, and passes the safety requirements. Continue to read the points below to understand better what will happen during your test from start to finish! There are two ports to the Ohio BMV driving test, the first is a maneuverability test which you will have to take first, and the second is a road test. The maneuverability test will consist of the examiner ability to steer left and right as instructed by the examiner within a 9ft by 12ft box created by markers. Points will be deducted if you do any of the following: Stop to check your progress Bumping into the markers Failing to stop at the correct distance Not staying parallel to the test area The second part of the exam will consist of you driving on the road and obeying any instructions given by the examiner. You will be judged and graded based on the following things: Being able to properly adjust your seat, mirror, seatbelts, before driving. Obeying traffic signs and signals. Using your turn signals. Going in reverse. 13

14 Parking. Observing the intersection. Yielding to right of way. Responding appropriately to emergency vehicles. Making appropriate turns. As well as any other instructions the examiner gives you during the test. The road test will not be very long and won t require that you know anything beyond the standard knowledge and skill on how to operate a vehicle. In the case that you fail the road test, you are required to wait seven days to retake it. To fully prepare for the driving test make sure you read through the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Law which outlines all you will need to know to pass. ADULT DRIVERS: NEVER HAD A DRIVER LICENSE If you are 18 years old or older, have never had a license and are now looking to obtaining one then, you have come to the right place. The first thing you will have to do before you are allowed to obtain a driver license is obtain a TIPIC by taking the steps outlined in the All Drivers section. Getting a license for first-time drivers is a very simple process through the state of Ohio by first following the steps on how to apply: Make an appointment with the BMV office to take your driving test. Provide your own vehicle for the test. Provide ONE proof of car insurance for your vehicle. Then, it will be time to take your driving test and once you pass your driving test, you will have to take the following steps to officially obtain your driver license: Hand over your TIPIC. Take a photograph. Pay the necessary fee. If you pass the road test, you will receive your driver s license in the mail within 60 days. Otherwise, you will have to wait seven days to retake the driving test to try and obtain your license. 14

15 ADULT DRIVERS: NEW RESIDENT If you already hold a license from another state and have become a new resident of Ohio, you will need to obtain an Ohio license at maximum within 30 days. It is very important to make sure that you obtain a valid driver s license within this term; so, let s begin so you can obtain your Ohio license as soon as possible! All you will have to do is complete the following steps: Visit the BMV office. Present your out of state driver license. Pass a vision test. Pass a written test. Provide a primary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your full name and date of birth. Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide a secondary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your Social Security Number if not already displayed on your primary document. Credit Card Valid Health Insurance Card Provide ONE proof of your legal presence in the United States: o Only required if not already displayed on your primary document. Birth Certificate Valid. U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of your Ohio residency: o Only required if not already displayed on your primary document. Bank Statement Property Tax Bill 15

16 Provide ONE proof of any name changes: o Court Order of Name Change o Divorce Decree o Marriage Certificate Take a photograph. Pay the necessary fee. You will not be required to take a driving test unless the BMV office considers it necessary to test your driving skills in order to assure you are capable of driving safely. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. Fees The fees you will have to pay for your driver s license will depend on your age. You will be able to pay this fee at the BMV office with cash, check, or money order. To see which fee you must pay, please match your age to the prices listed below: 19 Years Old. $ Years Old. $ Years Old. $23 Tip Make sure you verify your address on your documents or temporary license/id before you leave the DMV, and if it is incorrect notify a DMV representative immediately before you leave. 16

17 Renewing Your License Oh no, my license has expired! That is something no one ever wants to have to say, as it means you no longer hold a legal license to drive. This means a loss of freedom and the risk of getting a ticket, so it is best to renew your license as soon as you notice the expiration date creeping up on you. But before you renew your license, it is best that you thoroughly comprehend the process so that you can avoid any error or issues that may occur. To begin, you must remember that an Ohio driver s license expires on your birthday every four years. You are allowed to renew your license any time before the expiration date set. Though if you renew your license 90 days before your due expiration date it will expire in three years rather than the normal four years. If you do not renew within 45 days after it expires, you will receive a notice from the Ohio BMV which will give you a citation for driving with an expired license. If you go beyond six months without renewing your license, you are not allowed to renew and will instead have to obtain a new license. If you obtained or renewed your license before you turned 21 years old, your license will expire when you turn 21 regardless of how long you ve held it. In such cases you can renew your license up to 30 days before you turn 21 years old. Visit the BMV office. Present your Ohio driver license. OR Provide a primary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your full name and date of birth. Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide a secondary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your Social Security Number if not already displayed on your primary document. Credit Card 17

18 Valid Health Insurance Card Provide ONE proof of your legal presence in the United States: o Only required if not already displayed on your primary document. Birth Certificate Valid. U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of your Ohio residency: o Only required if not already displayed on your primary document. Bank Statement Property Tax Bill Provide ONE proof of any name changes: o Court Order of Name Change o Divorce Decree o Marriage Certificate Pass a vision test. Pay the fee of $ o You are able to pay in cash, check, or money order. After you take the above steps, your license will be renewed and will be valid for another four years, unless you renewed your license 90 days before your expiration date, in which case it will be valid for only three years. RENEWING WHILE OUT OF STATE If you are currently out of state and need to renew your driver license the Ohio BMV offers you the service to renew your license by mail. All you will have to do is contact the BMV office at for instructions and they will mail you a package to fill out and mail back to renew your license. Tip If you have recently changed your address, make sure to make the changes to your BMV file by following the Change Your Address section instructions before you renew your license. 18

19 Updating Your License Information Now your life may be coming to a turning point, which can mean changes both as big as changing your name to a more subtle change such as moving neighborhoods. Either way, this information is essential to your identification, which includes your driver licenses. So, how can you ensure that these changes are made to your driver license should you ever need them to be made? Well, naturally you only need to inform the Ohio BMV. To better understand the process and steps you have to take, you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below. CHANGING YOUR NAME Making the decision to change your name is not only a big personal decision, but it will also greatly affect your documents and general information in regards to your identity. If you have officially changed your name, you will surely be required to change your name on all of your identification documents and cards, including your driver license. Now, how to do this is very simple, all you must do is follow the steps below that best apply to your situation: Make the name change at the Social Security Administration office. o Fill out the Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5 Form). o Provide ONE legal proof of your name change: Marriage Certificate Divorce Decree Court Order o Provide ONE proof of your identity: Valid U.S. Passport Valid U.S. Driver License o Provide ONE proof of your U.S. Citizenship U.S. Birth Certificate Naturalization Certificate 19

20 o Mail or hand in these documents to your local Social Security Administration office. Wait a minimum of three days for the change to be made to your Social Security file. Visit the DMV office. Present your current valid driver license. Present your Social Security card. Provide ONE legal proof of any name changes, only if necessary such as: o Marriage Certificate o Divorce Decree o Court Order Pay the $ Once you have taken these steps, your name will officially be changed on your driver license and you will receive a new license showing your new name as your identity. CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS In the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your driver license. All you must do is, follow the steps below that outline the process. You will have the option to either go directly to the BMV office in person or renew it by mail. To renew your license in person make sure to take the following steps: Visit the BMV office. Provide ONE proof of your new residency address by bringing along one of the following documents: o Insurance Policy o Utility Bill o Bank Statement 20

21 After you provide the above proof, your license will be renewed; however, if you cannot provide the above documents all other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. Change Address by Mail or Online If you would like to change your address online, you are able to do so by going directly to the Ohio BMV site and inserting the necessary information. To change your address on your license by mail, simply follow the steps below: Fill out a Change of Address Form (BMV Form 5756). OR Write a letter stating the following information: o Full Name o Date of Birth o Driver License or ID Card Number o Previous Residential Address o New Residential Address Mail the form or your letter to the following address: Ohio Department of Public Safety Deputy Registrar Services P.O. Box Columbus, OH Once you take these steps, your address will be changed to your new address on the Ohio BMV office file and won t require you to visit in person at any moment. Tip Before you go to the BMV to change your name on your license, permit or ID card, you must make sure that the Social Security office has updated your file with your new name. Otherwise, the BMV office will not allow you to change your name. It takes a min. of 24 hours for the Social Security Office to update information, so make sure to plan ahead. 21

22 Replacing Your License Oh my, something s happened to your license! What can you do now? Well, the Ohio BMV will help you in obtaining a new driver license as soon as possible in the case that your license may have been lost, stolen, destroyed, or if you never even received your license in the first place. In any case, you will be able to effortlessly replace it with a new duplicate license or permit. However, if your temporary permit test scores are not able to be verified by the BMV office, you are required to retake the tests and pay for a new permit. In order to obtain a duplicate licensee or permit all it will require of you is to do a few things: Visit the BMV office. Provide a primary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your full name and date of birth. Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide a secondary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your Social Security Number if not already displayed on your primary document. Credit Card Valid Health Insurance Card Provide ONE proof of any name changes: o Court Order of Name Change o Divorce Decree o Marriage Certificate Sign a statement stating your license has been lost or stolen. Pay the fee of $

23 Once you complete the above steps, you will receive your duplicate driver license or permit in the mail within 60 days. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. REPLACING YOUR LICENSE WHILE OUT OF STATE In the case that your license was lost, stolen, or destroyed while you were out of state or serving as an active military member out of state, you are able to apply for a duplicate license by requesting an out of state renewal packet. You can request the packet either by: OR Contacting the Telecommunications Department at Go to the Ohio BMV site. Click on Contact BMV. Write an to the BMV Registrar requesting a renewal packet. Once you complete the above steps the BMV office will mail you the renewal packet which you will have to fill out and mail back in order to obtain your duplicate driver license. Tip If you have had your out of state lost, stolen, or damaged in the process of moving to Ohio, you can still transfer your out of state license to an Ohio license by either obtaining a certificate copy of your driving record from your previous state or obtaining a letter from your previous state s DMV office stating the status of your license and submit it within 30 days. For further instructions please contact the Ohio BMV office at

24 Reinstating Your License In order to qualify to reinstate your license, you will have to have completed all of the required time for your restraining order. In order to reinstate your license you will have to take the following steps: Complete your suspension period. Complete all court requirements and pay all fines, if necessary. Complete a corrective driving course, if necessary. Retake and pass both the written and driving test, if necessary. Obtain and maintain SR22 car insurance for your vehicle for three to five years. o Only required for non-compliance suspensions. Pay the necessary reinstatement fee(s). o Fees can be paid either: In person at any local BMV office. By mail to the address below. By phone by contacting Online by visiting the Ohio BMV site Mail all required documents to the following address: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles ATTN: RE Fee P.O. Box Columbus, OH Once you take these steps you will officially have your suspension dropped and have a valid driver license that allows you to drive legally again. If you need any information or clarification regarding your suspended license, hearings or appeals, please check your suspension notice, take a look through the Driver License Reinstatement Procedures, or contact the BMV at during its regular business hours of 7 A.M. to 5:45 P.M. from Monday to 24

25 Friday, or from 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) If you have had your driver license suspended due to a DUI or a DWI, you can request a hearing 30 days after your suspension notice if you want to challenge the suspension. Hearings and appeals are granted depending on the situation under which you suspended your driver license. In order to request an appeal or hearing for your suspension you will have to either: OR Write a letter to the BMV office requesting a hearing. Mail the letter to the following address: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box Columbus, OH Appeal during the first court appearance. During this time though, you might also be able to obtain a restricted driver license that will allow you to drive to certain authorized locations depending on your suspension. Contact the BMV office that suspended your license. Request a restricted driver license court order with the court seal. Hold a current driver license or a court order, which lets you renew or apply for a driver license. Pass the written test. Pass the driving test. Have no other impending suspensions on your license. If you are able to meet these requirements, you might be able to obtain a restricted driver license which will allow you to drive to certain authorized locations for purposes of school, work, emergency, or recreation. When you have taken these steps and you are ready to reinstate your license make sure to follow the steps above towards reinstating your license as necessary in order to be able to drive legally again. 25

26 Tip If you have any further inquiries regarding your driver s license suspension, please contact this number to receive further information regarding how to reinstate your license. Also check out the Driver License Reinstatement Procedures for further clarification regarding specific steps to take in each situation regarding your suspension. 26

27 Getting an Ohio ID Card If you are not able to or not interested in obtaining a driver s license, it is then important that you consider getting an ID card instead. An ID card is essential because it is the easiest manner in which someone else can identify you when necessary, whether it be an authority figure, such as the police, or if you simply need to provide one proof of your identity, such as at the BMV office. When it comes time to obtain your ID card, the process is identical to that of obtaining your driver s license, except you won t be required to take any tests, will have to present your ID card instead of your driver license, and the fee charged is cheaper. In Ohio you are able to choose two forms of ID card, either a standard ID or a Safe ID. The difference is very simple; the enhanced ID card provides security for your identity by having you prove your identity, legal status in the United States, and residency in Ohio. Therefore, a Safe ID card shows any authority or person who checks your ID card that your identity has been confirmed by the DMV office. Getting your first ID card is a very important part of life that does not require any exams, or extensive waiting periods. If you are under 18 years old and obtaining an ID card you will need to have either your parent or legal guardian accompany you and present one proof of their identity. It s a simple process that takes no more than these few steps: Visit the BMV office. Provide a primary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your full name and date of birth. Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide a secondary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your Social Security Number if not already displayed on your primary document. Credit Card Valid Health Insurance Card Provide ONE proof of your legal presence in the United States: 27

28 o Only required if not already displayed on your primary document. Birth Certificate Valid. U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of your Ohio residency: o Only required if not already displayed on your primary document. Bank Statement Property Tax Bill Provide ONE proof of any name changes: o Court Order of Name Change o Divorce Decree o Marriage Certificate Parent or legal guardian must present ONE proof of the following information: o Full Name o Date of Birth o Social Security Number Pay the fee $8.50. Once you complete the above steps, you will receive your Safe Ohio ID card in the mail within seven to ten days. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. RENEWING YOUR ID CARD Once you have your ID card you will eventually will need to renew it when it expires. Your ID card will expire every four years on your birthday for everyone, and will be able to renew your ID card only in person at the BMV office. The follow steps outline what you will need to do at the DMV to renew your ID card: OR Visit the BMV office Present your ID Card. 28

29 Provide a primary or secondary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your full name and date of birth. Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Credit Card Pay the fee $8.50. Once you complete the above steps you will receive your Safe Ohio ID card in the mail within seven to ten days. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. REPLACING A LOST/STOLEN ID CARD Are you looking to getting a new ID card due to it being lost or stolen? The process of replacing your ID card in Ohio is very simple; in fact it follows a similar process as you would when replacing your driver license. You will be able to replace your driver license in person by taking the following steps: Visit the BMV office. Sign the statement stating you have had your ID card lost or stolen. Provide a primary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your full name and date of birth. Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide a secondary document as ONE proof of your identity: o Must include your Social Security Number if not already displayed on your primary document. Credit Card Valid Health Insurance Card 29

30 Provide ONE proof of your legal presence in the United States: o Only required if not already displayed on your primary document. Birth Certificate Valid. U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of your Ohio residency: o Only required if not already displayed on your primary document. Bank Statement Property Tax Bill Provide ONE proof of any name changes: o Court Order of Name Change o Divorce Decree o Marriage Certificate Parent or legal guardian must present ONE proof of the following information: o Full Name o Date of Birth o Social Security Number Pay the fee $7.50. Once you complete the above steps you will receive your Safe Ohio ID card in the mail within seven to ten days. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. When it comes time to changing your name or address on your ID card, the process is identical to that of changing your name or address on your driver s license. If you would like to take a look at the steps to take in order to change your name or address on your ID card, please take a look at the Updating Your Information section. 30

31 Tip The federal government will begin instating procedures that will require that you provide additional verification of your identity in areas such as airports and federal buildings if you are in certain situations that require you to have a Safe ID card or driver s license. It is therefore advised that you obtain a Safe ID card to ensure that you are not required to provide additional identity verification in these situations. 31

32 Vehicle Safety Tips Before getting behind the wheel, it s important that the vehicle is prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. EMERGENCY KIT One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel. WINTER DRIVING One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows or is prone to ice. Consider these tips below to drive safely during the winter. Don t Rush! Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment. Don t Panic If You Skid or Slip In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control. Check Your Vehicle Before you leave your house make sure your vehicle s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive, or worse, flying off and hitting someone while in motion! 32

33 DRINKING AND DRIVING Every year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These events can be prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking certain steps. Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation. If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly call and contact authorities immediately. Also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car. USING YOUR PHONE Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous things you can do. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure you don t text, use the internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible. THINGS TO AVOID Driving isn t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while driving on the road. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring. Car Accidents One way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this, regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic. Wasting Gas If you drive often, start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring you save some money in the long run. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable 33

34 and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well-tuned, and that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle s needs. Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent onroad aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physical harassment towards another driver, or preventing another driver from merging or passing. If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe, and continue moving. 34

35 BMV Hours and Locations If you ever need to visit a BMV office in person, it is essential that you find the office nearest to you to avoid having to travel too far. In order to find the BMV closest to your location, along with further information regarding the office such as its business hours and contact information, please click here. Once you click on the district office you are interested in you will be able to see the hours of operation, directions, phone numbers, and any further information you may need to get in contact with the BMV office. If you have any questions, you can contact the following numbers during their hours of operation: General Information Phone Number: Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 7 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Saturday 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. Driver License Information Center Phone Number: Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 7 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Saturday 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. The Ohio BMV offices operate according to their specific hours, except on holidays. The main Ohio BMV office is located at the following address: 35

36 1970 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio In the case that you may need it, you are able to mail the Ohio BMV offices through theses address: Mailing Address Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box Columbus, Ohio You can also contact the BMV through by sending your message online through the main Ohio BMV website here. 36

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