Ohio New Resident Information
As a reminder, state law requires that all new residents to Ohio must obtain a new driver's license, an Ohio title for your motor vehicle, and new license plates as soon as possible.
What: You must obtain an Ohio driver license, acquire an Ohio title and register your motor vehicle in-state. If you have a valid out-of-state license that has not expired, you can get an Ohio driver license upon satisfactory completion of a vision test, and a written law and sign test.
When: Once you are an Ohio resident, you need to become an official Ohio driver as soon as possible. Ohio law provides no specific grace period for converting your out-of-state driver license to an Ohio license, however, Ohio courts and police agencies have considered 30 days the maximum time limit. You are considered an Ohio resident once you:
Why: For our residents' safety and well-being, we must ensure that all drivers in Ohio have learned the rules of the road (which occasionally will vary from state to state) and that all motor vehicles are titled, registered, and possess proper insurance.
Where: To obtain the address of the nearest Deputy Registrar License Agency to your new home, click here, or phone 1-800-589-TAGS, or you may look in the yellow pages under License Agencies.
How: Visit your Clerk of Courts Auto Title Office in your county of residence to obtain your new title and then you may go to the nearest Deputy Registrar License Agency to obtain your new license plates and driver's license.
TITLE, VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSE PLATES:
1. If you own a vehicle, you will need to have it inspected at a license agency or most new car dealerships. There is a small fee for this service.
2. Next, go to your county's auto title office to transfer your title to Ohio. Find the location in the county government section of your phone book, under Clerk of Courts, Auto Title Department.
3. Lastly, take your title to the license agency where the deputy registrar will collect the proper registration fees, register your vehicle and issue new license plates.
Safety Belts - Safety belts are mandatory for drivers and front seat passengers.
Child Restraint Law - Any child who is either or both four years of age and weighs less than 40 pounds is required to use a child safety restraint that meets federal motor vehicle standards.
Vehicle Registration - License plates expire on the owner's birthday each year.
Driver License - Individual driver licenses are valid for four years and expire on your birthday.
Financial Responsibility Law - No one can operate a motor vehicle without proof of insurance. To comply with the law, liability coverage of $12,500-$25,000 for personal injury or death and $7,500 for property damage is required.
