Getting a Real ID in Ohio

A Real ID looks like a standard driver’s license or state identification card, but it has a star in the top-right corner. It’s also called a federally compliant card. 

How do I get a Real ID?

To get a Real ID for the first time, you will need more documents than usual to prove your identity.

• Gather your documents. You need documents that prove your name, date of birth, legal presence in the U.S., Social Security number, address, and proof of name change, if your name has changed. Review the acceptable documents list from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to find out which documents you can use to prove each element.
• Check the BMV’s list. Use the BMV’s interactive checklist to figure out if you have enough documents. Some documents can be used to prove more than one element. For example, a current U.S. passport can prove your name, date of birth and legal presence.
• Go to a Deputy Registrar Agency. Bring your documents to a BMV Deputy Registrar License Agency. You must go in person to apply for a Real ID for the first time. You can use the BMV’s Get in Line Online service to reserve your place in line.
• Present your documents. When it’s your turn, a representative will check your documents. If you meet the requirements, you will get interim documentation that you can use until your Real ID arrives in the mail. If your documents don’t meet the requirements, a representative will let you know. You may need to leave and take more steps before trying to get a Real ID again.
• Wait for your Real ID to come in the mail. You will get your new Real ID card in the mail. It will come in a plain white envelope. It should arrive within a few weeks. If it doesn’t arrive in 28 days, contact the BMV. 

If you don’t have everything you need for a Real ID, you can still get a standard driver’s license or ID card. It’s just not approved for flying or getting into federal buildings, like a military base or Social Security office.

What documents are needed for a Real ID?

The documents you need to get a Real ID depend on your situation and the documents you have.

You must prove your:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Legal status/citizenship
• Social Security number
• Ohio address

Some documents can prove multiple elements at once. For example, a current U.S. passport can show your name, date of birth and legal status.

• It’s common to use a passport or birth certificate. Your passport must be current. Your birth certificate must be a certified copy. If you weren’t born in the U.S. and you don’t have a current U.S. passport, you may need your Certificate of Naturalization, your Permanent Resident Card ("green card") or another document from the U.S. federal government.
• Bring 2 documents for your address. You need at least two different documents to prove your Ohio street address. There are many different options for proving your address, such as utility bills, credit card statements or pay stubs from the last 12 months.
• You may need more if your name changed. If your name has changed and you don’t have a current U.S. passport that shows your current legal name, you may need additional documents to prove your identity.

Check the BMV’s acceptable documents list for options.

Can I use a copy of my birth certificate to get a Real ID?

It must be a certified copy of your birth certificate. It can’t be a photocopy. 

A certified copy of your birth certificate is an official document that comes from the health department.

To use your birth certificate to get a Real ID:

• Use a certified copy of an Ohio birth certificate. If you were born in Ohio, you can request a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Ohio Department of Health or a local health department. You will need to pay a fee to get the certified copy. A typical fee is about $25.
• Use a certified copy from another U.S. state. If you were born in another state and you don’t have your birth certificate, you may be able to get a certified copy from the county or state health department where you were born. The process and requirements for getting your birth certificate vary by state. Some third-party companies may help you get a copy of your birth certificate for a fee.
• Older Puerto Rican birth certificates are not accepted. If you have a Puerto Rican birth certificate that was issued before July 1, 2010, you can’t use it as an acceptable document to get your Real ID. You may need to get a new birth certificate. Go directly to the Department of Health in Puerto Rico. Or use a third-party service that will get the birth certificate for you. Pay their fee.

If you have a current U.S. passport, you may not need your birth certificate, because you can use the passport to prove your name, date of birth and legal status.

Can I use an expired passport?

Your passport must be current to use it as one of your required documents for getting a Real ID. If your passport expired, you may be able to:

• Use a different document. You could use a certified copy of your birth certificate if you were born in Ohio or another U.S. state. If your name has changed, also bring documents that show the name change, like a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
• Renew your passport. If your passport expired less than 5 years ago and you still have it, you may be able to renew it online. Check your passport’s date of issue and expiration.

If you can’t renew your passport online, you may be able to renew it by mail or in person at a passport agency.

How to handle common issues with getting a Real ID

Sometimes you need to take more steps to get a Real ID, especially if your name has changed or you’re missing a document that you need.

Learn how to deal with common issues and questions about getting a Real ID in Ohio.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

A Social Security card can prove your Social Security number. If you don’t have your Social Security card, you may have a few options:

• Complete a BMV form, if you're in the system. You may be able to complete the BMV's 5745 form to verify your Social Security number, if you have already established your Social Security number with the BMV. For example, you have a current Ohio driver's license.
• Use another document. You can use a current W-2, 1099 or pay stub if it has your full Social Security number printed on it. It can be from this tax year or last tax year.
• Apply for a replacement Social Security card. You can apply online if your name hasn’t changed. Learn more about replacing your Social Security card and getting your vital records.

What if my name has changed?

If your current legal name is different from your birth name, you may need additional documents to get a Real ID.

• Show the connection to prove it’s you. Gather documents that show how your name has changed over time. This could be your marriage certificate or a court order for your name change. Establish the connection between your birth name and your current name to show that you are the same person.
• Document each name change. If you’ve changed your name multiple times, you may need a document for each change. For example, if you’ve been married multiple times, you may need a different document for each marriage or divorce.

Documents that can help you show a name change include:

• Marriage certificate. You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the probate court in the county where you got married. You may need to pay a small fee. The marriage certificate may be called the Certified Marriage Abstract or the Record of Marriage.
• Divorce decree. If you got divorced, you can get a certified copy of your divorce decree from the domestic relations court where your divorce was finalized. You may need to pay a small fee.
• Dissolution decree. If you got a dissolution, you can get a certified copy of your dissolution decree from the domestic relations court where your dissolution was finalized. You may need to pay a small fee.
• Court order for your name change. If you went to court to legally change your name, and the court granted your request, there is a court order for your name change. You can get a certified copy of the name change order from the probate court that issued the order. You may need to pay a small fee.

If you need to legally change your name, complete the forms to change your name in Ohio.

If you're a non-citizen, such as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), and your name has changed, you also must have your name changed through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you can be approved for a Real ID.

What if I had a common law marriage?

Before October 1991, couples in Ohio could have a common law marriage, which meant they were considered married even without a marriage license or ceremony. 

Some people in these marriages started using their partner’s last name, and that name may appear on their Social Security card or non-Real ID driver's license. These documents might not match their birth certificate or passport, which they now need to show legal status. 

If you don't have any official documents that show how your name changed, here are some options: 

• Get married now. If you are still with your partner, you could get a marriage license and get married. You can take your partner’s name as part of the process.
• File for a name change. If you’re separated from your partner or your partner has died, you may want to file for a name change. Complete the forms to file for a name change. In your application, explain why you need to legally change your name. Include all your previous names.

What if my name is spelled wrong on a document?

Separate from a name change, you can ask for a "name conformity order" if your name is spelled wrong or inconsistent on one or more of your documents.

• Name conformity can help correct errors. For example, your name was entered incorrectly on your birth certificate or marriage certificate, and you want to correct the mistake so that all your official documents match.
• Name change is different. If you need to change your first or last name, you need a name change, not a name conformity.

You can only use name conformity to correct a misspelling or other inconsistency.

You must meet the eligibility requirements for a name conformity order:

• Live in the county at least 60 days. You must have lived in the county where you apply for at least 60 days. Your county may require a longer time.
• Not avoiding creditors. You can’t apply for a name conformity to avoid creditors or other obligations.
• Not currently in bankruptcy. If you’re currently going through bankruptcy, you can’t get a name conformity order. You must wait until the bankruptcy proceeding is complete before you apply for a name conformity.

Follow these steps to apply for a name conformity order:

• Get the forms. Your county probate court may have its own forms for name conformity. Usually you will need to file an application to conform your legal name and a sworn statement called an affidavit in support of your application.
• Gather your documents. You will need a copy of your birth certificate, a document that shows your correct legal name, and a copy of each document that has the error you want to correct.
• Fill out the forms. Complete the application. Enter your current name and address. Explain the error you want to correct. Contact your local probate court if you have questions about the process. Court staff can’t give you legal advice, but they can explain general court procedures.
• Get the paperwork notarized. You must sign the affidavit in front of a notary. Find a notary by searching for a "notary near me." Don’t sign the form until you are in front of the notary. Make at least 2 copies of your completed paperwork.
• File your forms and pay the fee. File your forms with the clerk of courts for the probate court. When you file, there will be a filing fee. Each court sets its own fees. Typical fees are about $100 to $150. If you can’t afford the fee, you can add a form called a Poverty Affidavit. This form asks that you be allowed to file without paying up front. You still may be responsible for paying the fee at the end of the case.

The court will review your application. It could order a criminal background check or a hearing, but it may not need to. Make sure to follow any instructions from the court.

If the judge grants your name conformity order:

• Get a certified copy of the court order. You should get a certified copy of the court order in the mail. You can also ask the clerk of courts for a certified copy. You may need multiple certified copies if you need to correct multiple documents.
• Correct the errors. It’s your responsibility to correct your name. Contact each organization that has your incorrect name. You may need to fill out forms and send in a certified copy of the court order to each organization.

Remember, you can only use a name conformity order to correct a mistake, not to change your name.

What if I’m a temporary resident in the U.S.? 

If you’re a temporary resident, it means you’re living in the U.S. but you’re not a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen. You don’t have a green card.

As a temporary resident, to get your Real ID:

• Your immigration status must be verified. Your status will need to be verified by the federal SAVE system. The deputy registrar will send your information to the federal government’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• You may be able to use your passport with a visa and I-94 plus additional documents. A common combination of documents is a foreign passport with a visa and I-94 or Employment Authorization Document (EAD), USCIS document, a document with a Social Security number and 2 documents showing your address, if your USCIS document doesn't have your address.
• It can help to bring your USCIS documents. It can be helpful to bring documents you’ve received from USCIS when you apply for your Real ID. For example, if you have completed an application with USCIS and you got an application confirmation letter (Form 797), you may want to bring it with you.

If USCIS does not verify your lawful status, your license or ID card cannot be issued. You will get a denial letter in the mail with further information.

What if I lost my naturalization documents?

If you became a U.S. citizen but you don’t have your naturalization documents, you may need to do more to verify your identity.

• Apply for a replacement. Complete the N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. Carefully review and follow the instructions for applying.
• Pay the fee. You will need to pay a fee to apply for the replacement documents. If you file by mail, there is a paper filing fee of $555. If you file online, the fee is $505, as of October 2025.
• Go to any required appointments. You may need to go to an appointment for fingerprinting to verify your identity. Look for an appointment notice from USCIS.

If you get an I-797 Case Type N-565 from USCIS, you may be able to use that as one of your documents to get your Real ID.

You may need to wait several months to get your replacement naturalization documents themselves.

What if I’m a new driver in Ohio?

If you’re a new driver in Ohio, and you want a Real ID driver’s license, you will need to complete Ohio’s requirements for new drivers.

If you’re under 21 or you’re a temporary resident in the U.S., you have additional requirements:

• Complete driver’s training. Complete an Ohio-approved course. This includes 24 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of drive time.
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice. You will need driving time with an adult who has an Ohio driver’s license.
• Pass your driving test. Pass a written test and a road test. You can schedule your driving test online.

If you hold an unexpired driver's license (with no suspensions) from another U.S. state, you don't have to complete the driver training.

If you only need a Real ID to fly or to get into a federal building, you can apply for a Real ID identification card instead of a Real ID driver’s license.

How can I get more help?

Deputy registrars are independent contractors who operate BMV license agencies. They follow instructions for issuing licenses and identification cards.

If you have questions after speaking with a deputy registrar or you need additional information about driver’s licenses and ID cards in Ohio, you can contact the BMV online or by calling (844) 644-6268 ((844) OHIOBMV).