REAL ID Compliant vs. Standard Driver’s License: What You Need to Know for Ohio

From May 7, 2025, standard driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for air travel within the United States. This means Ohio residents need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or an alternative acceptable form of ID like a U.S. passport or military ID. This article outlines the required documents for both REAL ID-compliant and standard licenses in Ohio.

REAL ID Compliant Driver’s License: Required Documents

Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license requires specific documentation to verify your identity and residency. This stricter process ensures compliance with federal regulations and allows you to use your driver’s license for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights.

Proof of Identity and Legal Presence

You must provide original or certified copies of documents proving the following:

• Full Legal Name: Documents such as a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or permanent resident card can serve as proof of your legal name. Ensure the name on the document matches the name you’re using for your driver’s license application.
• Date of Birth: A birth certificate or passport clearly displaying your date of birth is essential for this requirement.
• Legal Presence in the US: This requires documentation like a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a certificate of naturalization. It confirms your legal status within the United States.
• Social Security Number (SSN): Provide your Social Security card, a W-2 form displaying your SSN, or an SSA-1099 form.

Proof of Ohio Residency

Two separate documents from different sources are required to prove your Ohio residency. These documents must list your current Ohio street address and be included on the official Acceptable Documents List. Examples include utility bills, bank statements, and rental agreements.

Proof of Name Change (If Applicable)

If your current legal name differs from the name on your birth certificate, passport, or U.S. Department of Homeland Security documents, you must provide legal documentation connecting your birth name to your current name. This includes original or certified copies of:

• Marriage Certificate or Marriage License
• Decree of Divorce, Dissolution, or Annulment of Marriage
• Court Ordered Name Change

Multiple marriages may require providing documentation from each marriage and/or divorce to establish a clear link between your birth name and current legal name.

Standard Driver’s License: Required Documents

A standard driver’s license still serves as a valid form of identification within Ohio, but it will not be accepted for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight after May 7, 2025.

Proof of Identity and Legal Presence

The requirements for a standard license are similar to the REAL ID, but with a few differences in the number of documents needed for residency:

• Full Legal Name: Provide documentation confirming your full legal name.
• Date of Birth: A document clearly showing your date of birth is necessary.
• Legal Presence in the US: Proof of legal presence in the U.S. is required.
• Social Security Number (SSN): Provide documentation verifying your Social Security number.

Proof of Ohio Residency

One document proving your Ohio residency is required. This document should clearly display your Ohio street address.

Proof of Name Change (If Applicable)

If your current legal name is different from your birth name, provide legal documentation connecting the two.

Social Security Number (SSN) Documentation

The Social Security Administration provides information on replacing a lost or stolen Social Security card. Additionally, the Ohio BMV’s Form BMV 5745 can be used to prove your SSN if you’ve previously established it with the BMV. This form is available online and at deputy registrar agencies.

Name Change Documentation

Ensure you have all necessary documents to connect your birth name with your current legal name if applicable. This is a crucial step in the application process for both REAL ID and standard licenses.

Acceptable Documents Lists and Checklists

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) provides comprehensive lists of acceptable documents for both REAL ID-compliant and standard driver’s licenses and identification cards. These lists are available in English, Spanish, and Somali. Interactive checklists are also available to help you determine what documents to bring to the deputy registrar agency. While these checklists are helpful tools, they do not guarantee document acceptance or issuance of a license or ID.

Key Differences Between REAL ID and Standard Licenses

The primary differences between REAL ID-compliant and standard driver’s licenses lie in the number of residency documents required and their acceptance for federal purposes. REAL ID requires two proofs of residency, while a standard license only requires one. Critically, after May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant licenses will be accepted for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Future of Identification

Understanding the documentation requirements for REAL ID-compliant and standard driver’s licenses is essential for Ohio residents. By being prepared and gathering the necessary documents, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process at the deputy registrar agency. While a standard license is still an option, obtaining a REAL ID now prepares you for future travel and identification needs. Visit the Ohio BMV website for the most up-to-date information and resources to guide you through the process.

FAQ

• Q: Can I use my current standard license to fly domestically after May 7, 2025?
  • A: No, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license, a passport, or another acceptable form of federal identification.
• Q: Where can I find the complete list of acceptable documents?
  • A: Visit the Ohio BMV website for detailed lists in English, Spanish, and Somali.
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• Q: What if my name has changed multiple times?
  • A: You may need to provide documentation from each name change to connect your birth name to your current legal name.

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