Driver's License, Title, Registration, and Plates

Here are some helpful insights as to how to quickly obtain a driver's license, title registration and license plates. Unlike many states Ohio has not privatized this function so it may take several visits to different locations to obtain these documents.

Link to Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles information for new Ohio residents Ohio BMV

Insider Notes to Make This an Easier Process

Driver's License First

We encourage you to first get your driver's license. Once you have that, obtain your title, registration, and plates. This allows you to use your Ohio driver's license as proof of residence for the rest of the steps.

Location

The best location to obtain all of these items in just one day is the DMV office in Parma, at the intersection of Snow Rd. and Chevrolet Blvd. All of the buildings are clustered in the same shopping strip. NOTE: be sure to check the hours and dates of each building as many times one office closes earlier than the others and this would mean a second trip to this location to finish your tasks.

Driver's License

1. When scheduling the written test allow 15-20 minutes to wait in line and 30-40 minutes to take the test. If you arrive close to closing time they won't allow you take the test as they know you won't be able to finish before they close.

2. Motorcycle licenses require a separate study booklet and test.

3. Don't think that just because you have been driving for 30 years that you will pass the written test without reading through the Ohio Laws BMV Test Booklet. Some laws are specific to Ohio and must be reviewed.

4. Bring every possible official document you think you might need, even if you feel it is overkill. Wouldn't you rather have too much paperwork than not enough?

5. Renter's insurance or auto insurance with your new Ohio address can prove your local residency, as can a local utility bill with your name and Ohio address.

Title, Registration, and Plates

1. An out-of-state vehicle (VIN) inspection typically costs less than $5, so bring cash as many BMV's won't run a charge that small on a credit card.

2. Your VIN inspection is only good for 30 days. Don't delay the follow-up steps or it will expire and they won't accept an expired VIN inspection report at the next government office.

3. Allow several weeks for your lien holder to FedEx your original title to the Ohio title bureau.

4. It's up to you to call the title bureau in Ohio to make sure they received your original title. Be sure to ask your lienholder for a copy of the tracking number when they ship it so you can track its arrival.

5. If there is more than one name on the vehicle's title (e.g., you and your spouse) in order to prevent fraud, you must both be physically present to change titles and registration or you must have TWO notarized Power of Attorneys; one for the registration and one for the title.