How To Do an Ohio DMV Change of Address

If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within Ohio then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your Ohio DMV Change of Address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable.

It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. Since Ohio requires you to file your change of address paperwork as soon as you become a resident, there really isn’t time to waste.

Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to complete your Ohio DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read up and then make your way to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get started.

If You’re Moving to Ohio from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to Ohio from another state?

How do you get one?

To get an Ohio driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person to apply. Unfortunately you can’t do an Ohio DMV change of address online or over the phone, so you’ll have to set aside time in your day for a visit. Note that some Ohio DMV locations allow you to make an appointment online in advance so you don’t have to waste time standing in line, but not all of them do.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit the OH DMV:

• • Proof of your full legal name
  • Proof of your date of birth
  • Proof of your legal presence in the United States (a birth certificate or U.S. passport are both accepted forms of identification, but you can find a complete list here)
  • Your social security card or other proof of your social security number
  • Proof of your Ohio residency (think utility bills, pay stubs, and other forms of official correspondence sent to your Ohio address)

  Note that certain documents may fulfill more than one of these requirements. Check out the full list of accepted documents so you can be sure to bring what you need.

  Is there a fee?

  Yes. The fee for a new Ohio driver’s license ranges between $19.25 and $24.50 depending on your age. View the Ohio driver’s license fees page for a breakdown of what a new license will cost you.

  Does an Ohio DMV change of address require a driving test?

  No, provided that your out of state license is either currently valid or expired less than six months ago. You may have to pass a vision test though.

  How long do you have to get an Ohio driver’s license or ID card?

  Ohio requires new residents to get a state driver’s license as soon as possible, so act fast! Note that the state considers you a new resident as soon as you take a job, buy a home, or enroll children in school in the state.

  How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

  How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Ohio?

  You’ll need to head to an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles location in person to update your vehicle’s registration. Make sure to bring along the following required documents:

  • • Your vehicle’s original title or memorandum of title (note that if you there is more than one owner of the vehicle and only one is present you will also need to provide signed powers of attorney—one for the title and one for the registration)
    • Your vehicle loan contract, if applicable
    • Your current out of state driver’s license
    • Proof of your full legal name
    • Your social security card
    • Proof of Ohio residency
    • Proof of legal residency in the U.S.

    What is the registration fee?

    Fees vary depending on the type of registration you need, and more than one fee may apply. Visit the Ohio DMV’s fees page for a breakdown.

    If You’re Moving Within Ohio

    Unlike other states, Ohio does not set a time limit on how long you have to update your Ohio DMV change of address forms or vehicle registration when moving within the state. You will need to do it eventually though, so may as well set aside some time to get it done early on so that you don’t forget later.

    You have three options for updating your Ohio driver’s license:

    1. 1. Fill out an Ohio DMV change of address form online. You can do so here. Be sure to have your current driver’s license number handy, as well as the last four digits of your social security number.
       2. Go to an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.Find an Ohio driver’s license office near you and fill out an Ohio DMV change of address form in person.
       3. Mail it in. You can complete your Ohio DMV change of address forms via snail mail if you prefer. To do so, fill out the Ohio change of address form and mail it to Ohio Department of Public Safety – Deputy Registrar Services, PO Box 16520, Columbus, OH 43216-6520.

       How much does an Ohio change of address cost?

       The standard fee for a replacement driver’s license in Ohio is $24.50.

       What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?

       To change your address on your Ohio driver’s license or identification card, you will need to provide:

       • • A written statement or a completed Form BMV 5756
         • Proof of Ohio residency
         • Proof of date of birth
         • Ohio driver’s license number
         • Proof of your old and new address

         The same documents are required for changing your address on your vehicle’s registration.

         You can easily update the address on your vehicle’s registration online through the Ohio DMV—go here to do it. You can also update your registration in person.

         Will Ohio issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

         If You’re Moving From Ohio to Another State

         Do you need to notify the Ohio DMV if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

         Nope. Once you get a driver’s license from your new state the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will automatically cancel your OH driver’s license.

         Do you need to notify the Ohio DMV if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

         Do you need to return your Ohio license plates?

         No, you can keep them.

         Have any questions?

         If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Ohio, contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles directly at 844-644-6268.

         Need to hire movers for your move to or from Ohio?

         We can help with that! Use our free online moving company directory to quickly and easily search reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Ohio move will cost.