Driver's License Laws in Ohio

• The Ohio Revised Code contains laws pertaining to drivers in Ohio. According to the code, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle, such as a car or truck, on a public road in Ohio, or on any property in the state that is used by the public, unless you have passed all of the required tests and possess a valid license issued by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. Examinations for a driver's license are handled by the State Highway Patrol, but licenses are issued through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Types of Driver's Licenses

• The state issues four types of driver's licenses: the "class D," which is a normal driver's license issued to most motorists in Ohio; a commercial driver license for those who drive commercial-type vehicles such as panel trucks and semis; motorcycle licenses for motorcycle drivers; and licenses for motorized bicycles.

Vertical Driver's License

• A vertical driver's license is a regular driver's license, but it looks different from other licenses. The vertical license is for drivers 21 or younger. It has a red bar across the top, which is the narrow part of the license, and the driver's photo is on the left-hand side. The words "under 21" or "under 18" are also printed on the license.

Age Requirements

• Persons who are at least 15 1/2 can drive in Ohio. They must first obtain a temporary driver's permit. After a period of six months, when they are at least 16, they can take a driver's examination and apply for a regular driver's license.

Expiring Driver's License

• The expiration date is on the face of each driver's license. The expiration date is your fourth birthday after the date the license was issued, unless the license was issued before the age of 21, in which case it will expire on that birthday. Drivers should renew their licenses on or before they expire. Failure to do so could result in a traffic citation and a fine.

Renewing a Driver's License

• Drivers can renew their licenses simply by applying in person at their local Bureau of Motor Vehicles license office. They will be required to present their current license and any other requested papers such as a birth certificate, as well as pay a fee for the new license. Drivers whose licenses have expired, and have been expired for at least six months, must retake the written test in order to renew their license. The same is true for those whose licenses have been revoked or suspended.