Ohio is a state many consider moving to due to its low cost of living. This affordable state also makes those seeking higher education much easier as the state assists residents with education costs. CNBC ranked Ohio as 9th when it comes to the cheapest states. There are drawbacks, such as the weather, but all in all, for many, Ohio is the perfect place to settle down and raise a family. If you are considering a move to Ohio or already reside there and have questions regarding residency documents, you’ve come to the right place, as we’ll guide you through the basics of becoming an Ohio resident.
What Counts as Proof of Residency in Ohio?
If you lived in Ohio for at least one year, you have obtained Ohio residency. In effect, anyone who resides in a home or rents an apartment is considered a resident. Even if you went away for a bit to another state, you are still considered a resident of Ohio. When it comes to documentation, the following are acceptable:
- Proof of Ohio Residency statement, otherwise known as the BMV-2336
- Certified school transcript
- BMV change of address card
- Bank statement
- Fishing license
- Utility bill
How to Become a Resident of Ohio
When it’s time for you to claim residency in Ohio, you’ll need to do a few things. First, you’ll need to set yourself up in a home or apartment. This residence must be one where you plan on residing permanently. In other words, no hostel or YMCA rooms or hotels. Next, you’ll need to apply for an Ohio driver’s license or state ID. If you have a car or truck, you’ll need to register it within a 30-day time period.
Information Required for Compliant or REAL ID Cards:
Documents Needed to Prove your full name, residency, and birthday:
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- Certificate of Citizenship
Your Social Security Number:
- Social security card
- W-2 or 1099 form
- Recent paystub
Documents for Ohio proof of residency:
- A valid OH driver’s license or ID.
- Ohio vehicle title or registration.
- School transcript.
If you have any questions regarding the information required for obtaining a compliant card, please visit their page here (https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/static/bmv2430.pdf). On this page, the Ohio BMV goes into great detail with regard to the type of information and what it means.
When renewing a standard Ohio driver’s license before it expires, no new documentation is required. However, if your driver’s license has expired for over 6 months, you will be required to start the entire process again, including testing. In other words, you will be required to re-apply for a new one. This includes obtaining a driving permit. The documents necessary for a learner permit include documents that provide your legal name and date of birth, such as:
- Social security card
- Passport
- W-2 form
- Birth Certificate
- 1099 form
- Pay stub
- Marriage Certificate
- Decree of Divorce
- Court ordered name change
Identification for Air Travel
After May 23, 2023, the federal government will not use standard forms of identification for air travel. This means your driver’s license and state IDs will no longer be sufficient. The TSA will request a federally-compliant driver’s license or REAL ID, United States passport, or military ID in order to engage in air travel.
FAQs
In order to obtain an Ohio ID card, you must provide proof of your full name, residency, date of birth, and SSN. To do this, you can provide the following documents:
ᐅ Birth certificate or passport
ᐅ Marriage certificate or divorce decree if there’s been a name change
ᐅ Social security card, a 1099 income statement, a recent pay stub, or a W-2 form
ᐅ Certified school transcript
ᐅ BMV address change card
ᐅ Bank statement
ᐅ Utility bill
ᐅ BMV-2336 Certified Residency Statement to prove residency (https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/static/bmv2336.pdf)
For proof of residency in Ohio, you can use any of the following:
ᐅ Proof of Ohio Residency statement, otherwise known as the BMV-2336
ᐅ Certified school transcript
ᐅ BMV change of address card
ᐅ Bank statement
ᐅ Fishing license
ᐅ Utility bill
First of all, did you know as of June 2022, you can avoid the long lines at the DMV by renewing your driver’s license online? Well, you can. All you need to do is to visit their official site here (https://bmvonline.dps.ohio.gov/auth/login?returnURL=%2Fbmvonline%2Fdlrenewal%2Fdlidrenewal%2Findex%2F&loginOptions=OHID), start and finish the process after which you’ll be able to receive your license.
When renewing your driver’s license, you need to choose between a standard driver’s license and a compliant one. The difference is this: The compliant one is required for air travel, entering certain government buildings and nuclear power plants. Compliant cards are also known as REAL ID cards.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a basic guide to Ohio residency. We hope you found our article informative and that it provided you with enough information to begin your journey. Whether you are a resident already or planning to move there, we know you’ll find Ohio a secure, beautiful, and affordable state in which to raise your family. Again, please remember that as of May 2023, those of you who incorporate air travel into your life will need to acquire a REAL ID, otherwise known as a compliance card.
