How to get free state ID under Ohio's new election law
Some Ohioans can now get a free state identification card as part of a new election law that requires voters to show photo ID at the polls.
Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation earlier this year that overhauls the rules for mail-in voting, ballot drop boxes and other election procedures. The photo ID requirement undid a previous law that allowed voters to use utility bills and other documents as identification.
However, photo ID is only required for in-person voting, either on Election Day or during the early voting period at county boards of election. To cast a ballot by mail, voters can provide a copy of their photo ID, driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Ohio voter ID law: What you need to know for the May election
The law goes into effect Friday, at which point the free IDs will be available. A spokeswoman for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles said the agency has been training staff on the changes and providing information to deputy registrar locations around the state.
Here's how you can get one.
Who's eligible for free ID?
Ohioans 17 and older are eligible for a free state ID if they don't have a valid driver's license. Those who are 16 years and younger still have to pay BMV fees.
How do I get one?
Pay a visit to your local BMV. The documents you need depend on whether you want a standard ID or one that's federally compliant, known as a Real ID. The Department of Homeland Security pushed back the deadline for Real IDs to May 2025.
For a standard ID, bring documents that show your:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Legal presence in U.S.
Social Security number
Ohio street address
Proof of name change (if applicable)
For a Real ID:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Legal presence in U.S.
Social Security number
Two different documents proving your Ohio street address
Proof of name change (if applicable)
Visit the BMV's website for more information on what documents are accepted.
How do I renew my ID?
When it's time to renew your free state ID, you can either visit the BMV or do it online at bmvonline.dps.ohio.gov.
What if I already have a state ID?
The new law doesn't refund people for existing state IDs, but future renewal fees will be waived.
Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: New Ohio voter ID law: How you can get a free state ID card
