How to Get Your Ohio State ID After Prison

Getting a state ID is one of the first and most important steps when you come home. Without it, you can't open a bank account, get a job, sign a lease, or access most social services. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, with no runaround.

What You Need to Bring to the BMV

Ohio uses a "points" system. You need to prove three things: your legal name, your Social Security Number, and your Ohio residency. One document can count for multiple things.

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  Proof of Legal Name U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy), U.S. passport, or Naturalization Certificate. A birth certificate is the most common — see below if you need to get one.
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  Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099, recent pay stub with full SSN, or a benefit letter from Social Security. If you don't have your card, you can request a free replacement at ssa.gov or at a local Social Security office.
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  Proof of Ohio Residency A utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. If you don't have a permanent address, see the section below — shelters and halfway houses count.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your ID

1. Gather your documents first.

   Don't head to the BMV until you have at least one document proving each of the three things above (name, SSN, residency). Missing even one will mean a wasted trip.

2. Find a Columbus-area BMV Deputy Registrar.

   See the locations table below. You do not need an appointment for a state ID at most locations, but showing up earlier in the day means shorter wait times. Avoid Mondays — they're typically the busiest.

3. Fill out Form BMV 5745.

   This is the application for an Ohio Driver License or ID Card. You can download it from the Ohio BMV website before you go, or pick one up at the office. Fill it out in blue or black ink.

4. Pay the $8.50 fee — or ask about a waiver.

   A standard Ohio non-driver ID costs $8.50. If you cannot afford it, ask specifically about the indigent fee waiver. You'll need to show proof of income below the poverty line — a benefit letter from ODJFS (food stamps, Medicaid) works. See the fee waiver section below.

5. Get your photo taken and wait for your card.

   Your ID will be mailed to you, typically within 7–10 business days. You'll receive a paper temporary ID at the BMV that you can use immediately while your card is in transit.

Columbus BMV Locations

These are the BMV deputy registrar offices closest to Columbus. Hours vary — call ahead or check bmv.ohio.gov for current hours before you go.

Find all Ohio BMV locations →

Getting a Fee Waiver

If you can't afford the $8.50 fee, you have options:

Indigent Waiver Program

The Ohio BMV has an indigent waiver for people who meet income guidelines. To qualify, you generally need to show proof that you receive public benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or cash assistance from ODJFS). Bring a benefit letter or printed screenshot from your ODJFS account showing active benefits.

Reinstatement Fee Amnesty (If Your License Was Suspended)

If you had an Ohio driver's license that got suspended and owe reinstatement fees, the Reinstatement Fee Amnesty Program can reduce or completely waive those fees. Fill out Form BMV 2829 and submit it with proof of indigence. This is separate from the basic ID fee — it applies only if you owe fees from a prior suspension.

If You Don't Have a Permanent Address

This is one of the most common challenges for people just out. The good news: you don't need a permanent address to get an Ohio ID.

The BMV accepts these as proof of Ohio residency when you're transitioning:

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  Letter from a shelter or transitional housing program Must be on official letterhead, signed by staff, and confirm that you are currently staying there. Give the address of the shelter or program as your address on the BMV application.
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  Halfway house or reentry program If you are required to stay at a halfway house as a condition of release, a letter from that program works the same way. Ask your case manager to provide the letter.
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  Staying with family or friends If you're staying with someone else, ask them to write a notarized letter confirming you live there, along with one of their own residency documents (utility bill, lease). The BMV accepts this combination.

If You Don't Have a Birth Certificate

Without a birth certificate, you can't get a state ID. If yours was lost or never obtained, here's how to get a certified copy:

1. Order from the Ohio Department of Health (if born in Ohio)

   Visit vitalstatistics.ohio.gov or mail a request to the Ohio Bureau of Vital Statistics. Fee is $25 for the first copy. Processing takes about 4–6 weeks by mail; faster in person at local county health departments.

2. Born in another state?

   Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. VitalChek.com handles most states online, but fees vary ($10–$35 typically). Some reentry programs will help cover this cost.

3. Need help navigating this?

   The Chosen 2 Help resource directory lists local organizations that provide document recovery assistance — including help getting birth certificates, Social Security cards, and more.

Key Resources in Columbus

These organizations in our directory can help with ID documentation, fee assistance, and navigating the BMV process:

• Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (FCDJFS) Provides public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance) — benefit letters from FCDJFS are accepted by the BMV for indigent fee waivers.
• Ohio BMV — Official Site Find locations, download forms, and check current wait times at bmv.ohio.gov.
• Columbus Social Services & Reentry Organizations Multiple organizations in our directory assist with document recovery, BMV fees, and transportation to BMV offices.
• 211 Mid-Ohio Call or text 211 for referrals to local assistance programs including emergency ID help and document recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does getting an ID cost extra because of my record?

No. The Ohio BMV does not charge extra based on criminal history. A standard Ohio non-driver ID is $8.50 for everyone. The only additional fees you might owe are reinstatement fees if you previously had a suspended driver's license.

Can I get a REAL ID (federally compliant ID)?

Yes. A REAL ID-compliant Ohio state ID costs the same $8.50 and requires the same documents. Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID is required to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. It's worth getting the REAL ID version from the start if you can — just make sure your documents prove all four elements: full legal name, date of birth, SSN, and Ohio residency.

I still owe fines or court costs. Will that stop me from getting an ID?

Outstanding fines or court costs typically do not block you from getting a state ID. They can only block you from getting or reinstating a driver's license. A non-driver state ID should be available regardless of outstanding court obligations.

How long does it take to get my ID in the mail?

Usually 7–10 business days. The paper temporary document you receive at the BMV is valid immediately and most places will accept it. If your card hasn't arrived after 3 weeks, call the BMV at (844) 644-6268.