Ohio Begins Issuing Enhanced Driver’s Licenses to Residents
In a move to enhance security measures and make travel easier for residents, Ohio has started issuing enhanced driver’s licenses to eligible individuals. The new driver’s licenses are compliant with the Real ID Act and can be used for domestic air travel and entry into federal facilities.
The enhanced driver’s license, also known as an EDL, looks like a regular driver’s license but has a star in the upper right corner. This star indicates that the license is compliant with the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
To obtain an enhanced driver’s license in Ohio, residents must provide additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or passport, to prove their identity and citizenship. They must also pass a vision screening and pay a fee of $78.50, which is the same as a regular driver’s license.
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) began issuing enhanced driver’s licenses on October 1, 2021. Residents can apply for an EDL at any BMV office by scheduling an appointment online. The process takes about 15 minutes, and the new license is mailed to the resident’s home within 10 business days.
“We are excited to offer enhanced driver’s licenses to Ohio residents,” said BMV Director Charles Norman. “This new license provides an added layer of security and convenience for travelers, making it easier for them to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.”
The Ohio EDL is valid for up to four years and can be renewed by submitting the required documents and paying the renewal fee. Residents who already have a valid driver’s license can upgrade to an EDL by visiting a BMV office and following the same application process.
In addition to serving as a form of identification for air travel and federal facilities, the Ohio enhanced driver’s license can be used for driving, voting, and accessing certain state and local government services. However, residents are not required to obtain an EDL unless they plan to travel by air within the United States.
Ohio is one of several states that have started issuing enhanced driver’s licenses in response to the Real ID Act. Other states include Michigan, New York, and Washington. The enhanced driver’s license is an optional form of identification and is not required for everyday activities such as driving, banking, or purchasing alcohol.
Overall, the introduction of enhanced driver’s licenses in Ohio is expected to streamline the process of traveling within the United States and accessing federal facilities. Residents who are interested in obtaining an EDL are encouraged to visit the Ohio BMV website for more information and to schedule an appointment.
