On Wednesday, May 15, 2002, Ohio Governor Bob Taft signed Senate Bill 184 into law.  This new law, among other provisions, requires the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to verify an applicant’s legal presence in the United States.

Effective May 26, 2002, Non-U.S. citizens must present appropriate documentation issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to obtain an Ohio identification card or a driver license.  A Non-renewable/Non-transferable identification card or driver license is issued with the same expiration date that appears on the appropriate document issued by the USCIS and will not exceed four (4) years.   A non-renewable/non-transferable driver license allows individuals to drive in Ohio and other states, but it cannot be renewed or transferred to another state.  The individual will be required to present current documents issued by USCIS at the time of every renewal and will not exceed four (4) birthdays.  This rule also applies to those under the age of 21.

Non-U.S. citizens who have been granted permanent residency and present a valid I-551 (green card) will be issued a regular Ohio driver license which will expire on their 4th birthday from the date of issuance or the expiration date of the I-551, whichever is shorter.  All non-U.S. citizens who are permanent residents will be required to present their unexpired I-551 (green card) at the time of renewal.