Getting an Ohio License as a Temporary Resident? Here's What's Changed

If you're relocating to Ohio and plan to drive, there’s a new requirement you should know about. Starting July 1, 2025, temporary residents—those living in Ohio without full, permanent residency—must complete a state-approved 24-hour drivers education course before applying for a license.

This update applies to a wide range of individuals, including college students, visiting professionals, and long-term guests. If that sounds like you, here’s what to expect—and how to prepare.

What This Means for You

If you're adjusting to life in Ohio and planning to drive, learning that the rules have changed can feel like one more thing to figure out. We get it—state laws can be confusing, and you want to stay on track without any surprises.

The good news? These updates are designed to make Ohio’s roads safer, and when you understand the steps, the process becomes much easier to navigate.

Who Is Considered a Temporary Resident in Ohio?

You’re considered a temporary resident if you live in Ohio without establishing full, permanent residency. That may include:

• Out-of-state students attending an Ohio college or university

• International students or long-term visitors staying on visas

• Professionals working on temporary contracts, fellowships, or internships

• Military personnel stationed in Ohio for a limited time

• Individuals relocating to Ohio but not yet meeting full residency criteria
  
  

If this sounds like your situation—and you're planning to apply for an Ohio drivers license—this law applies to you. For context on how Ohio compares to other states, check out our guide to drivers ed requirements across the U.S.G G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.com.

What the New Law Requires

1. Complete a 24-Hour Drivers Ed Course

The course must be approved by the Ohio Department of Public Safety and include at least 24 hours of instruction covering:

• Ohio traffic laws

• Defensive driving techniques

• State-specific safety regulations
  
  

Both online and classroom options are available, as long as they are integrated with the OH ADE system.

2. Verify Your Identity Through OH ADE

The OH ADE (Automated Driver Education) system is Ohio’s official platform for verifying drivers ed course completions. You’ll need to verify your identity before your training can be officially recognized by the BMV. This step ensures your records are valid and tied correctly to your application.

Why These Requirements Matter

If you skip these steps or take a course that isn’t OH ADE-compatible, you could face:

• License application denial from the Ohio BMV

• Delays that last weeks or more

• Re-enrollment fees if you complete the wrong course

• Legal trouble if you're caught driving without a valid Ohio license
  
  

Ohio’s BMV will not accept your application without both verified requirements.

Choosing the Right Course

At DriversEd.com, we offer trusted, comprehensive drivers education—but our current teen course flow uses parent verification, which doesn’t match Ohio’s requirements for temporary residents.

Since OH ADE requires direct student identity verification, our teen program is not currently compatible. We’re actively working to resolve this, but in the meantime, you’ll need to choose a provider that’s already fully integrated with OH ADE.

If you’re unsure whether online or classroom instruction fits your needs, our comparison of online vs. in-person drivers edG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.com can help you make an informed decision.

Even If You're Not Sure This Applies to You…

Even if you’ve completed drivers ed in another state
 Ohio doesn’t accept out-of-state course completions for temporary residents. You must retake an Ohio-approved 24-hour course.

Even if you’re only in Ohio for a few months
 If you plan to apply for an Ohio license, you must meet these requirements—regardless of how long you stay.

Even if you’re over 18 or already a licensed driver elsewhere
 Experience and age don’t change the law. All temporary residents must complete the course and verification.

If you're returning to driving as an adult, check out our adult drivers ed guideG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.com to get the support you need.

What To Do Next

To stay compliant and avoid delays:

1. Confirm your residency status through Ohio’s Department of Public Safety

2. Choose a state-approved course provider integrated with OH ADE

3. Complete all 24 hours of required drivers education

4. Verify your identity through the OH ADE system

5. Gather all required documentation for your license application

6. Schedule your appointment with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
   
   

You’ll also need to pass the Ohio maneuverability testG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.com, a required part of the state’s licensing exam.

Don’t Wait Until the Deadline

The new rule goes into effect July 1, 2025. As the deadline approaches, course providers may become overbooked. Starting early ensures you can meet every requirement and avoid unnecessary stress.

We’ll continue working on OH ADE compatibility and will keep you updated. In the meantime, explore all available state-approved options and contact the Ohio Department of Public Safety if you need guidance.

To help with planning, review our breakdown of how much drivers ed costs in OhioG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.comG G 67f565ad95f48191996a1a7118292348 Driving Copywriter C 68912040 53d4 8323 A379 8412120bdbe0# Chatgpt.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new law take effect?

The requirement goes into effect July 1, 2025, for all temporary residents seeking an Ohio drivers license.

What is the OH ADE system?

It’s Ohio’s official platform for verifying drivers ed completions. You must use it to verify your identity and your course.

Does out-of-state drivers ed count?

No. Even if you’ve taken drivers ed elsewhere, temporary residents must take a 24-hour course approved by Ohio.

How long is the required course?

Ohio mandates a minimum of 24 hours of instruction.

Can I take the course online?

Yes—as long as the course is state-approved and connected to OH ADE.

Do I need a temporary instruction permit first?

Yes. After completing your course and passing the knowledge test, you’ll apply for a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC).