FAQs For Teens

How do I get an ID card?

Visit any Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office and bring:

Proof of full legal name
Proof of your date of birth
Proof of legal presence in the U.S
Your Social Security number
Proof of your current Ohio address
Payment for $8.50 ID card fee

Check here for BMV locations.

How do I renew my ID card?

Ohio ID cards are issued for a period of four years, expiring on your birthday. Currently, the only option for ID card renewal in Ohio is to visit your local BMV office. The renewal fee for an ID card is $8.50.

How do I replace my ID card?

Visit any BMV with proof of name, date of birth and Social Security number. Cost is $7.50.

How can I get a copy of my birth certificate?

From the City of Cleveland Department of Public Health

Cleveland City Hall

601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 122

Cleveland, OH 44114

Office hours: 8AM - 4PM, M-F

Click here for more information.

Walk-in This is the fastest way to obtain a birth certificate. When you arrive, you will complete an application and pay a $21.50 required fee by cash, check or money order.
Mail a check or money order for $21.50 for each certified certificate. Turn around is estimated at 3 TO 6 WEEKS from the day the request is received, not including additional time for mailing.
Online via VitalChek. Click here. Additional service charges will be applied to each order. Turn around is estimated at 3 TO 6 WEEKS from the day the request is received, not including additional time for mailing.
Telephone VitalChek at (866) 691-1914.

How do I prove residency?

If your ID card, birth certificate, social security card or passport do not establish residency then you can use the following documents to prove residency:

Bank statement - Any checking or savings account statement, including on-line statements, dated within the last 60 days.
School records - Must contain satisfactory proof of identity, Ohio residency, and relationship of the parent or guardian to the child applicant.

Click here for a full list of accepted documents.

What are the GED age requirements?

To take the Ohio GED test, you must be officially withdrawn from school and be 19 or older. Exceptions to the age requirement may be granted:

If you are 18 and the superintendent (or designee) of the school district where you last attended complete and sign the GED Age Waiver Form. Attach it to your paper application or to the confirmation page from your online application.
If you are 18 AND your class has graduated, attach an Official School Transcript to your application to show that your class has graduated.
If you have been sworn into active military service in one of the armed forces, attach a sworn statement to your application giving the date of the swearing-in ceremony. Delayed entry candidates do not qualify.
You are at least 16 and the superintendent (or designee) of the school district where you last attended complete and sign the GED Age Waiver Form. A parent, guardian or court official must sign the GED Parental Consent Form. Attach both forms to your paper application or to the confirmation page from your online application.

Click here for more information.

How do I get a job if I am under 18?

Visit www.snagajob.com.

Here is a list of places in Cuyahoga County that often hire teens:

Aaron Brothers Inc.
AMC Entertainment
Arby's (crew member positions)
Boston Market
Burger King
Chick-fil-A
JCPenney
Jiffy Lube (17+)
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Papa John's (some locations)
Rally's
Steak n Shake (almost all positions except supervisor)
Valvoline Oil Change (17+)

What is Job Corps?

Job Corps offers career planning, on-the-job training, job placement, residential housing, food services, driver's education, health and dental care, a bi-weekly basic living allowance and clothing allowance. Some centers offer childcare programs for single parents as well. To enroll call 216-541-2505 or 800-733-JOBS. Visit www.cleveland.jobcorps.gov