Quick heads-up: Ohio has two “digital ID” things. I used both.
- OH|ID: the login you use for Ohio state services online (tax, BMV, job stuff).
- Ohio Mobile ID: an app that shows a digital version of your driver license on your phone.
I’m Kayla, and I actually used them. Some parts felt smooth. Some parts… not so much. You know what? It surprised me.
If you’re curious about the broader ideas behind secure logins and digital credentials, this OpenID guide breaks it down in plain English.
For readers who landed here from a search snippet, the concise version of this story first appeared as my Ohio Digital ID quick-take; what you’re reading now is the deeper dive.
Setting it up (yes, on a Sunday night)
I made my OH|ID first. I used my email, set a strong password, and got a text code. It took maybe five minutes. No drama. Then I linked my BMV info. It pulled in my car details right away. I loved that part.
The Ohio Mobile ID app was a bit more picky. I scanned my license front and back. Then the app asked for a selfie with a “blink and turn your head” step. It worked, but only after I moved near a window. Low light made it fail twice. Annoying, but fixable.
Real things I did (not just poking around)
- Renewed my plate tags for my 2016 Civic with OH|ID. It took about six minutes. I paid, got a receipt, and a temporary printout. The real card came in the mail later.
- Checked my BMV points and address in the same OH|ID dashboard. No hunting through ten tabs. It was all there.
- Paid my school district tax online. The payment went through, and I got an email note right away. I like paper trails.
- Used “Get in Line, Online” for the BMV. I signed in with OH|ID and grabbed a spot before I left the house. When I got there, I waited maybe 12 minutes. That saved me a full hour.
And the Mobile ID?
- I tried to use the Ohio Mobile ID at a neighborhood bar. The bartender said, “Sorry, we still need the plastic.” Fair enough.
- I got tapped by a state trooper after a fender bender. He asked for my license. I handed him the physical card. I also opened the app to check my license number because my hands were shaking. The app helped me read it fast. But yeah, they want the card.
- I showed the Mobile ID to a concert venue once. The staff looked unsure, asked for my regular license, and waved me in. So it didn’t “work” there either.
State officials say the Mobile ID can’t yet be used for voting or even routine traffic stops; the policy details are summed up in this Ohio Capital Journal report.
Curious how my experience stacks up against other states? You can read the play-by-play from when I spent a week with Georgia’s Digital ID, used Utah’s version around Salt Lake City, lived with Oklahoma’s Digital ID for six weeks, and ran a hands-on test of Arkansas’ take. I’ve also documented what actually happened with North Carolina’s pilot, put Arizona’s Mobile ID through its paces, and wrestled with the new Illinois ILogin system. Spoiler: each state solved different pain points—and created a few new ones.
So, right now, the Mobile ID felt more like a handy backup for me—not a replacement. Not yet.
What actually felt good
Here’s the thing: OH|ID is just easy. It groups stuff that used to be scattered. Taxes, BMV, messages, payments. One login. Two-factor kept it safe but not fussy. I also like that I can log in on my phone and finish on my laptop. No weird lockouts.
When the Mobile ID worked, it felt slick. The “share only what’s needed” view is smart. If a place only needs to know your age, the app can show just that. Not your address. Not your full ID number. That privacy bit matters to me.
Selective info-sharing is taking off in social chat communities, too. If you hop onto Kik looking to meet new people, check out Kik friends, where you can browse local usernames and start chatting while still controlling how much personal info you reveal.
On a related note, some location-based adult classifieds are also experimenting with ID verification to weed out fake profiles. If you’re in the Ohio-Michigan border zone and curious about how that plays out around Detroit’s airport corridor, you can peek at Listcrawler Romulus, where up-to-date postings, user reviews, and rate comparisons give you a clearer picture before you message anyone.
And what bugged me (because not everything is roses)
- The Mobile ID selfie step hates dim light and glare. If you wear glasses, tilt your head or step near a window.
- Some places simply won’t accept the Mobile ID. Bars, venues, and cops still want the plastic card. Bring your wallet. Don’t test fate.
- I changed my phone number, and OH|ID pushed a code to the old number. I had to switch to email and answer security questions. It took about 10 minutes, which felt long but okay.
- The Mobile ID drains a little battery during the face scan. Not a huge deal, just a note.
Little tips I wish I heard first
- Keep your physical license on you. The app is a helper, not a swap.
- Do the Mobile ID selfie in bright, even light. No hat. No dark room. It saves time.
- Clean up your info before you link accounts. Name and address should match what’s on your BMV record.
- Save your backup codes or add an email for OH|ID. If you lose your phone, you won’t be locked out.
- Take photos of your plate renewal receipt. I keep it in my Notes app with the date. Helps if the mail runs slow.
Security vibes (plain talk)
OH|ID used two-factor every single time I did sensitive stuff. I saw clear prompts when I paid taxes and renewed my tags. It felt safe without being clunky.
With the Mobile ID, I liked the “share only what’s needed” screen. It felt like handing over less, not more. That said, you still need a passcode or face unlock on your phone. Basic, but don’t skip it.
Who will like this
- If you hate lines and paper forms, OH|ID is your friend.
- If you like new tech and want a backup for your license info, try the Mobile ID. Just don’t rely on it as your only ID. Not yet.
My bottom line
- OH|ID: I use it all the time now. It made renewing my tags and paying my tax fast and neat. Honestly, it took the stress down a notch. That’s all I want from government sites.
- Ohio Mobile ID: Cool idea. Clean app. But real-world use is hit or miss. I’ll keep it, because it helps me double-check info and might get accepted more later. Still, I always carry my physical card.
Would I recommend it? OH|ID, yes—today. Ohio Mobile ID, yes—but as a handy backup. And please, bring your wallet. Why risk getting stuck at the door?