Ohio BMV 2170 Restricted CDL Farm Application Guide

Ohio BMV 2170 Restricted CDL Farm Application Guide – Ohio offers a practical option for seasonal workers in specific agricultural support roles: a restricted Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) that does not require written or skills testing. Form BMV 2170 is the official application used to request this Restricted CDL for Farm-Related Service Industries, also known as the Farm Waiver. This guide explains eligibility, requirements, restrictions, fees, and how to apply, based on current Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) rules and Ohio Revised Code Section 4506.24.

What Is the Restricted CDL for Farm-Related Service Industries?

The Restricted CDL (restriction code “W”) allows qualified seasonal drivers to operate certain Class B or Class C commercial motor vehicles without taking the standard CDL knowledge or skills tests. It is available only to individuals employed in one or more of these farm-related service industries:

  • Farm retail outlets and suppliers
  • Agri-chemical businesses
  • Custom harvesters
  • Livestock feeders

The license is limited to a seasonal period of no more than 210 days in any 12-month period. Each requested period must be at least 30 days long. Applications submitted more than 90 days before the start of the seasonal period will not be accepted.

Official details appear on the Ohio BMV CDL classes page and in Ohio Revised Code § 4506.24.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a valid Ohio driver’s license (not a restricted license under Chapter 4507)
  • Have at least one year of driving experience in any type of vehicle
  • Not currently hold any other commercial driver’s license (except a previous Restricted CDL for farm-related service industries)
  • Certify a clean two-year driving record immediately preceding the application, including no more than one license, no suspensions/revocations/cancellations, no disqualifying convictions under ORC 4506.16, and no at-fault accidents or certain traffic violations
  • Provide evidence of employment in one of the four eligible farm-related service industries that requires operation of a commercial motor vehicle

The form also requires self-certification regarding the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and other driving-history questions.

Key Restrictions on the Restricted CDL

Even after approval, operation is strictly limited:

  • Vehicles must be Class B or Class C only
  • Operation is limited to within 150 miles of the employer’s place of business or the farm being served
  • Hazardous materials transport is restricted: diesel fuel ≤ 1,000 gallons; liquid fertilizers ≤ 3,000 gallons; solid fertilizers only when not mixed with organic substances. Placarded loads beyond these limits are not allowed
  • The seasonal period cannot exceed 210 days in any 12-month period
  • The restricted CDL and waiver must be carried at all times while operating a commercial motor vehicle under the waiver

These limits are set out in Ohio Revised Code § 4506.24(D).

How to Apply Using Form BMV 2170?

You have two main options:

  1. Online (recommended when available) — Log in to Ohio BMV Online Services with an OH|ID account. Look under “Other Services” for the “CDL Farm Service Waiver” option. If approved, you will be directed to a local Deputy Registrar agency to purchase the license.
  2. Paper application — Complete Form BMV 2170 and submit it either in person at a local Ohio BMV Deputy Registrar office or by mail.

Download the official form here: Ohio Form BMV 2170 (PDF)

Mailing address (include check or money order only):

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attn: CDLSPEXS UNIT
P.O. Box 16784
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6784

Do not send cash. Incomplete applications or those without the fee will not be processed.

Fees and Seasonal Period Details

The application fee is $25.00 per seasonal period requested. Split seasonal periods (for example, two separate date ranges that together total no more than 210 days) each require a separate application and a separate $25 fee.

Examples from the form:

  • Continuous: April 1 – October 28 (210 days)
  • Split: March 15 – April 14 (30 days) plus May 1 – October 28 (180 days)

After approval of the waiver, you must visit a Deputy Registrar location to obtain the actual restricted license document.

What Information Is Required on Form BMV 2170?

The two-page form collects:

  • Personal data (name, address, contact, physical description)
  • Current driver’s license details
  • Employer/industry type (check boxes for the four eligible categories)
  • Requested seasonal dates
  • Detailed driving-record certifications for the prior two years
  • Vehicle type information (straight truck, air brakes, GVWR, etc.)
  • Self-certification of commercial driving category (Excepted Interstate or Excepted Intrastate)
  • Applicant signature and date

False statements can result in cancellation of the license and a one-year prohibition on applying for any type of license, plus possible prosecution under Ohio law.

Important Tips for U.S. Applicants

  • Apply no earlier than 90 days before your seasonal period begins.
  • Confirm your employment documentation is ready; the BMV may require evidence of work in an eligible industry.
  • This restricted CDL is valid only under Ohio rules and is not automatically recognized in other states for the same purpose.
  • Regular CDL holders or those needing full interstate or unrestricted privileges must follow the standard CDL process, including knowledge tests, skills tests, and Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) where required.
  • Always verify the latest form version and any procedural changes directly with the Ohio BMV website or by contacting a local Deputy Registrar office, as requirements can be updated.

Where to Get Official Help?

For the most current information:

This restricted CDL program supports Ohio’s agricultural economy by allowing qualified seasonal workers to operate necessary commercial vehicles during peak periods without the full testing burden of a standard CDL. Always follow the official instructions on Form BMV 2170 and confirm details with the Ohio BMV before applying.

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