Ohio Form BMV 6317 Vision Screening Referral Guide

Ohio Form BMV 6317 Vision Screening Referral Guide – Ohio drivers who do not pass the initial vision screening at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) location receive Form BMV 6317, the official Vision Screening Referral. This document plays a critical role in the driver licensing process by ensuring applicants meet state vision standards before a license can be issued or renewed. Understanding Form BMV 6317 helps Ohio residents resolve vision holds quickly and return to legal driving status.

What Is Ohio Form BMV 6317?

Form BMV 6317 is the Vision Screening Referral issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The current version is dated 2/24. When a preliminary vision screening shows that an applicant may not meet Ohio’s vision standards under Ohio Revised Code sections 4507.12 and 4506.09, BMV staff provide this form.

A hold is immediately placed on the driver license. The applicant cannot legally operate a motor vehicle until vision standards are met and verified. The form allows the individual to seek further testing at a driver license exam station or with a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist of their choice. The completed form must be returned within 30 days to a deputy registrar license agency.

Official download of the current form is available here: Ohio Form BMV 6317 PDF.

Purpose of the Vision Screening Referral

The primary purpose of Form BMV 6317 is to document that an applicant’s vision has been properly evaluated by a qualified professional after failing the initial screening. It collects detailed results on visual acuity (with and without lenses), visual field measurements, and notes any progressive visual deficiency. For commercial driver license applicants, it also records color vision testing results.

This process protects public safety by confirming that only drivers who meet the standards set in Ohio Administrative Code 4501:1-1-20 receive licenses. The form creates an official record that the BMV can use to clear the vision hold and issue or reinstate driving privileges.

Ohio Vision Standards for Driver Licenses

Ohio requires specific visual acuity and visual field standards. Key requirements include:

Most unrestricted licenses require combined visual acuity of 20/40 or better and at least 70 degrees of side vision in each eye.
Applicants with binocular vision who achieve 20/40 to 20/70 may receive a daytime-only restriction.
Monocular vision applicants face stricter thresholds (generally 20/30 unrestricted or 20/60 with daytime restriction).
Visual field must demonstrate at least 70 degrees on one side of fixation and 45 degrees on the other. Failure to meet this standard results in denial or referral.
Bioptic telescopic lenses are not accepted for meeting acuity standards. Prisms or field expanders cannot be used to meet visual field requirements.

Full details appear in the official rule: Ohio Administrative Code 4501:1-1-20.

Additional information on vision and medical restrictions is available on the Ohio BMV site: Ohio BMV Driver License Restrictions.

How to Complete and Submit Form BMV 6317?

Follow these steps after receiving the referral:

Review the applicant information section already completed by BMV staff (name, license number, class, and DX customer key number).
Sign and date the authorization releasing visual condition information to the BMV Special Case Unit.
Schedule an appointment with a licensed ophthalmologist or licensed optometrist, or return to a driver license exam station for further testing.
The vision specialist completes the detailed sections for present visual acuity (without and with lenses), visual field (temporal and nasal measurements if abnormal), any progressive visual deficiency, and color vision results when required for commercial licenses.
The specialist prints their name, signs, dates the form, and provides business address, certification/license number, and telephone number.
Return the fully completed form within 30 days to any deputy registrar license agency. Bring photo identification.

Failure to return the form within 30 days results in the temporary permit or license being forwarded to the bureau, with a stop placed on the record. No further permits or licenses are issued until vision standards are met.

Download the official form here: Download Ohio Form BMV 6317.

The form is also listed on the official BMV forms page: Ohio BMV Documents & Forms.

What Happens After Submission?

Once the deputy registrar receives the completed Form BMV 6317, staff verify whether the results meet Ohio vision standards. If standards are met, the vision hold is cleared and the license can be issued or reinstated (subject to any other requirements). If the results still fall short, further restrictions or denial may apply, and the applicant may need additional correction or evaluation.

In cases involving progressive visual conditions, the vision specialist may note that periodic re-testing is necessary. The BMV can then require future medical or vision statements, often using Form BMV 2310.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Schedule the eye exam promptly. The 30-day window is strict.
Bring the original Form BMV 6317 to the appointment so the specialist can complete it directly.
Confirm that the eye care professional is a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist practicing in Ohio or able to complete the form accurately.
Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
Locate the nearest deputy registrar or exam station using the official locator on the Ohio Department of Public Safety website.

Related Official Resources

Drivers seeking more information should consult these trusted state sources:

Form BMV 6317 is the standard tool Ohio uses to resolve vision screening failures and keep roadways safe. Completing and returning it correctly and on time is the fastest path to restoring full driving privileges. Always use the current official version of the form and verify results meet the standards in Ohio Administrative Code 4501:1-1-20 before expecting license issuance.