Ohio BMV 5755 Form for Permanently Disabled ID Card

Ohio BMV 5755 Form for Permanently Disabled ID Card – Ohio residents who are permanently or irreversibly disabled can obtain a special state identification card with extended validity and fee exemptions. The key document required is Ohio Form BMV 5755, the Health Care Provider Certification of Eligibility for Permanently Disabled Identification Card. This official form, issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety – Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), allows qualifying individuals—particularly those under age 17—to receive a free 8-year ID card.

This guide provides current, accurate information drawn from official Ohio BMV resources, the Ohio Revised Code, and Ohio Administrative Code to help U.S. residents, families, and caregivers navigate the process.

What Is Ohio Form BMV 5755?

Form BMV 5755 is the official certification form used by a licensed health care provider to confirm that an applicant is “permanently or irreversibly disabled.” Under Ohio law, this means a condition of disability from which there is no present indication of recovery (Ohio Revised Code Section 4507.50 and 4507.52).

The current version of the form (BMV 5755 3/23) contains two main sections:

Section A – Customer Information: Full legal name, date of birth, driver’s license/ID/SSN (if applicable), and address of the applicant.
Section B – Health Care Provider Certification: Provider’s name, license number, address, and a signed statement certifying the permanent or irreversible disability.

The form explicitly references Ohio Revised Code Sections 4507.50 and 4507.52 and notes that the completed document is valid for only 30 days from the health care provider’s signature date.

Download the official Form BMV 5755 (PDF) here: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/publicsafety.ohio.gov/bmv5755.pdf

You can also find it on the official Ohio BMV Forms page: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx.

Who Qualifies for a Permanently Disabled Ohio ID Card?

To qualify, the applicant must be an Ohio resident and meet the definition of permanently or irreversibly disabled as certified by an eligible health care provider.

Eligible health care providers (as defined in Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.44) include:

Physicians (licensed to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine)
Physician assistants
Advanced practice registered nurses
Chiropractors
Optometrists (limited to certain determinations)

The form is especially important for applicants under 17 years of age. Ohio law requires that any non-driver identification card issued to a resident under 17 who is permanently or irreversibly disabled must:

Carry an eight-year expiration date
Be exempt from identification card fees (including document processing fees)

Adults (age 17 and older) already receive free Ohio ID cards under current BMV policy, but the BMV 5755 certification still provides the permanent disability designation, which supports free duplicates, reprints, and the longer validity period where applicable.

Sources: Ohio Revised Code 4507.50 and 4507.52; Ohio Admin. Code 4501:1-1-05.

Benefits of the Permanently Disabled Identification Card

Eight-year validity for qualifying under-17 applicants (instead of the standard four-year option).
Fee exemption — no charge for issuance, renewal, or duplicates for permanently disabled individuals under 17, and free status for age 17+ or permanently disabled applicants under current BMV fee schedules.
Official state photo ID for identification purposes only (not valid for driving).
Useful for minors in emergency situations, travel, medical identification, or when a child cannot communicate effectively (part of Ohio’s ID-R-Kids initiative).

According to the official Ohio BMV fee schedule, State Identification Cards are free for new/renewal/duplicate transactions for individuals 17 and older or those who are permanently disabled.

Official fees page: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/doc-fees.aspx.

How to Complete and Submit Form BMV 5755?

Download the form from the official link provided above or the BMV website.
Complete Section A with the applicant’s accurate personal information.
Have a qualified health care provider complete and sign Section B. The provider must certify that the applicant is permanently or irreversibly disabled with no present indication of recovery and affirm that all information is true and accurate. False statements may constitute falsification under Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.13 (a first-degree misdemeanor).
Note the 30-day validity — the form expires 30 days after the provider’s signature (Ohio Admin. Code 4501:1-1-05).
Bring the completed form along with required identity documents to any Ohio deputy registrar license agency.

A new Form BMV 5755 is required for both renewals and requests for duplicate permanently disabled ID cards.

Required Documents and Proof of Identity

In addition to the completed BMV 5755, applicants must provide proof of:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security number (if ever assigned)
Legal presence in the United States
Ohio residency (street address)

Acceptable documents lists are available on the BMV website (BMV Form 2424 for standard ID cards and BMV Form 2430 for Real ID-compliant cards). For children under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany the applicant and provide their own proof of identity or a valid Ohio driver license/ID.

Interactive acceptable documents tool and lists: Ohio BMV ID Card page and the official Acceptable Documents resources.

Where to Apply for the Permanently Disabled ID Card?

Applications must be made in person at any Ohio deputy registrar license agency. Online renewal options exist for existing credentials in some cases, but the initial permanently disabled ID with BMV 5755 requires an in-person visit.

Find a local agency location and hours on the official Ohio BMV website: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/.

An interim document is typically issued at the time of application while the permanent card is mailed to the address on record.

Important Notes and Legal References

The form is valid for 30 days from the health care provider’s signature.
A new certification is required for renewals and duplicates.
Providing false information on the form is a criminal offense.
Primary legal authorities: Ohio Revised Code §§ 4507.50 and 4507.52; Ohio Administrative Code 4501:1-1-05; health care provider definition in Ohio Revised Code § 4503.44.

Always verify the most current version of the form and any fee or procedural updates directly on the official Ohio BMV website, as rules can be updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the permanently disabled ID free?
Yes for applicants under 17 who qualify with Form BMV 5755. Age 17+ Ohio ID cards are free under current policy, and permanently disabled status supports additional benefits such as free duplicates.

Can any doctor sign the form?
Only licensed health care providers as defined in Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.44 (physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, chiropractors, and limited use by optometrists).

How long is the card valid?
Eight years for qualifying permanently disabled applicants under 17; standard options otherwise, with the permanent disability designation noted via the certification process.

Where can I get help?
Contact your local deputy registrar or visit the official Ohio BMV site for the latest forms, locations, and acceptable documents lists.

Conclusion

Ohio Form BMV 5755 is a straightforward but essential document that helps permanently or irreversibly disabled Ohio residents—especially children under 17—obtain a free, longer-validity state identification card. Download the official form, have a qualified health care provider complete the certification, gather your identity documents, and visit a deputy registrar agency to complete the process.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official sources:

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available official Ohio government sources as of the latest available data. Requirements may change; confirm details with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles before applying.