Ohio BMV Form 1173 Record Request Guide – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Form BMV 1173, officially titled the Ohio BMV Record Request Form, is the primary document used to request certified driving, vehicle registration, title, and related records. Governed by Ohio Revised Code sections 4501.15, 4501.27, and 4507.53, this form allows individuals, businesses, government agencies, and other authorized parties to obtain official motor vehicle records while complying with strict privacy protections under state law (similar to the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act).
Whether you need your own three-year driving abstract for employment, insurance, or court purposes, or you are requesting records on another person or vehicle under a permitted exception, Form BMV 1173 is the official method for mail and many in-person requests. An online option is also available for faster processing.
This guide provides current, accurate information based on official Ohio Department of Public Safety and BMV resources to help U.S. residents (especially Ohio drivers and out-of-state parties dealing with Ohio records) complete and submit the form correctly.
What Is Ohio Form BMV 1173?
Form BMV 1173 (revision 1/23) is a two-page official document issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It is used to request certified Ohio BMV records. The form requires disclosure of specific information; incomplete submissions may be returned unprocessed.
You can download the current PDF version of the form here: Download Ohio BMV Form 1173 (PDF).
A Spanish-language version (BMV 1177) is also available through official BMV forms listings. The form is listed on the official Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page under Records.
Purpose of the BMV 1173 Record Request Form
The form serves several common needs for U.S. residents:
- Obtaining a certified driving record abstract (three-year history of convictions, suspensions, and accidents) for job applications, insurance quotes, or legal matters.
- Requesting full driving record history, driver license history, last known address, vehicle registration details, or vehicle title records (including historical chain of ownership).
- Supporting court proceedings, claims investigations, towing/impound notifications, commercial driver verification, or other permitted business and government uses.
- Allowing individuals to request their own records or authorized third parties to request records under specific statutory exceptions.
Note that an unofficial two-year driving record view is available free online only for the record holder and is not obtained via Form BMV 1173.
Types of Certified Records Available via BMV 1173
According to the official form and BMV guidance, the following certified records can be requested (each carries a $5.00 fee):
- Driving Record Abstract [302] — License class, status, and previous three years of reported convictions, suspensions, and accident entries.
- Driving Record History [302] — Complete listing of reported convictions, suspensions, and accidents (full history).
- Driver License History [405A] — Current and past driver license information, including dates of issuance, endorsements, issuance type, and license cosigner if available.
- Last Known Address [405] — Most recent address provided to the Ohio BMV for an individual.
- Vehicle Registration Record [303] — Vehicle owner and vehicle information (most recent registration details).
- Vehicle Title Record [404] — Title number, title status, vehicle owner, previous owner, and lien holder information.
- Vehicle Title Record – Historical Chain of Ownership [404] — List of vehicles titled to an individual or list of owners of a vehicle, including issuance dates.
Official descriptions of available record types are maintained on the Ohio BMV website under “More Resources – Request a Certified BMV Record.”
How to Complete Ohio Form BMV 1173?
The form has five required sections. Provide as many identifiers as possible (Social Security number is optional but helpful for accurate matching).
- Section 1 – Requesting Person Information: Full name, mailing address (including company name if applicable), phone number, and email (if requesting email delivery of results). Choose email or mail delivery of results.
- Section 2 – Identifiers: Select Option 1 if requesting your own driving or vehicle record, or Option 2 if requesting another person’s or vehicle’s record. Provide name, date of birth, Ohio driver license/ID number, Social Security number (optional), license plate, VIN, or title number as applicable. Attach extra sheets for multiple subjects.
- Section 3 – Type of Certified Record(s): Mark the specific record type(s) needed. Fee is $5.00 per record.
- Section 4 – Qualification under R.C. 4501.27: Select the applicable legal basis for the request (own record, written consent with notarized BMV Form 5008, government agency use, court order, insurance claims, legitimate business for fraud prevention/debt recovery, private investigator, employer CDL verification, towed vehicle notice, etc.). Supporting documentation may be required.
- Section 5 – Signature and Date: Certify the information is true and accurate. Unauthorized disclosure of personal information or providing false information carries legal penalties.
Always use the current version of the form. Older revisions may be rejected.
Fees and Payment for Ohio BMV Record Requests
The standard fee is $5.00 per certified record. Payment for mailed requests must be made by check or money order payable to the Ohio Treasurer of State.
Online requests accept only credit/debit cards and add a 1.95% service fee ($1.75 minimum). In-person requests at a Deputy Registrar location accept the same fee with additional payment options (cash, check, card).
Fees are set by statute and confirmed on current official BMV resources and the form itself. Always verify the latest amount on the official site before submitting, as general BMV service fees can change.
How to Submit the Ohio BMV 1173 Form?
1. Online (Recommended for Speed)
Complete the process at the official Ohio BMV Online Services Certified Record Request portal: bmvonline.dps.ohio.gov/bmvonline/recordrequest/index. Follow the steps for Terms & Conditions, Requester, Record Type, Identifier, Reason, and Review. Credit/debit card required.
2. By Mail
Complete Form BMV 1173, enclose the $5.00 check or money order (payable to Ohio Treasurer of State), and mail to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attn: BMV Records
P.O. Box 16520
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6520
3. In Person
Bring the completed form and valid identification (such as an Ohio driver’s license) to any Deputy Registrar license agency. Payment options are more flexible in person.
The official form and related documents are also available through the Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page: bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx.
Qualifications for Requesting Records Under Ohio Law
Ohio law (R.C. 4501.27) restricts the release of personal information. You may request records if you qualify under one of the listed exceptions on the form, including:
- Requesting your own record.
- Having the written, notarized consent of the record subject (use BMV Form 5008).
- Government agency or private entity acting on behalf of a government agency.
- Court order or use in legal proceedings.
- Legitimate business purposes such as fraud prevention, debt recovery, insurance claims investigation, underwriting, or commercial driver license verification.
- Licensed private investigative agencies, towing/impound notices, and certain other specifically authorized uses.
Only one exception may be claimed per form. Multiple exceptions require separate forms. Unauthorized use or redisclosure of personal information is prohibited and can result in civil penalties.
Processing Time and Delivery Options
Online requests are typically the fastest. Mailed requests can take several weeks (some local guidance references approximately 15 business days for processing). Results may be emailed (if a valid email is provided) or mailed to the address on the form. If the email address is invalid, the record is mailed.
Plan ahead if you need the record by a specific deadline for employment, court, or insurance purposes.
Privacy Protections and Important Legal Notes
The Ohio BMV does not routinely release a driver’s photograph, Social Security number, telephone number, or medical/disability information unless specifically authorized by law. Personal information is protected under R.C. 4501.27. Requesters must maintain records of any redisclosure for five years and make them available to the Registrar upon request.
Providing false information on the form may constitute falsification under Ohio law, with potential penalties including jail time and fines.
For the most current official guidance on record types and privacy, refer to the Ohio BMV “Request a Certified BMV Record” resources.
Download Ohio Form BMV 1173
Download the official current version of the Record Request Form directly from the Ohio Department of Public Safety asset server:
Always obtain the form from official Ohio government sources to ensure you have the latest revision (currently 1/23).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request someone else’s driving record?
Yes, but only if you qualify under one of the statutory exceptions listed in Section 4 of the form and provide any required supporting documentation (such as a notarized consent form or court order).
Is the Social Security number required?
No, but providing it (along with other identifiers) improves the accuracy and speed of the search.
What is the difference between the abstract and the full history?
The Driving Record Abstract covers the previous three years. The Driving Record History provides the complete available listing of convictions, suspensions, and accidents.
Can out-of-state residents use this form?
Yes. The form and process are available to any authorized requester, including those outside Ohio, provided they meet the legal qualifications and pay the required fee.
Where can I get help?
Contact the Ohio BMV Records section or visit an official Deputy Registrar. Official information is available at bmv.ohio.gov and the online record request portal.
Conclusion
Ohio Form BMV 1173 is the official, legally required document for requesting most certified BMV records by mail or in person. For the quickest results, use the online Certified Record Request system whenever possible. Always complete every required section, select the correct qualification, enclose the proper payment, and use current official forms and addresses.
By following the instructions on the form and official Ohio BMV guidance, U.S. residents can efficiently obtain the driving or vehicle records they need while remaining fully compliant with Ohio privacy laws. Download the form today, complete it carefully, and submit through the method that best fits your timeline.