Ohio OOD Communication Disability Verification Form – Ohio residents with disabilities and their families have an important voluntary tool available through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD): the Disability Verification Form. Originally known as the Communication Disability Verification Form, this document was expanded by House Bill 144 (Keith’s Law), which took effect January 19, 2026. The form allows eligible individuals to enroll in a statewide database that helps first responders respond more safely and effectively during traffic stops and emergency calls.
This free, voluntary program protects privacy while improving communication between people with disabilities and public safety personnel. The official fillable PDF is available directly from the State of Ohio.
Download the current form here: HB 144 Accessible Fillable PDF – OOD Disability Verification Form.
What Is the Ohio OOD Disability Verification Form?
The form is the official document developed by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities under Ohio Revised Code Section 3304.23. It is used to add or remove a person (and associated vehicle license plate numbers) from the voluntary disability database maintained by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and the Department of Public Safety.
Under the original Communication Disability Law, the form focused on individuals diagnosed with a communication disability or a condition that can impair communication. House Bill 144 (Keith’s Law), signed by Governor Mike DeWine on October 20, 2025, expanded eligibility. The database now covers a much broader range of disabilities so first responders can be alerted during 9-1-1 responses and other public safety interactions.
Information in the database is not a public record under R.C. 5502.08. Responders are notified only that a registered person or vehicle occupant has a disability; the specific diagnosis is not shared.
Who Can Complete and Submit the Form?
Eligible people include:
- Any person age 18 or older who has been diagnosed with a qualifying disability
- A parent or legal guardian of a minor child diagnosed with a disability
- A guardian of an adult ward diagnosed with a disability
According to the current definition in R.C. 3304.23, a “disability” includes:
- Intellectual impairment
- Hearing impairment (including deafness)
- Speech or language impairment
- Visual impairment (including blindness)
- Serious emotional disturbance
- Orthopedic impairment
- Autism
- Traumatic brain injury
- Serious health impairment
- Specific learning impairment (including dyslexia)
- Deaf-blindness
- A mental health condition with symptoms that make it difficult to perform certain activities or interact with others
Enrollment is completely voluntary. No one is required to register.
How to Complete the Ohio OOD Disability Verification Form?
The form is a fillable PDF. Follow these steps carefully:
- Choose your request — Indicate whether you want to be added to the database or removed from it.
- Section A — Completed and signed by the person with the disability (if age 18+ and able) or by the parent/guardian. Provide full legal name, driver’s license or state ID number (if applicable), residential address, county, telephone number, and optional email address.
- Section B — List the license plate number(s) of any vehicle owned, operated, or regularly occupied by the person with the disability (up to six plates).
- Section C (required only for adding to the database) — Must be completed and signed by a qualified medical professional: a psychiatrist, other physician, psychologist, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse practitioner. The professional certifies the diagnosis and provides license information.
Incomplete, illegible, or unsigned forms will not be processed. Knowingly making a false statement on the form is a first-degree misdemeanor under Ohio law.
How and Where to Submit the Completed Form?
There is no fee. Processing typically takes up to 15 business days. Submit the completed form by one of these methods:
- Email: Scan the form and send it to [email protected]
- Mail:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attention: Remittance/DPU
PO Box 16521
Columbus, OH 43216-6521 - In person: Deliver it to any Deputy Registrar or Ohio BMV office
If you provide an email address, you should receive a confirmation receipt once the form is received.
How the Disability Database Helps Ohioans?
When a registered vehicle’s license plate is entered into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) or when a participating county 9-1-1 system is used, first responders (law enforcement, EMS, and firefighters) receive an alert that a person with a disability may be present. This advance notice helps reduce misunderstandings and supports safer, more informed interactions.
The expansion under Keith’s Law was designed to improve emergency response for a wider group of Ohioans with disabilities while keeping medical details private.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is registration required?
No. Participation is entirely voluntary.
Will law enforcement or first responders know my specific diagnosis?
No. They are only notified that a registered person or vehicle occupant has a disability.
Do I need to disclose detailed medical records?
No. A licensed professional simply certifies that you have a qualifying diagnosis under R.C. 3304.23.
Can I update or remove my information later?
Yes. Submit a new form to add or remove license plates or to request removal from the database.
Where can I get more help?
Contact Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities at 614-438-1200 or 800-282-4536, or visit the official page at ood.ohio.gov/HB144.
Download the Official Form and Take the Next Step
Ohioans who want to participate in this voluntary safety program can download the current accessible, fillable PDF directly from the State of Ohio:
Download the HB 144 Keith’s Law Disability Verification Form (PDF)
For the most up-to-date instructions and resources, visit the official Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities website at ood.ohio.gov or the BMV page on the Voluntary Disability Database.
By completing this simple form, Ohio residents with disabilities and their families can help create safer interactions with first responders while maintaining control over their personal information. The process is free, confidential, and designed to support independence and safety across the state.