How to Renew Your Ohio Driver's License

Ohio driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office

Your Ohio driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. When it gets close to that date, the state sends you a notice in the mail about four to six weeks before expiration. You do not have to wait for that notice to start the renewal process. The method you use depends on whether you are renewing for the first time, whether your license is still valid, and what type of license you hold.

Most Ohio drivers can renew online through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website without visiting an office or paying a visit fee. Some drivers must renew in person — those include anyone whose license has been suspended or revoked, anyone who needs to change their address, and anyone renewing a commercial driver's license. If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but the process may take longer and you cannot drive legally until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

Ohio driver's licenses expire every four years for drivers under 65 and every eight years for drivers 65 and older.
Online renewal through the Ohio BMV website is the fastest method for most drivers and costs less than renewing in person.
You must renew in person if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address or name.
The state mails you a renewal notice four to six weeks before your expiration date, but you can start the process anytime after your license is may be able to access.
An expired license can still be renewed, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives in the mail.

Online renewal through the Ohio BMV website

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles allows online renewal for standard driver's licenses if your current license is valid and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. Go to the Ohio BMV website and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The state accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.

The renewal fee for a four-year license is $28.50 and for an eight-year license is $57. The fee is lower online than it is in person because there is no visit fee. After you submit your information and payment, the state processes your renewal and mails your new license to the address on file. This usually takes five to seven business days for processing, plus mail delivery time. You will receive a confirmation number when you complete the transaction.

If you are 65 or older, you can renew for eight years instead of four. The choice is yours — the eight-year license costs more upfront but you renew less often. You make this choice during the online renewal process.

Renewing by mail

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from the Ohio BMV, you can send it back with payment and your signature. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, sign it, include your payment (check or money order only for mail renewals), and mail it to the address on the envelope.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because of postal delivery time in both directions. Plan for two to three weeks for the state to receive your process, process it, and mail your new license back to you. If you are close to your expiration date, mail renewal is riskier because delays can happen. You cannot legally drive if your license expires before the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You will also renew in person if you are renewing for the first time after your license expired. Visit the Ohio BMV website to find the office nearest you and check their hours. Many offices require you to make an appointment online before you arrive.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee is $35 for a four-year license and $70 for an eight-year license when you renew in person.

Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive your new license on the spot if you pass the vision screening and all your documents are in order. If something is missing or incorrect, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back.

What happens if your license has already expired

An expired license can still be renewed through any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, an expired license is a traffic violation.

Online renewal for an expired license may have additional steps or verification requirements depending on how long it has been expired. If the online system will not process your renewal, you will need to renew in person at a BMV office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you are moving or changing your name, you must renew in person at a BMV office. You cannot change your address or name through online or mail renewal. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and, if you are changing your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

The renewal fee is the same whether you are changing your address or name. The new license will be mailed to your new address once it is processed. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address again at a BMV office or through the online system once your new license has been issued.

Renewing a commercial driver's license

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a BMV office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you are renewing a hazmat endorsement, you will also need to pass a Transportation Security Administration background check.

The renewal fee for a CDL is $51 for a four-year license and $102 for an eight-year license. You will take a vision screening and may be asked to take a written test depending on what endorsements you hold. Processing time is usually 30 to 45 minutes. Your new CDL will be mailed to you within five to seven business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive after my license expires if I have already submitted a renewal?

No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process and have a confirmation number. You can only drive legally once your new license arrives in the mail. If you are stopped by police before it arrives, an expired license is a traffic violation.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

The Ohio BMV processes online renewals in five to seven business days, then mails your new license to the address on file. Mail delivery usually takes three to five business days, so plan for 10 to 14 days total from the time you submit your renewal. Delivery time varies by location.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you need to get a replacement, not a renewal. A replacement is a new license with a new number. You must do this in person at a BMV office. Bring proof of your identity and Social Security number. The replacement fee is $20 for a four-year license and $40 for an eight-year license.

Do I have to renew for eight years if I am 65 or older?

No. Drivers 65 and older can choose to renew for either four years or eight years. The four-year renewal costs $28.50 online and the eight-year renewal costs $57 online. You make this choice during the renewal process, whether you are renewing online, by mail, or in person.

What if the online renewal system says I cannot renew online?

The online system will not allow renewal if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you have had certain violations. It will also reject the renewal if your address or name has changed. In these cases, you must renew in person at a BMV office. Call the office ahead of time to ask what documents you need to bring.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.