How to renew your Ohio driver's license
You can renew your Ohio driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a deputy registrar office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $25.75 for a four-year license or $51.50 for an eight-year license. If you can't renew online, you'll need to visit a deputy registrar office in person, bring your current license and proof of residency, and pay the same fee.
Your license expires on your birthday. Ohio sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Ohio BMV website works only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
- If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
- In-person renewal at a deputy registrar office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment by cash, check, or card.
- If your license is expired, you cannot renew online and must visit a deputy registrar office in person.
- Ohio has no separate renewal by mail option — you either renew online or in person.
Renewing online through the Ohio BMV website
Go to bmv.ohio.gov and select "Renew a License" from the homepage. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against Ohio's records.
Online renewal is not available if your license is already expired, if you have medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements on your license, if your address has changed since your last renewal, or if you need to update your name. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee by debit or credit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait — Ohio law allows this during the renewal period.
Renewing in person at a deputy registrar office
Find your nearest deputy registrar office at bmv.ohio.gov/locations. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. Most offices accept cash, check, and card, though some accept only certain payment methods — call ahead if you're unsure.
The visit typically takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You'll have your photo taken and sign the process. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address — one can be the proof of residency you're already bringing. If you need to change your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your proof of residency.
What to do if your license is expired
You cannot renew an expired license online. You must go to a deputy registrar office in person with your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, some deputy registrar offices may require you to retake the written knowledge test or vision test. Call the office before you go to confirm what you'll need to bring. You can find the phone number on the BMV website's locations page.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online. You must visit a deputy registrar office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, medical certification (MCSA-5871 form), and payment. The renewal fee is $51.50 for four years or $103 for eight years.
If your medical certification has expired or is about to expire, you must have a new one completed by a certified medical examiner before you renew. The BMV will not process your renewal without current medical certification.
Renewing with a corrective lens requirement
If your license has a corrective lens restriction, you must renew in person. You cannot use online renewal. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment to a deputy registrar office. You'll have your vision tested at the office as part of the renewal process.
If your vision has changed significantly, the vision test may result in new restrictions being added to your license, or existing restrictions being removed. The deputy registrar will inform you of any changes before you leave.
Timeline and what to expect after you renew
If you renew online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, your new license is mailed within the same timeframe. You can legally drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Your new license will be valid for four years or eight years depending on which option you chose at renewal. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. Ohio does not issue temporary paper licenses during the renewal process.
If you don't receive your new license within two weeks of renewal, contact the BMV at 614-752-7500 or through the website to check the status of your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support obligation?
Ohio can suspend your license for unpaid child support or certain criminal fines, but not for traffic tickets alone. If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it online or in person until the suspension is lifted. Contact the agency that issued the suspension to learn how to resolve it.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring this along with your current license and proof of residency. The deputy registrar will update your name during the renewal process.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Yes. If you renew online, the BMV uses your photo from your previous license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the deputy registrar office. You cannot bring your own photo.
What if I move out of state before my license expires?
You do not have to renew your Ohio license if you move. You should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Your Ohio license remains valid until it expires, even if you no longer live in Ohio, but you cannot legally drive in another state on an out-of-state license.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license yourself, either online or in person. The BMV requires your signature and, for in-person renewal, your photo. A family member or representative cannot complete the renewal on your behalf.