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 Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will send you a renewal notice in the mail—usually about 30 days before expiration. You do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. Depending on your age and whether anything about you has changed, you can renew through Ohio's online system, by mail, or by visiting a BMV office in person.
The method you choose depends on what you need to update and how quickly you want your new license. Online renewal is fastest and requires no trip to an office. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to go in person. In-person renewal at a BMV office is necessary if you need to update your photo, address, or name, or if you have not renewed online or by mail before.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio driver's licenses expire every four years for people under 65 and every eight years for people 65 and older.
- You can renew online through the Ohio BMV website if your license is still valid and nothing major has changed since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works for people who do not need a new photo or have not renewed by mail before.
- In-person renewal at a BMV office is required if you are changing your address, name, or photo, or if you have never renewed online or by mail.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number when you renew in person.
Online renewal through the Ohio BMV website
The Ohio BMV website lets you renew your license online if you meet certain conditions. Your current license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. You must have renewed at least once before using the online system or by mail. Your address, name, and other personal information must not have changed since your last renewal. If all of these explore to you, you can start the renewal on the BMV website at bmv.ohio.gov.
The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. You will review your current information, confirm it is correct, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The fee for a four-year license is $28.50 and for an eight-year license is $57. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal keeps your current photo on your license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV office instead.
Mail renewal for people who have renewed before
If you have renewed your Ohio license by mail at least once before, you can renew by mail again without visiting an office. Mail renewal works only if your address and name have not changed and your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked. You cannot get a new photo by mail—your current photo stays on your license.
When you receive your renewal notice in the mail, it will include a prepaid envelope and instructions. You sign the back of your current license, place it in the envelope with the renewal notice, and mail it back to the BMV. Do not include payment—the fee is already covered. The BMV will process your renewal and mail your new license to you. This usually takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope.
If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can request a mail renewal form by calling the BMV at 614-752-7500 or visiting a BMV office to pick one up. Keep your current license with you until your new one arrives, since you will need it for identification.
In-person renewal at a BMV office
You must renew in person at a BMV office if your address or name has changed, if you want a new photo, if your license is expired, or if you have never renewed online or by mail before. You will need to bring several documents: your current Ohio driver's license or ID, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
Find your nearest BMV office on the Ohio BMV website and check its hours before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to make an appointment through the website. When you arrive, you will take a new photo, review your information, and pay the renewal fee. The fee is $28.50 for a four-year license and $57 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license on the spot or it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your Ohio driver's license has already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a BMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number. You will take a new photo and pay the renewal fee.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ohio, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your renewal notice or a receipt from the BMV as proof that you have applied, but this does not protect you from a ticket. Renew as soon as possible after your license expires.
Renewal fees and what your new license costs
Ohio renewal fees depend on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year license costs $28.50. An eight-year license costs $57. People 65 and older receive an eight-year license at no cost—the renewal is free. If you are paying by credit or debit card online, there is a small processing fee added to the total.
The BMV accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card at offices. Online renewal accepts credit and debit card only. Mail renewal is prepaid, so no payment is needed when you mail in your documents.
How long your new license takes to arrive
If you renew in person at a BMV office, you will receive your new license when ready or it will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Some offices print licenses on site; others mail them. The office staff will tell you which applies when you complete your renewal.
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving. Keep it with you until your new license arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Ohio license if I moved to a different state?
No. You must renew your Ohio license in person at a BMV office if you have moved out of state, because your address has changed and you need to update it. If you now live in another state, you should get a driver's license from that state instead of renewing your Ohio license.
What if my name changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a BMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will update your name and issue a new license.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Some BMV offices require appointments and some accept walk-ins. Check the Ohio BMV website to see the policy at your nearest office. If appointments are required and none are available, you can try a different office or call 614-752-7500 for help finding an available time.
Can I renew my license before the expiration date?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to six months before your license expires. In-person renewal can happen at any time. Renewing early does not change your expiration date—your new license will expire four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
What if I lost my license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must go to a BMV office in person and report your license lost. Bring proof of your address and Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license and charge you a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.