Ohio driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a BMV office
Your Ohio driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. When it approaches, you have three paths to renew: the fastest is online through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website if you meet certain conditions; by mail if you prefer not to visit an office; or in person at any BMV location if you need to update information or cannot use the online system.
The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether your name is different from what the BMV has on file, and how soon you need the renewed license in your hands. Online renewal takes minutes but has the strictest requirements. In-person renewal takes longer but handles almost any situation.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue, and the expiration date is printed on the front of your card.
- Online renewal through the BMV website works only if your address and name match the BMV record, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and your license is not suspended or revoked.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the BMV; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a BMV office is necessary if your address or name has changed, if you need a new photo, or if you cannot meet the online renewal requirements.
- Renewal fees in Ohio are $38.50 for a standard eight-year license, though the cost may vary if you add endorsements or request a duplicate.
Renewing online through the BMV website
The Ohio BMV allows online renewal at bmv.ohio.gov if your license has not expired more than six months ago and you meet all the conditions listed below. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
Online renewal is available only if your current address and name match exactly what the BMV has on file, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you do not have any outstanding fines or holds. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail instead. The system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access when you start the process.
Once you complete the online form and pay the $38.50 fee, the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license has not expired more than six months ago and you do not need to update your address or name. You will need to complete Form DL 44 (process for Ohio Driver's License or Identification Card), sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $38.50 to the address listed on the form.
The BMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your envelope, though delays can occur during high-volume periods. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. You can drive on your current license while you wait.
If your address or name has changed, or if your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew by mail and must go in person to a BMV office instead.
Renewing in person at a BMV office
In-person renewal is required if your address or name has changed since your last license was issued, if your license has been expired for more than six months, or if you want a new photo. You will also need to renew in person if you cannot meet the requirements for online renewal.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $38.50. If your name has changed, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted.
Visit bmv.ohio.gov to find the BMV office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. The renewal process at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to pass a written test and a vision test, and you will need to bring documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number. You will also pay the full process fee rather than a renewal fee.
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. The BMV considers a license "expired" on the date printed on the front, so check that date carefully.
Fees and what they cover
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $38.50 in Ohio. This fee covers the license itself and mailing. If you add endorsements (such as a commercial driver's license endorsement or a hazmat endorsement), the cost increases; the BMV website lists the additional fees for each endorsement.
If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is different and is handled as a separate transaction. If you are renewing and also requesting a duplicate at the same time, you will pay both fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Ohio license if I moved to another state?
No. If you have moved out of Ohio and established residency elsewhere, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. You cannot renew an Ohio license once you no longer live in Ohio. If you still live in Ohio but moved within the state, you can renew online if your new address is already in the BMV system, or in person if it is not.
What if my Social Security number is not on file with the BMV?
You cannot renew online if the BMV does not have your Social Security number. You will need to renew in person at a BMV office and bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number. The BMV will add it to your file during the renewal process.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I renew in person?
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after your in-person appointment. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to you and typically arrives within five to seven business days. You can drive on the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the BMV or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to learn what steps are required to lift it. Once it is lifted, you can renew through any of the three methods.
What if I want a new photo on my renewed license?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV office. You will have your photo taken during the appointment at no additional cost.