How to Renew Your Ohio Driver's License

Ohio License Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

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 meet the requirements — it takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the Bureau of Motor Vehicles receives your process. In-person renewal at a local office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though wait times vary by location.

Your renewal method depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Standard licenses and commercial licenses have different rules. If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person.

Key Takeaways

Ohio offers online renewal for most standard driver's licenses, but only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address since your last renewal.
Mail renewal requires the process form (BMV 1173), your current license, and a check or money order; processing takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.
In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office requires your current license, proof of residency, and a valid Social Security number or ITIN; you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Ohio driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults under 65 and four years for drivers 65 and older; renewal fees are $33.50 for standard licenses and higher for commercial licenses.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Online Renewal: Requirements and Steps

Online renewal through the Ohio BMV website is available only if your license is still valid (not expired), you have not moved since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photograph. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.

Go to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You will answer questions to confirm your identity and current information. The fee is $33.50 for a standard eight-year license. You will receive a confirmation email, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need to change your address, if you want to update your photograph, or if you have any medical or legal restrictions on your license. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: Forms and Timeline

Mail renewal requires form BMV 1173 (process for Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card). read it from the Ohio BMV website or request it by phone at 614-752-7500. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license and a check or money order for $33.50 (made payable to the Ohio Treasurer).

Mail your process to the address listed on the form — typically the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 16520, Columbus, OH 43216-6520. Do not send cash. The BMV will process your process within 7 to 10 business days of receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must not be expired, you cannot have moved, and you cannot need a new photograph. If any of these explore, renew in person instead. Keep a copy of your process for your records.

In-Person Renewal at a Deputy Registrar Office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you have moved since your last renewal, if you need a new photograph, or if you hold a commercial license. Visit any Deputy Registrar office in Ohio — these are county-based offices, not state BMV locations. Find your local office on the Ohio BMV website by entering your county or zip code.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The Deputy Registrar will verify your information, take a new photograph, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee ($33.50 for a standard license) and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Wait times at Deputy Registrar offices vary; calling ahead or checking online for current wait times can save you time.

Expired Licenses and Reactivation Rules

If your license has been expired for six months or less, you can renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person to a Deputy Registrar office.

When renewing an expired license at a Deputy Registrar office, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test and vision screening, depending on how long the license has been expired and your age. The office staff will tell you what tests are required when you arrive. Bring your current (expired) license and the same proof of residency and Social Security number as you would for a standard renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, the BMV may require you to retake the full written test and vision test. Check with your local Deputy Registrar office before you go to confirm what you need to bring and what tests you will take.

Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods

The renewal fee for a standard Ohio driver's license is $33.50 for an eight-year license. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years and costs $33.50. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cost more: $66 for a four-year license or $99 for an eight-year license, depending on your endorsements and restrictions.

Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can renew up to six months before your current license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card — but call ahead to confirm, as some offices may have different payment options.

Address Changes and Name Changes During Renewal

If you have moved since your last renewal, you must update your address. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.

If you have changed your name since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change along with your current license and proof of residency. The Deputy Registrar will update your name and address on your new license. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I just moved?

No. Online renewal is only available if you have not changed your address since your last renewal. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office and bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal to arrive?

If you renewed by mail or online, you can continue to drive on your current license until your new license arrives, even if the expiration date has passed. Keep a copy of your renewal confirmation or process as proof that you have renewed. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Do I need to retake the written test to renew my license?

No, not for a standard renewal. You only need to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than six months or if you are renewing after a suspension or revocation. The Deputy Registrar office will tell you whether a test is required when you arrive.

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

You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you renew. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license until your permanent license arrives.

What if I need my license before the mail renewal arrives?

If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office instead. You will receive a temporary paper license the same day valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer because the process must be mailed to the state office and processed there.

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.