How to Renew Your Ohio Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Ohio

You can renew your Ohio driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a deputy registrar office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $25.75 for a four-year license or $51.50 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you can't renew online—because your license is expired by more than six months, damaged, or you need to change information—you must go in person or renew by mail. In-person renewal at a deputy registrar takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as online. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works if your license expired less than six months ago and you haven't changed your address, name, or other information.
You can renew online at bmv.ohio.gov, by mail, or in person at any deputy registrar office throughout Ohio.
An eight-year license costs $51.50; a four-year license costs $25.75; both arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if renewed online.
If your license is expired by more than six months or you need to update your address or name, you must renew in person or by mail.
You do not need a new photo unless your current license photo is damaged or you request one; the fee is the same either way.

Renewing online through the Ohio BMV website

Go to bmv.ohio.gov and click "Renew License Online." You'll need your current 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. If everything matches, you'll pay by debit card or credit card and receive a confirmation number.

Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last six months and you have not changed your name, address, or other personal information. If you've moved, changed your name due to marriage or legal action, or your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online and must go in person or by mail.

After you complete online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Do not change your address online before renewing; update it during the renewal process or in person at a deputy registrar. If you need to change your address after renewing online, you can update it at a deputy registrar office for free.

Renewing in person at a deputy registrar office

Deputy registrar offices are located throughout Ohio and handle renewals, replacements, and address changes. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Most deputy registrar offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary. Some offices are busier on certain days or times of year. You can find the office nearest you and check hours at bmv.ohio.gov. If you are over 43 years old and your current license photo is more than 12 years old, you will be required to take a new photo; if you are under 43, a new photo is optional.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes from check-in to completion. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read form DL 43 (License Renewal process) from bmv.ohio.gov or pick one up at a deputy registrar office. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license and payment to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 16520, Columbus, OH 43216-6520.

Include a check or money order for $25.75 (four-year license) or $51.50 (eight-year license). Do not send cash. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot visit a deputy registrar office during business hours or prefer not to go in person. However, if your license is expired by more than six months or you need to change your name or address, the BMV may reject your mail process and ask you to renew in person instead.

What to do if your license is expired by more than six months

If your Ohio license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go in person to a deputy registrar office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to pass a vision test and written test; the deputy registrar will tell you when you arrive.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Suspensions and revocations have different requirements—some require you to pay a reinstatement fee, others require you to complete a course or meet other conditions. Call the BMV at 614-752-7500 or visit bmv.ohio.gov for details about your specific case.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you've moved, you can update your address during online renewal. The system will ask for your new address and verify it. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you renew by mail, write your new address on form DL 43 and the BMV will update it.

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal action, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail. For in-person renewal, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For mail renewal, include a certified copy with your process. The BMV will update your name and issue a new license with your new name.

License fees and what you get

Ohio offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $25.75 or an eight-year license for $51.50. Both are valid for driving and identification. The eight-year license is a better value if you plan to keep your license for a long time and do not expect your address or appearance to change significantly.

Your renewed license will have the same number as your current license unless you request a new number. If you want a new number, you must renew in person and ask the deputy registrar. There is no additional fee. Your renewed license will include your current address, name, and photo (unless you request a new photo or are required to have one taken).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Ohio license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online if your license expired less than six months ago and you have not changed your address. If you have moved out of state, you cannot renew online; you must renew by mail or ask someone in Ohio to renew in person on your behalf with a power of attorney. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Call the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 614-752-7500 to find out why and what you must do to restore it. Reinstatement requirements vary—some require a fee, others require you to complete a course or meet other conditions. Once your license is restored, you can renew it normally.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you are over 43 years old and your photo is more than 12 years old, you must have a new photo taken. If you are under 43, a new photo is optional. In-person renewal includes a new photo if required; online and mail renewal do not. If you want a new photo but are not required to have one, you must renew in person.

How long does my temporary paper license last?

A temporary paper license issued during in-person renewal is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent license does not arrive within that time, contact the BMV at 614-752-7500.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online up to six months before your license expires. You can also renew in person or by mail at any time. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on the type you choose (four or eight years from the date of renewal).

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.