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 is the quickest option if you're may be able to access — you'll pay the fee, upload a new photo, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail or visit a deputy registrar in person, though in-person visits often mean waiting in line.
Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires and closes on your expiration date. Ohio won't let you renew early outside that window, so check your current license for the exact expiration date and plan accordingly.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website is available if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed.
- The renewal fee in Ohio is $33.50 for a four-year license or $67 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card during online renewal.
- If you cannot renew online, you can mail your process and fee to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or visit a deputy registrar office in your county.
- You must renew within 180 days before your expiration date; Ohio does not allow early renewal outside this window.
- A renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal.
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 Ohio driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.
Online renewal is only open to you if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, your address hasn't changed (or you can update it during renewal), and your name is the same as it appears on your current license. If any of these conditions don't explore, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Once you're approved, you'll upload a new digital photo. Ohio accepts photos taken against a plain background with your face clearly visible and centered. After you upload your photo and pay the fee by credit or debit card, your process is submitted. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail
read the process for Renewal of Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43) from the Ohio BMV website, or request one by calling 614-752-7500. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months).
Mail your completed form, photo, and check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include your current license number and date of birth so the BMV can locate your record. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your process.
Use mail renewal if you cannot renew online, if your address has changed, or if you prefer not to visit an office. This option also works if you're renewing from out of state.
Renewing in person at a deputy registrar office
Find your county's deputy registrar office on the Ohio BMV website by entering your county name. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times.
Bring your current Ohio driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring two proofs of your new address. Bring cash, check, or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
At the office, you'll have a new photo taken, verify your information, and pay the fee. Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is useful if you need to update your address, change your name, or if you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed by a clerk.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Ohio offers two renewal terms: a four-year license for $33.50 or an eight-year license for $67. You choose which term you want when you renew. The eight-year option costs more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years.
Your renewed license is valid for the term you choose, starting on the date it is issued. If your current license expires on a specific date, your new license will begin the day after expiration. You can legally drive using your old license until your new one arrives in the mail.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person at a deputy registrar office. The process is the same, but you'll need to provide the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ohio, even if you have applied for renewal. Do not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewed license comes in the mail, you can request a temporary permit at a deputy registrar office, though this is not common practice and availability varies by location.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If your name has changed since your last license was issued (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a deputy registrar office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will verify the document and issue your new license with your updated name.
If your address has changed, you can update it during online renewal if you have a valid email address on file. If you're renewing by mail or in person, straightforward provide your new address on the form or to the clerk. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) if you're renewing in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Ohio license if I have an out-of-state address?
Yes. You can renew by mail using Form DL 43 and sending it to the Ohio BMV with your photo and fee. You cannot renew online or in person if you no longer live in Ohio, but mail renewal works from anywhere. Include your out-of-state address on the form so your renewed license is mailed to the correct location.
What happens if I renew online but my photo doesn't get approved?
The BMV will contact you by email or phone to let you know your photo was rejected and ask you to resubmit. You'll have a window of time to upload a new photo before your process is cancelled. Make sure your photo shows your face clearly, centered, against a plain background with good lighting.
Do I need to take a new written test or road test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require any testing. You only take written and road tests when you first get your license or when you explore for a different class of license. Renewal is straightforward updating your existing license with a new photo and expiration date.
How long can I drive on my expired license while waiting for my renewal?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license in Ohio. Once your license expires, you must stop driving until your renewed license arrives. If you renewed online or by mail, your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so plan your renewal well before your expiration date.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You'll need to replace your lost license before you can renew. Contact a deputy registrar office to report the loss and request a replacement. Once you have your replacement license, you can then renew it using any of the three methods. Bring proof of identity and your Social Security number to get a replacement.