What You Need to Do to Renew in Ohio
Ohio lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or name has changed. Most people can complete an online renewal in minutes without leaving home, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Ohio license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Ohio BMV website works for standard licenses if your address has not changed and you have no medical restrictions.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs $28.50 for a standard eight-year license; you must send your current license with the process.
- In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office is required if you have changed your name, address, or medical status, or if you hold a commercial license.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check for online; check or money order for mail).
- Ohio does not issue temporary licenses during renewal, so plan ahead if you need your license for travel or identification.
Online Renewal Through the Ohio BMV Website
The fastest and cheapest way to renew is online at bmv.ohio.gov. You can renew your license in about 10 minutes if you meet the requirements. The fee is $28.50 for a standard eight-year license, or $14.25 for a four-year license if you are 65 or older. You pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check.
You can use online renewal only if all of the following are true: your current license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, you have no medical restrictions or vision corrections noted on your license, and you are not renewing a commercial license. If any of these do not explore to you, skip to the in-person section below.
To renew online, go to bmv.ohio.gov, select "Renew a License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. Review the information on screen, confirm it is correct, and pay the fee. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.
Mail Renewal for Standard Licenses
If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your process to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Mail renewal costs $28.50 for an eight-year license and takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. You pay by check or money order made out to "Treasurer, State of Ohio."
Request a renewal form by calling the BMV at 614-752-7500, or read the form from bmv.ohio.gov. The form is called the process for Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 43). Fill it out completely, sign and date it, and include your current license with your payment. Mail everything to: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 16520, Columbus, OH 43216-6520.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your address cannot have changed, you cannot have a new name, and you cannot have medical restrictions. If your situation has changed, you must renew in person. Do not mail your license if you need it for travel or identification while your renewal is being processed, because the BMV will keep it and you will not receive your new one for two to three weeks.
In-Person Renewal at a Deputy Registrar Office
You must renew in person if you have changed your name, moved to a new address, added or removed medical restrictions, changed your vision correction, or are renewing a commercial license. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as online or mail renewal ($28.50 for eight years). You can walk in without an appointment at most Deputy Registrar offices, though some locations accept appointments.
Find your nearest Deputy Registrar office at bmv.ohio.gov under "Find a Location." Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address if you have moved (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your legal name if you have changed it (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring a payment method: cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices do not accept all payment types, so call ahead if you are unsure.
If you are renewing a commercial license (CDL), you must renew in person and may need to pass a written test or medical examination depending on your endorsements and restrictions. Call the BMV at 614-752-7500 to ask what documents you need for your specific CDL type.
Documents and Information You Will Need
For any renewal method, have your current Ohio driver's license and your Social Security number ready. If you are renewing in person and have changed your name or address, bring the documents listed in the section above.
If you are renewing online or by mail and your vision has changed, or if you wear glasses or contacts that you did not wear when your current license was issued, you must renew in person. The BMV will ask you to read the eye chart during your visit. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to renew that day and will need to see an eye doctor first.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving (such as seizures, diabetes, or sleep apnea), or if you take medication that impairs driving, you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor. The BMV will tell you if this is required when you start your renewal. Do not wait until your license expires to find out; contact the BMV at 614-752-7500 if you are unsure.
Fees and Payment Methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $28.50. If you are 65 or older, a four-year renewal costs $14.25. These are the only fees; Ohio does not charge additional processing fees for online, mail, or in-person renewal.
Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards, though some offices may have different policies. Call your local Deputy Registrar office before you visit if you want to confirm what payment types they take.
What Happens After You Renew
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days. Your old license remains valid until it expires, so you can use it for identification and driving during that time. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a Deputy Registrar office.
If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being printed and mailed. Your permanent license will arrive within seven to ten business days. The temporary license is not acceptable for air travel or as a Real ID, so if you need to fly, you will need a passport or other federal ID.
Ohio does not issue Real ID-compliant licenses automatically during renewal. If you need a Real ID license for air travel or federal building access, you must request it in person at a Deputy Registrar office and bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) along with your other documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not attempt online renewal if your address has changed. The system will reject your process, and you will have to start over in person. Update your address first by visiting a Deputy Registrar office, then you can renew online.
Do not mail your license if you need it for travel or identification within the next three weeks. Once the BMV receives your envelope, they keep your old license and you will not have a valid license to carry until your new one arrives. If you need your license during renewal, renew in person and use the temporary paper license.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Ohio allows renewal up to one year early, and renewing early prevents you from driving with an expired license. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online; you must renew in person and may face a late fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office. You cannot use online or mail renewal for an expired license. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and payment. The renewal fee is the same ($28.50 for eight years), but some offices may charge an additional late fee if your license has been expired for more than a few months. Call ahead to ask.
What if I have changed my name since my last renewal?
You must renew in person. Bring your current license, a legal document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and payment. The Deputy Registrar will verify your new name and issue a new license with the updated information. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
Do I need a Real ID license to renew my current license?
No. Your current license will renew as a standard license unless you request a Real ID upgrade. Real ID is required only for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you want a Real ID license, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). The fee is the same.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewal take seven to ten business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent plastic license arrives within seven to ten business days. If you need your license sooner, renew in person and use the temporary license for identification and driving.
What if I move to a new address after I renew but before my new license arrives?
Contact the BMV at 614-752-7500 and provide your new address. They can update your mailing address so your new license goes to the correct location. You can also update your address in person at a Deputy Registrar office, but this is not necessary if you just need to redirect your renewal.