How to Renew Your Ohio Driver's License

Renewing Your Ohio License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Ohio driver's license through three routes: online at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, by mail, or in person at a local BMV office. Online renewal is the fastest and most common path — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $25.50 for a four-year license or $38.25 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a BMV office is necessary only if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than six months, or if you need to update your photo or address.

Your license becomes may be able to access for renewal 180 days before it expires. The BMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your expiration date — this notice contains your renewal code, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew online using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Ohio BMV website is available 24/7 and takes about 10 minutes; you can start renewing 180 days before your license expires.
You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your BMV notice, or you can use your Social Security number if you do not have the code.
Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, suspended, or revoked, you must renew in person at a BMV office and may need to pass a written test or eye exam.
You can check your license expiration date and renewal may be able to access on the Ohio BMV website before you begin the process.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Go to the Ohio BMV website and select "Renew a Driver License" from the main menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth, or your Social Security number. Next, enter the renewal code from your BMV notice if you have it; if not, the system will verify your identity using other information. Review your current address and other details on file — if anything has changed, you will need to update it before completing the renewal.

Once you have reviewed your information, you will pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. The fee is $25.50 for a four-year license or $38.25 for an eight-year license. After payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal: When You Prefer Paper

If you received a renewal notice from the BMV, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Fill out the renewal form that came with your notice, sign it, and mail it along with your payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order made out to the Ohio BMV. The fee is the same as online renewal: $25.50 for four years or $38.25 for eight years.

Mail your renewal packet to the BMV office listed on your notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the BMV receives your packet, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. Your renewed license will be mailed to your address on file. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request a renewal form by calling the BMV at 614-752-7500 or visiting a local BMV office.

In-Person Renewal at a BMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it expired more than six months ago, or if you need to update your photo or address. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, bring any documents the BMV requested when the suspension or revocation was issued.

Visit your local BMV office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; you can check wait times on the Ohio BMV website before you go. The BMV may require you to pass an eye exam or a written test if your license has been expired for more than six months or if you are renewing after a suspension. The renewal fee is the same as online or mail renewal. Your new license will be issued on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on whether a new photo is needed.

What Information and Documents You Need

For online or mail renewal, you need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your BMV notice. If you do not have the renewal code, the system will ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity. You do not need to provide documents for online or mail renewal unless your address has changed — in that case, you may be asked to provide proof of your new address.

For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Acceptable documents for proof of address include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

Renewing After Your License Has Expired

If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a BMV office. The BMV may require you to pass a written test and an eye exam before issuing your renewed license.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ohio, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your renewal confirmation number as proof that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired to avoid driving without a valid license.

Checking Your License Status and Expiration Date

You can check your license expiration date and renewal status on the Ohio BMV website without logging in. Go to the BMV homepage and select "Check Driver License Status." Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show your current expiration date and whether you are may be able to access to renew.

You can also call the BMV at 614-752-7500 to ask about your license status. Have your driver's license number ready when you call. If you have questions about a specific renewal method or need help with the online process, BMV staff can walk you through the steps over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Ohio license if I have moved out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as your license is not suspended or revoked. However, if you have moved out of state and want to update your address on your Ohio license, you must renew in person at an Ohio BMV office. If you plan to get a license in your new state, you may not need to renew your Ohio license first.

What if I lost my renewal notice from the BMV?

You can still renew online without the renewal code by using your driver's license number and date of birth, or your Social Security number. If you prefer to renew by mail, call the BMV at 614-752-7500 and request a new renewal form, or visit a local BMV office to pick one up.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your renewal. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the BMV receives your packet. In-person renewal may be issued on the spot or mailed within 7 to 10 business days if a new photo needs to be taken.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

For online and mail renewal, your current photo is used unless you request a new one. If you renew in person, the BMV will take a new photo. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person at a BMV office instead.

What happens if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a BMV office in person. Bring any documents the BMV sent you about the suspension or revocation. The BMV will tell you what steps you need to take before your license can be renewed.

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.