How to replace your Ohio driver's license
You can replace an Ohio driver's license in person at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office, by mail if your license was lost or stolen, or online through the BMV website for a duplicate if your license is still valid but damaged. The fastest route is an in-person visit, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $20 for a replacement license. If you choose to mail in your request, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.
The method you use depends on why you need a replacement. A lost or stolen license can be reported and replaced by mail or in person. A damaged license (worn, faded, or physically broken) can be replaced in person or online. An expired license that you want to renew at the same time requires an in-person visit because Ohio requires a new photo every eight years for adults under 65.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at any BMV office takes about 30 minutes and costs $20; you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed.
- Mail-in replacement for a lost or stolen license requires a completed form, a copy of your Social Security card or birth certificate, and proof of your current address; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- Online replacement through the BMV website works only for a duplicate of a valid, undamaged license and takes 5 to 7 business days.
- You must report a stolen license to the BMV within a certain timeframe to avoid liability if someone uses it fraudulently.
- If your license was lost or stolen outside Ohio, you can still request a replacement through the Ohio BMV by mail or in person.
In-person replacement at a BMV office
Walk into any BMV office with your Social Security card or birth certificate, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment of $20. You do not need an appointment. Tell the clerk whether you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
The BMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you are replacing a stolen license, the BMV will flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used. Keep your temporary license with you while you drive; it is legal to use until your new card arrives.
BMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Ohio BMV website. Busy times are typically mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays; early morning or late afternoon visits usually have shorter waits.
Mail-in replacement for a lost or stolen license
To replace a lost or stolen license by mail, read and complete the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (form DL 43) from the Ohio BMV website. Include a photocopy of your Social Security card or birth certificate, a photocopy of proof of your current address, and a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Ohio Treasurer.
Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form (typically the BMV's Columbus office). Do not send original documents; send copies only. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the BMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot legally drive during this time unless you have another valid form of ID.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit a BMV office in person instead. The in-person route gives you a temporary paper license when ready, even though it costs the same $20 and takes the same amount of time to receive your permanent card.
Online replacement for a duplicate license
The Ohio BMV allows online replacement only if your current license is valid and undamaged. You cannot use this method if your license is expired, lost, stolen, or physically damaged. To order a duplicate online, visit the BMV website, log into your account (or create one), and follow the prompts to request a duplicate license.
You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Payment is $20 by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive in 5 to 7 business days. You will not receive a temporary license, but since your current license is still valid, you can continue to use it to drive.
What to do if your license was stolen
Report a stolen license to the BMV as soon as you discover it is missing. You can report it by phone, online, or in person at any BMV office. Reporting it prevents someone else from using your license number for fraudulent purposes. The BMV will deactivate your old license number in the system.
After you report it stolen, you can replace it using any of the three methods above (in person, by mail, or online if your license was valid when stolen). You will receive a new license number on your replacement card. If you are concerned about identity theft, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit report.
Documents you need for replacement
For any replacement method, you will need to prove your identity and current address. The BMV accepts the following as proof of identity: a Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, or military ID. For proof of current address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
If you are replacing your license in person, bring the originals. If you are replacing by mail, send photocopies. If you are replacing online, you will not need to submit documents; the BMV will verify your information against its existing records. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address to update it on your replacement license.
Cost and timeline comparison
| Method | Cost | Time to receive permanent license | Temporary license? |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person at BMV | $20 | 7–10 business days | Yes, paper license valid 45 days |
| By mail | $20 | 7–10 business days | No |
| Online (valid license only) | $20 | 5–7 business days | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary paper license?
Yes. The temporary paper license issued at a BMV office is valid for 45 days and is legal to use while you drive. You must carry it with you. If you replace your license by mail or online, you do not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally during the processing period unless you have another valid form of ID.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with an error?
Contact the BMV when ready. If the license is damaged, you can exchange it for a new one at any BMV office for $20. If there is an error on the license (wrong name, address, or date of birth), the BMV will correct it at no charge if the error was made by the BMV. Bring your damaged or incorrect license and proof of the correct information.
How long does it take to get a replacement if I lost my license out of state?
You can request a replacement through the Ohio BMV by mail or in person at any BMV office, even if you are out of state. By mail, allow 7 to 10 business days. If you are traveling and need a license quickly, you can visit an Ohio BMV office in person when you return to the state. Some states offer reciprocal agreements, but Ohio does not issue temporary licenses to out-of-state residents.
Do I have to pay to report a stolen license?
No. Reporting a stolen license to the BMV is free. You only pay the $20 replacement fee when you order your new license. Reporting it when ready prevents someone from using your license number fraudulently.
Can I change my address on my replacement license?
Yes. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) when you replace your license in person. The new address will be printed on your replacement license at no extra cost. If you are replacing by mail or online, the BMV will use the address on file, so contact the BMV separately to update your address if it has changed.