Ohio driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

An Ohio driver's license costs between $27 and $51, depending on whether you want it for four or eight years. A four-year license costs $27. An eight-year license costs $51. If you are under 21, the fee is the same regardless of length. If you are 21 or older, you choose the term when you renew or get your first license.

These are the fees the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles charges. You pay them at any deputy registrar's office (usually located in your county courthouse or a local government building) or at a BMV office. Some deputy registrars may charge a small additional service fee on top of the state fee — this varies by location, so ask when you call or visit.

If you need a replacement card because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement fee is $13.50. A name change also costs $13.50. These fees are separate from renewal fees.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard four-year Ohio driver's license costs $27; an eight-year license costs $51.
  • Replacement cards for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses cost $13.50 each.
  • Name change cards cost $13.50 and are processed separately from renewals.
  • Some deputy registrar offices charge an additional service fee beyond the state fee.
  • You can renew by mail, online, or in person, though fees are the same for all methods.

What happens when you renew your license

When your license is about to expire, you can renew it in three ways: online through the Ohio BMV website, by mail, or in person at a deputy registrar or BMV office. Online and mail renewals cost the same as in-person renewals — the fee does not change based on how you renew.

If you renew online or by mail, you do not pay anything until your new card arrives. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. If you renew in person, you pay at the counter when you hand in your documents. You will receive your new card in the mail within one to two weeks.

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person to a deputy registrar or BMV office. The fee remains the same, but you will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of your current address.

Getting your first Ohio license or upgrading to a commercial license

If you are getting your first Ohio driver's license, the fee is the same as a renewal: $27 for four years or $51 for eight years. You must explore in person at a deputy registrar or BMV office. You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. There is no separate fee for the tests themselves — they are included in the license fee.

If you want to add a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement or upgrade your license to a CDL, the cost is higher. A CDL costs $51 for four years or $101 for eight years. You must pass additional written and driving tests specific to commercial vehicles. These tests are also included in the CDL fee.

Fees for other license-related services

If you need a duplicate card (an exact copy of your current license with the same expiration date), the fee is $13.50. This is different from a replacement card — a duplicate is used when you want a second copy of an active license, while a replacement is for a lost, stolen, or damaged card.

If you want to change your address on your license without renewing it, you can do so for free by mail or online through the Ohio BMV website. You do not need to pay anything or get a new card unless you choose to. If you want a new card with your updated address before your renewal date, that costs $13.50.

If you need to correct information on your license — such as a misspelled name or wrong date of birth — contact the Ohio BMV directly. Corrections made by the BMV are usually free if the error was made by the state. If you provided incorrect information on your process, you may be charged a replacement fee of $13.50.

What to bring and where to go

To renew your license in person, bring your current 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 your license has expired, you also need to pass a vision test.

You can find your nearest deputy registrar office or BMV office on the Ohio BMV website. Deputy registrars are usually faster and have shorter wait times than full BMV offices, especially in rural areas. Call ahead to confirm their hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment.

Accepted payment methods

At deputy registrar and BMV offices, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may not accept all payment methods, so call ahead to confirm. If you renew online or by mail, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check only — cash and checks by mail are not accepted.

There is no discount for paying in cash versus using a card. The fee is the same regardless of payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay online if I renew in person?

No. If you renew in person at a deputy registrar or BMV office, you must pay at the counter using cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online payment is only available if you renew through the Ohio BMV website or by mail.

Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew early?

Yes. The fee is the same whether you renew one month before expiration or one year before. There is no discount for early renewal. Your new expiration date is calculated from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

What if I move out of Ohio after I get a license?

Your Ohio license remains valid until it expires. You do not need to pay anything to keep it. When you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state — the fee and process vary by state.

Is there a fee to change my name on my license?

Yes. A name change costs $13.50 and requires you to provide a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree as proof. You can do this in person at a deputy registrar or BMV office. You will receive a new card with your updated name in the mail.

Do I have to pay if I lose my license and find it later?

If you reported your license as lost and received a replacement card, you have already paid the $13.50 replacement fee. If you find your original license, you can keep both cards — there is no refund or additional fee. Destroy the old card or return it to the BMV if you prefer.