How to tell if your Ohio driver's license is current
Your Ohio driver's license is current if the expiration date printed on the front has not passed. The expiration date appears in the lower right corner of the card. If today's date is before that date, your license is still valid for driving and identification purposes.
Ohio driver's licenses expire on your birthday, four years after they were issued. So if you received your license on March 15, 2021, it will expire on March 15, 2025. You can also check the status of your license through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website, though the simplest method is to look at the card itself.
An expired license cannot be used to drive legally in Ohio, even if you have only missed the expiration date by one day. However, an expired license can still be used as a form of identification for non-driving purposes in some situations — this varies by the organization asking for ID.
Key Takeaways
- Your Ohio driver's license expiration date is printed in the lower right corner and matches your birthday, four years after issue.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person at a BMV office.
- Online renewal is the fastest option for most people and takes about 10 business days once approved.
- If your license has been expired for more than six months, you will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test, depending on how long it has been expired.
Renewing before your license expires
You can begin renewing your Ohio driver's license up to one year before the expiration date. The BMV offers three renewal methods: online, by mail, or in person at a BMV office.
Online renewal through the BMV website (bmv.ohio.gov) is the fastest route for most people. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in approximately 10 business days. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal.
Renewing by mail requires you to complete form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), include a check or money order, and mail both to the address listed on the form. This method takes longer — typically three to four weeks — because of mail processing time.
In-person renewal at a BMV office is when ready if you bring the correct documents. You will receive your new license on the spot, though you may wait in line. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired less than six months ago, you can still renew it using the same methods as above — online, by mail, or in person. The process is the same, and you do not need to retake any tests.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, Ohio requires you to pass a vision test before renewal. You will need to visit a BMV office in person for this test. Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may also be required to retake the written knowledge test and the driving test, though this requirement varies.
Contact your local BMV office before visiting to confirm what tests you will need. The BMV can tell you over the phone based on how long your license has been expired and your driving history.
Finding your local BMV office and hours
Ohio has BMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the BMV website at bmv.ohio.gov. The site includes a location finder where you enter your county or city and see all nearby offices with their phone numbers and hours.
Many BMV offices now use an appointment system. You can schedule an appointment online through the same website, which reduces wait time. Walk-ins are still accepted at most locations, but appointment holders are served first.
Call ahead if you are unsure whether you need to visit in person. The BMV staff can answer questions about your specific situation over the phone and tell you whether you can renew online or by mail, or whether you must come in.
Costs and payment methods
The cost of renewing an Ohio driver's license varies slightly depending on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. A standard four-year renewal costs less than a longer renewal period. The BMV website lists current fees, which change occasionally.
You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card at BMV offices. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.
Replacing a lost or damaged current license
If your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged but not expired, you can request a replacement rather than a full renewal. A replacement is faster and costs less than a renewal. You can request a replacement in person at any BMV office or by mail.
To request a replacement in person, bring proof of identity and residency. You will receive your replacement license when ready. By mail, send a letter to the BMV explaining that your license is lost or damaged, include a check or money order, and your replacement will arrive in two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Ohio license while waiting for my renewal to arrive?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Ohio, even if you have submitted a renewal process. You must wait for your new license to arrive before driving. If you need to drive before your renewal arrives, you can visit a BMV office in person and receive your new license the same day.
What if I moved to Ohio from another state and my out-of-state license is still current?
Ohio law requires you to obtain an Ohio driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. You will need to visit a BMV office in person, bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will take a vision test and may need to take the written test depending on your driving record.
Do I need to renew my license if I only use it for identification and do not drive?
Yes, you still need to renew it before the expiration date if you want to use it as a valid form of identification. Some organizations will not accept an expired license as ID, even for non-driving purposes. However, the renewal process is the same whether you drive or not.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
You will need to visit a BMV office in person and bring legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. The office will issue you a new license with your updated name.