Ohio driver's license and ID card fees

An Ohio driver's license costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. A state ID card (for people who don't drive) costs $19.50 for a four-year card or $39 for an eight-year card. These are the fees you pay at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when you get a new license or renew one. Replacement licenses and ID cards cost the same as new ones.

The fee covers the cost of producing the card and maintaining Ohio's licensing system. You pay this fee whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged card. If you need your license or ID card the same day you explore, Ohio charges an additional $5 expedited fee on top of the standard cost.

Key Takeaways

  • A four-year Ohio driver's license costs $28.50; an eight-year license costs $57.
  • A state ID card costs $19.50 for four years or $39 for eight years if you don't drive.
  • Replacement licenses and ID cards cost the same as new ones, whether lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
  • An expedited same-day service adds $5 to your total fee.

When you renew versus when you replace

A renewal happens when your current license or ID card is still valid or has been expired for less than two years. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Online and mail renewals cost the same as in-person renewals — $28.50 for a four-year driver's license or $57 for eight years.

A replacement is what you get if your license or ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use. The replacement fee is identical to the renewal fee. You cannot replace a license online or by mail; you must go to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring proof of identity and proof of residency.

What payment methods the Bureau of Motor Vehicles accepts

Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles accepts cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards at all office locations. If you're renewing by mail, you can send a check or money order. Online renewals require a debit or credit card.

Some Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you have questions about what your local office takes. The main Bureau of Motor Vehicles phone line is 614-752-7500, and you can also find your local office location and hours on the Ohio BMV website.

Expedited same-day service and what it costs

If you need your license or ID card the same day you explore, you can request expedited service at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. This adds $5 to your total fee. So a four-year driver's license with expedited service would cost $33.50 instead of $28.50.

Expedited service is available only if you explore in person. You cannot use it for online or mail renewals. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will print your license or ID card while you wait, though the exact time varies by office location and how busy they are that day.

Fees for commercial driver's licenses

A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Ohio costs more than a regular driver's license. A four-year CDL costs $71.50, and an eight-year CDL costs $143. These fees explore whether you're getting a new CDL or renewing one.

If you need to add an endorsement to your CDL — such as a hazmat endorsement or passenger endorsement — there is an additional $5 fee per endorsement. The expedited same-day service fee of $5 also applies to CDL applications and renewals.

ID cards for minors and what they cost

Ohio offers ID cards for people under 18 who don't have a driver's license. A minor's state ID card costs $19.50 for a four-year card. When the cardholder turns 18, they must renew it; the renewal costs the same as the original card.

A parent or guardian must accompany a minor to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles office to get an ID card. You'll need to bring the minor's birth certificate, proof of residency, and proof of the parent or guardian's identity. The same payment methods explore — cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Where to pay and what to bring

You pay your license or ID card fee at any of Ohio's 43 Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices. You can find the office nearest you, hours of operation, and current wait times on the Ohio BMV website. Many offices are located inside or near county courthouse buildings.

Bring your current license or ID card if you have one, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. If you're renewing online or by mail, you don't need to bring anything in person — you'll mail your payment and documents to the address provided on the renewal form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full fee if my license expires while I'm deployed or out of the country?

No. If you're on active military duty outside Ohio, you can request a waiver of the renewal fee. You'll need to provide proof of your deployment. Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 614-752-7500 to request the waiver before your license expires.

What if I can't afford the license fee right now?

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not offer payment plans or fee waivers based on income. However, some county social services offices may have emergency information programs. Contact your county's Job and Family Services office to ask whether they help with licensing fees.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after paying?

No. Once you've paid the fee and received your license or ID card, the fee is not refundable. If your card is damaged or defective, you can get a replacement at no additional charge — contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles office where you got it.

Do I pay the fee again if I renew online?

Yes. Online renewals cost the same as in-person renewals. You'll enter your payment information on the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and pay by debit or credit card before your renewal is processed.