What you need to do to renew in Ohio
Ohio lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a deputy registrar office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has already expired, you must go in person.
The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. By mail takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a deputy registrar is necessary only if your license has lapsed or if you need to update your address, name, or other information on the license itself.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at oplates.com if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address, name, or other identifying information.
- Online renewal costs $25.50 and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
- If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a deputy registrar office with a valid ID, proof of residence, and your Social Security number.
- By-mail renewal is an option for valid licenses but takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to mail in your old license and a completed form.
- Deputy registrar offices are located throughout Ohio counties and often have shorter wait times than Bureau of Motor Vehicles locations.
Renewing online through the Ohio BMV website
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website at oplates.com handles online renewals. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system checks your information against state records and confirms you are may be able to access to renew without visiting an office.
Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your legal name, address, or other information that appears on the license. If any of those details have changed, you must renew in person. The fee is $25.50, and Ohio will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
After you complete the online transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this for your records. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail with a paper form
If you prefer not to renew online, you can request a renewal form by calling the Ohio BMV at 614-752-7600 or by visiting a deputy registrar office in person. The form is also available on the BMV website. You will fill it out, include your current license, and mail everything to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $25.50.
Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the form. This method works for licenses that are still valid and when you have no changes to your personal information.
One drawback: you will be without your physical license during the renewal process. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you should renew online or in person instead.
Renewing in person at a deputy registrar office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you have changed your name or address, or if you want to update your photo. Deputy registrar offices are scattered throughout Ohio's counties and typically have shorter wait times than the main Bureau of Motor Vehicles locations. You can find the office nearest you on the BMV website by entering your county or zip code.
Bring a valid photo ID (your expired license counts), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The fee is $25.50, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is usually issued on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices are less crowded on weekday mornings or early afternoons. Some deputy registrars accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment online through the BMV website.
What to do if your license has expired
An expired Ohio license cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a deputy registrar office or a Bureau of Motor Vehicles location in person. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: a valid photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number.
The process is the same as a regular renewal, and the fee remains $25.50. However, some offices may require you to retake your photo or pass a vision test if your license has been expired for a long time — policies vary by location. Call ahead to the office you plan to visit to ask what they require for an expired license.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you have moved or legally changed your name since your last license was issued, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a deputy registrar office or Bureau of Motor Vehicles location in person. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days) and, if you changed your name, a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the legal change.
The fee is still $25.50. Your new license will reflect your updated information and will be issued on the spot or mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you are moving out of state, you will need to get a new license in your new state; Ohio will not mail a license to an out-of-state address.
How long your renewed license is valid
An Ohio driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. When you renew, your new license will be good for eight years from that renewal date. You will receive a notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, reminding you to renew.
If you are over 65 years old, your license is valid for four years instead of eight. This means you will renew more frequently, but the process is the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Ohio license if I live out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address or name. However, Ohio will not mail a renewed license to an out-of-state address. If you have moved out of state, you should get a license in your new state instead of renewing in Ohio.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
A lost license is a replacement, not a renewal, and requires an in-person visit to a deputy registrar or BMV office. Bring a valid photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. The fee for a replacement is $25.50, the same as renewal.
How do I know which deputy registrar office is closest to me?
Visit the Ohio BMV website and use the office locator tool. Enter your county or zip code, and it will show you all nearby deputy registrar locations, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments. Many offices let you schedule online.
What happens if I renew online but my information was wrong?
Contact the Ohio BMV at 614-752-7600 before your new license arrives. If there is an error, they can cancel the online renewal and you can start over. Once your new license arrives, you can visit a deputy registrar to correct any mistakes on the physical license.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not for online or mail renewal — your photo from your current license carries over. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo unless your current license photo is recent and acceptable. Ask the deputy registrar when you arrive.