What you need to do to renew in Ohio
Ohio lets you renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has restrictions or endorsements that require an in-person visit. Most people can complete the entire process without going to an office, though some situations require you to show up in person.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. That notice contains your renewal code, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew, but you will need to provide your Social Security number and other identifying information instead.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio sends a renewal notice 45 days before expiration; use the renewal code on that notice to renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- If your license has a commercial endorsement, hazmat endorsement, or certain medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a BMV office.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so renewing early avoids the rush near the expiration date.
- The renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license; payment is by debit or credit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal.
Online renewal through the Ohio BMV website
The fastest way to renew is through the Ohio BMV website at bmv.ohio.gov. You will need your renewal code from your notice, your driver license number, and your date of birth. The site will ask you to confirm your address and choose your license term — four years or eight years — then pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card.
After you submit, the BMV prints your new license and mails it to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue to drive while you wait. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal at a BMV office issues it the same day, though you will need to wait in line.
Online renewal works only if your license does not have a commercial endorsement, hazmat endorsement, or certain medical restrictions. If you are unsure whether your license qualifies, check your current license card — endorsements appear as letters or codes in the "Endorsements" field. If you have any, you must renew in person.
Mail renewal with a check or money order
To renew by mail, print the renewal form from the BMV website or request one by calling the BMV at 614-752-7500. Fill out the form, include your renewal code, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your form. Because mail delivery is unpredictable, send your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires. Include a return address so the BMV can send your new license back to you. If your mail is lost, the BMV can reissue your license, but that adds time and may require a second fee.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal — your license cannot have a commercial endorsement, hazmat endorsement, or certain medical restrictions. If your license has any of those, you must go to a BMV office in person.
In-person renewal at a BMV office
Visit any BMV office with your current driver license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 30 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photocopy alone is not accepted.
In-person renewal is required if your license has a commercial endorsement, hazmat endorsement, or certain medical restrictions. It is also the fastest way to get a new license — the BMV issues it on the spot, usually within an hour of your visit. You will pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by debit or credit card, depending on the office.
Most BMV offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the BMV website before you go. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which lets you reserve a time slot and skip the walk-in line. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a BMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The BMV will process your renewal as an expired renewal, which takes the same amount of time as a regular renewal but requires an in-person visit.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ohio, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but that does not may provide you will avoid a ticket. Renew before your license expires to stay legal and avoid the hassle of an expired renewal.
License term options and cost
When you renew, you choose between a four-year license and an eight-year license. A four-year license costs $28.50 and an eight-year license costs $57. The eight-year option costs more upfront but spreads the cost over twice as long, so your annual cost is lower. Choose based on what works for your budget and how often you want to renew.
If you are over 65 years old, Ohio offers a reduced-cost renewal. A four-year license for seniors costs $14.25 and an eight-year license costs $28.50. You must renew in person at a BMV office to receive the senior discount — online and mail renewal do not offer it.
Address changes and name changes during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address during renewal. Online and mail renewal both let you confirm or change your address. Your new license will be mailed to the new address you provide. If you do not update your address, your license will still be valid, but it will show your old address.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a BMV office. Bring your current driver license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Ohio lets you renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid the rush near the expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date one or two years from the date you renew, depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year term.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or by mail without the renewal code. Instead of the code, provide your driver license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The BMV will verify your identity and process your renewal. If you are renewing in person, just bring your current license and proof of residency.
How long does my current license stay valid while I wait for the new one?
Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even after you have submitted a renewal process. You can drive legally while you wait for your new license to arrive. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to the BMV.
What if my new license arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the BMV at 614-752-7500 or visit a BMV office with your damaged or incorrect license. The BMV can reissue your license at no additional cost if the error was made by the BMV. If the damage was caused by you, a replacement fee may explore.
Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?
For online and mail renewal, the BMV uses your photo from your current license. You do not need to take a new photo unless your current license photo is more than eight years old or you are renewing in person at a BMV office, where a new photo is taken as part of the process.