What you need to do to renew in Ohio
Ohio lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a deputy registrar office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Mail and online renewals are faster and don't require a trip, but you can only use them if your license hasn't expired more than six months ago and you haven't had certain violations or address changes.
If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person. The same applies if you've had a suspension, if you need to update your address, or if you want a Real ID-compliant license (which requires an in-person visit and additional documents). Most people who renew on time can use mail or online, which takes about two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew by mail or online if your license expired less than six months ago and you have no suspensions or address changes.
- In-person renewal at a deputy registrar is required if your license expired more than six months ago or if you need a Real ID license.
- Mail renewal costs $28.50 and takes about two weeks; online renewal costs $28.50 and is processed within days.
- You'll need your current license, proof of residency, and a valid Social Security number to renew by any method.
- Real ID licenses require an in-person visit and documents like a birth certificate, passport, or proof of residency.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you need your current Ohio driver's license, a completed Form DL 43 (the renewal form), and a check or money order for $28.50 made out to "Treasurer, State of Ohio." You can read Form DL 43 from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website or request it by calling 614-752-7500.
Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you've moved and need to update your address, you cannot use mail renewal—you must go in person.
Renewing online
Ohio's online renewal system is available through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $28.50. Online renewal is processed within a few business days, and your new license ships to your address on file.
Online renewal has the same restrictions as mail renewal: your license cannot have expired more than six months ago, you cannot have had a suspension or restriction, and you cannot need an address change. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a deputy registrar
Deputy registrars are county offices that handle license renewals and other BMV transactions. You can find the office nearest you on the Ohio BMV website by entering your county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online reservation system—check your local office's page before you go.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The fee is $28.50 for a standard renewal. You'll receive your new license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office. If you need a Real ID license, bring additional documents: an original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport, or a passport card.
Real ID licenses and what they require
A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. Starting in 2025, you'll need a Real ID license or another acceptable ID to board domestic flights. You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online—you must visit a deputy registrar in person.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days), and one of the following: an original or certified birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, or a consular report of birth abroad. The fee is $28.50, the same as a standard renewal. Processing takes a few days, and you'll receive your new license in person or by mail depending on the office.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than six months
If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must go to a deputy registrar office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The fee remains $28.50. You'll be treated as a renewal applicant rather than a new applicant, which is faster than explore for a license from scratch.
If your license has been expired for several years, the process is the same—you still renew rather than reapply. However, if your license was suspended or revoked (not just expired), you'll need to resolve that issue first. Contact the BMV at 614-752-7500 to find out whether your license has any holds or restrictions before you visit an office.
Fees and what to expect after you renew
Ohio driver's license renewals cost $28.50 regardless of the method. This fee covers a four-year renewal. You do not pay extra for mail or online processing. If you renew in person and need a Real ID license, the cost is still $28.50—there is no additional Real ID fee in Ohio.
After you renew, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks if you renewed by mail or online. If you renewed in person, you may receive it on the spot or by mail within a few days. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You can check the status of a mail or online renewal on the Ohio BMV website using your license number and Social Security number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Ohio license if I've moved out of state?
No. You must be an Ohio resident to renew an Ohio license. If you've moved, you need to get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Ohio license by mail or in person at a deputy registrar office.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You'll need to visit a deputy registrar in person and bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office can look up your license number in the system. The fee is still $28.50.
How long does an Ohio driver's license last?
Ohio driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to six months before expiration, which gives you time to plan ahead.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No. Mail and online renewals use your existing photo. If you renew in person, the deputy registrar may take a new photo, but it's not required unless your current photo is damaged or you request one. Real ID renewals always include a new photo taken in person.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed. You must visit a deputy registrar in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.