Ohio driver's licenses expire on your birthday, four years after issue
Your Ohio driver's license expires on your birthday in the fourth year after you received it. If you got your license on March 15, 2021, it expires on March 15, 2025. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner.
The four-year cycle applies to standard driver's licenses for people 21 and older. Younger drivers and commercial license holders follow different timelines, which are covered below. Ohio does not send renewal reminders by mail or email, so marking your expiration date on a calendar is your responsibility.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their birthday or to get a new photo if their current one no longer looks like them. Renewing early does not change your next expiration date — it straightforward resets the four-year clock from the date you renew.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Ohio driver's licenses expire on your birthday, four years after you receive them, with the expiration date printed on the front of your card.
- You can renew up to one year before expiration, either online through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, by mail, or in person at a local deputy registrar office.
- Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ohio and can result in a minor misdemeanor charge, a fine, and points on your driving record.
- If your license has been expired for more than six months, you must pass the written test again; if expired longer than two years, you must pass both the written and road tests.
Different expiration timelines for younger and commercial drivers
If you are under 21, your license expires on your birthday two years after issue, not four. This shorter cycle reflects Ohio's graduated licensing system for new drivers. Once you turn 21, your next renewal will be on a four-year cycle.
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) expire on your birthday, four years after issue, the same as a standard license. However, CDL holders must also pass a medical examination every two years and carry a valid medical certificate. If your medical certificate expires before your CDL does, you cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle, even though your license card itself is still valid.
Temporary instruction permits (learner's permits) expire one year from the date of issue. If you hold a permit and do not pass your road test before expiration, you must reapply and pay the fee again.
How to renew before your license expires
Ohio offers three renewal methods: online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires you to complete form DL 43 (process for Operator's License or Commercial Driver's License), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. You can read form DL 43 from the Ohio BMV website or request it by phone.
In-person renewal at a deputy registrar office is necessary if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or are renewing after a suspension or revocation. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. Most offices can issue your new license the same day, though you may wait in line.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Ohio driver's license is a minor misdemeanor. If stopped by law enforcement, you face a fine of up to $150 and may receive points on your driving record. The officer may also impound your vehicle if you cannot show proof of a valid license.
An expired license also affects your insurance. If you are in an accident while driving with an expired license, your insurance company may deny your claim or cancel your policy. Some insurers will not even issue a policy to someone whose license is expired.
The consequences worsen if your license has been expired for an extended period. If expired for more than six months, you must pass the written test again to renew. If expired for more than two years, you must pass both the written test and the road test, as if you were a new driver.
Renewal fees and what they cover
The standard renewal fee for a four-year Ohio driver's license is $28.50. If you renew online or by mail, you pay only this fee. In-person renewal at a deputy registrar office may include an additional service fee charged by that office, typically $1 to $5.
The renewal fee covers a new plastic license card valid for four years. It does not include a new photo unless you request one in person. If you renew online or by mail, your new card will use your current photo from your previous license.
If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen) before your expiration date, the fee is $11. A duplicate uses your current photo and has the same expiration date as your original license.
Renewing after suspension, revocation, or lapse
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it online or by mail. You must appear in person at a deputy registrar office and bring documentation showing that the suspension or revocation has been lifted. This might include a letter from the court, proof of payment of fines, or completion of a required program.
If your license lapsed because you did not renew it and it has been expired for more than two years, the Ohio BMV treats it as if you never had a license. You must retake both the written and road tests and pay the full fee for a new license, not a renewal fee.
Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you accumulate too many points on your driving record or fail to pay child support. Before attempting to renew, contact the Ohio BMV at 614-752-7500 to confirm your license status and find out what steps you need to take.
Keeping track of your expiration date
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license card in the bottom right corner, next to the words "Expires." It is also visible on your license if you log into your Ohio BMV account online. You can create an account at the Ohio BMV website using your license number and date of birth.
Setting a phone reminder on your birthday or a few weeks before is a practical step. Many people set the reminder for one month before expiration to give themselves time to renew without rushing. If you renew online, you can do it from home at any time of day.
If you are unsure whether your license is still valid, you can check the Ohio BMV website or call 614-752-7500. Have your license number and date of birth ready. The BMV can tell you your exact expiration date and whether any suspensions or holds are on your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?
No. Once your license expires, it is no longer valid for driving. Driving with an expired license is a minor misdemeanor in Ohio. You should renew before your expiration date or not drive until you have renewed.
What if I miss my expiration date by a few weeks?
You can still renew, but the consequences depend on how long it has been expired. If fewer than six months have passed, you can renew online or by mail without retesting. If more than six months have passed, you must pass the written test. If more than two years have passed, you must pass both the written and road tests.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a deputy registrar?
Most deputy registrar offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check the Ohio BMV website to find the office nearest you and learn whether appointments are needed. Online and mail renewal do not require appointments.
Will my new license have a different number?
No. When you renew, your license number stays the same. Only the expiration date and photo (if you renew in person and request a new photo) change on your card.
What if I move out of Ohio before my license expires?
You should obtain a driver's license from your new state. Driving with an out-of-state license in Ohio is legal if you are a resident of that state, but once you establish residency in Ohio, you must obtain an Ohio license within 30 days.