Where to go and what you need to bring

To replace your Ohio driver's license, you must visit a Deputy Registrar office in person. Ohio does not allow you to replace a license by mail or online. The Deputy Registrar is a local office authorized by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to handle license transactions — you can find the one nearest you by searching the BMV website or calling your county's office.

Bring your current license if you still have it, or a government-issued photo ID if your license is lost or stolen. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works), proof of your current Ohio address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If your license was lost or stolen, you should report it to the Deputy Registrar when you arrive. If it was damaged, bring the damaged card with you. The office will take a new photo and issue a replacement on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on the office's processing speed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Deputy Registrar office in person — Ohio does not process license replacements by mail or online.
  • Bring a government photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of any legal name changes.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, tell the Deputy Registrar when you arrive so they can note it in the system.
  • A replacement license costs between $15 and $25 depending on how long you want it to be valid, and you may receive it the same day or within two weeks.

Cost and validity period

Ohio charges different fees depending on how long you want your replacement license to last. A license valid for four years costs $15; a license valid for eight years costs $25. You choose the length when you explore, and the fee is non-refundable.

If you are under 21, your license will be valid for four years and costs $15. If you are 21 or older, you can choose either four or eight years. Some people choose the shorter term if they expect their address or appearance to change soon, or if they want to renew sooner for other reasons.

How to find your nearest Deputy Registrar

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles maintains a searchable list of Deputy Registrar offices on its website at bmv.ohio.gov. You can search by county or city to find the office closest to you, along with its hours and phone number. Many offices are located in county courthouses, public libraries, or standalone BMV buildings.

Call ahead before you go. Some offices require you to make an appointment, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Hours vary by location — some are open evenings or Saturdays, while others close by mid-afternoon. Calling first saves you a trip if the office is closed or has a long wait.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your Ohio license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation with the BMV or the court that issued it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or driving under the influence convictions.

Contact the BMV directly at 614-752-7600 or visit a Deputy Registrar to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. In many cases, you will need to pay fines, complete a remedial course, or wait out a suspension period before you can get a new license. The Deputy Registrar cannot issue a replacement until your record is clear.

Replacing a license that expired while you were out of state

If you lived outside Ohio and your Ohio license expired, you can renew it at a Deputy Registrar instead of replacing it, which is usually faster and cheaper. Bring your expired license, proof of your current Ohio address, and your Social Security proof. The office will issue a new license without requiring a new photo or vision test if your license has been expired for less than six months.

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you will need a new photo and may need to pass a vision test. The Deputy Registrar can tell you which requirements explore to your situation when you call or visit.

Getting a duplicate if you need multiple copies

Ohio allows you to request a duplicate license at the same time you replace your original. A duplicate costs an additional $5 and is useful if you want to keep one in a safe place while carrying the other. Both the original and duplicate are valid for driving and identification.

Tell the Deputy Registrar that you want a duplicate when you explore for your replacement. They will take one photo and issue both cards. If you later decide you want a duplicate of a license you already have, you can return to any Deputy Registrar and request one without replacing the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I don't have a current address?

No. Ohio requires proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days. If you are homeless or living temporarily, contact the BMV at 614-752-7600 to ask about alternative documentation. Some offices may accept a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or trusted person who can verify your address.

What if I lost my Social Security card and can't find another proof of my number?

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or a letter stating your number. You can also use a W-2, 1099, or tax return that shows your number. The Deputy Registrar will accept any of these as proof.

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

Most Deputy Registrar offices mail replacement licenses within one to two weeks. Some offices issue them the same day if you pay an extra fee for expedited service. Call your local office to ask whether they offer same-day service and what the cost is.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

It depends on the office. Some Deputy Registrars require appointments, while others take walk-ins. Call ahead or check the BMV website for your specific office's policy. Making an appointment usually means a shorter wait.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Deputy Registrar will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name on it.