What you need to know before you start
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 what type of license you hold. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Ohio sends renewal notices to your address on file about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio offers three renewal paths: online through the BMV website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a deputy registrar office.
- Online and mail renewals cost $28.50 and take five to ten business days; in-person renewals cost $28.50 and are processed when ready.
- You must renew in person if your license is suspended, if you have a commercial driver's license, or if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal.
- Your current license must not be expired by more than six months to use online or mail renewal; if it is older than that, you must visit an office.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to start any renewal method.
Renewing online through the Ohio BMV website
The fastest way to renew is through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website at bmv.ohio.gov. Go to the "Renew a License" section and select "Renew Online." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to log in.
The system will ask you to confirm your current address and answer security questions based on your driving record. If your address has changed, you can update it during this step. Once you complete the form and pay the $28.50 fee with a debit or credit card, the state mails your new license to the address on file. The process takes five to ten business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, if you hold a commercial driver's license, or if your current license expired more than six months ago. If any of these explore, you must use mail renewal or visit a deputy registrar office in person.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
When Ohio mails your renewal notice, it includes a prepaid envelope and a form you can fill out by hand. Complete the form with your name, address, and signature exactly as they appear on your current license. Include the $28.50 fee as a check or money order—do not send cash. Mail everything back in the prepaid envelope provided.
Processing takes five to ten business days after the state receives your envelope. You can track your renewal status on the BMV website using your driver's license number. If you did not receive a renewal notice or lost it, you can request a new one by calling the BMV at 614-752-7500 or visiting a deputy registrar office.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot be expired by more than six months, you cannot have a suspended license, and you cannot hold a commercial driver's license. If your address has changed since your last renewal, mail renewal will still work, but the new license will be mailed to the address on your current license unless you call the BMV to update it first.
Renewing in person at a deputy registrar office
If you need to renew in person, find your nearest deputy registrar office on the BMV website by entering your county or city. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some do—check the office's page before you go. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
The fee is $28.50, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on the office. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot. You can drive home with your temporary license and expect your permanent license in the mail within five to ten business days.
You must renew in person if your license is suspended, if you hold a commercial driver's license, if your name has changed since your last renewal, or if your current license expired more than six months ago. You should also visit in person if you want to change your address and cannot wait for mail delivery to the old address.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can still use online or mail renewal. If it expired more than six months ago, you must visit a deputy registrar office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ohio, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. The safest approach is to visit a deputy registrar office as soon as possible if your license has expired.
Updating your address or name during renewal
If you have moved since your last renewal, you can update your address during the online or mail process. Online renewal will ask you to confirm or change your address before you submit. Mail renewal will send your new license to the address on your current license unless you call the BMV first to update it.
If your name has changed—through marriage, divorce, or legal petition—you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a deputy registrar office in person and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You must contact the BMV to find out why your license is suspended and resolve the issue before you can renew. Call 614-752-7500 or visit a deputy registrar office to learn the reason and what steps you need to take.
What if I do not receive my renewed license in the mail after two weeks?
Check the status of your renewal on the BMV website using your driver's license number. If the status shows it was mailed but you have not received it after 15 business days, call the BMV at 614-752-7500 to request a replacement or visit a deputy registrar office in person.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, the BMV uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person at a deputy registrar office, they will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo during online or mail renewal.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a deputy registrar office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
What if I moved out of state after my last renewal?
You should renew your Ohio license in person at a deputy registrar office and bring proof of your new out-of-state address. If you have moved permanently, you may want to switch to your new state's license instead. Contact your new state's DMV for their requirements.