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How to Renew Your Ohio Driver’s License: A Complete Guide

Learn how to renew your Ohio driver's license. Discover the process, required documents, fees, and online renewal options for a smooth experience.

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Drivers have a responsibility to ensure their license remains valid. Driving with an expired license can lead to fines or even jail time. If you have an Ohio driver's license, keeping it up to date is crucial. In Ohio, your license expires every four or eight years, depending on your last renewal, and you can renew in person at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), online, or by mail.

Here, we break down how to renew an Ohio driver's license, including the eligibility requirements, required documents, fees, and tips for a smooth experience.

Eligibility and Timing for Ohio Driver's License Renewal

Depending on your last renewal, your Ohio driver's license will expire on your birthday, either four or eight years after license renewal. If you have a current driver's license or one that expires in less than six months, you may renew at a deputy registrar license agency or online any time before the expiration date. However, drivers turning 21 cannot renew more than 30 days before their birthday, and drivers over 65 may only renew their license for four years, not eight.

If a driver's license has been expired for more than six months, a driver must get a temporary license permit and complete all required testing to ensure understanding of the Ohio driver's handbook before they may apply for license reinstatement.

You can check your current license status at the Ohio BMV website.

Required Documents for License Renewal

If you have a valid license or one that expired less than six months ago, you may renew into a Real ID-compliant license card or a standard card. Compliant cards meet national travel security requirements; standard ones do not. Each option requires different identity documents.

A compliant card requires:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Legal presence in the U.S.
  • Social Security number
  • Two proofs of residency
  • Proof of name change (if applicable)

The full list of acceptable documents can be found here.

A standard card requires the same documentation, except only one proof of Ohio address is acceptable. However, the list of acceptable documents is slightly different and may be found here.

Available Renewal Methods: Online, In-Person, and By Mail

You can opt for the Ohio driver's license renewal online at the BMV website, go through the Ohio BMV driver's license renewal process at a deputy registrar license agency, or renew by mail.

Step-by-Step Guide to Online License Renewal

The Ohio driver's license renewal process is very easy online. The process looks like this:

  1. Visit the Ohio BMV website
  2. Click DL/ID/CDL Renewal
  3. Upload necessary documentation and answer questions
  4. Submit and pay the $27.25 or $53.40 renewal fee
  5. Receive your license in the mail

That's it! It should take just a few minutes, provided you have proof of identity or any additional documentation you need for special circumstances.

Understanding Ohio Driver's License Renewal Fees

Ohio has standard renewal fees for passenger licenses, but they vary by type. A standard renewal costs $27.25 for four years or $53.40 for eight years. Motorcycle renewals cost $24.50 for four years or $48 for eight years. Duplicate licenses cost $26.

First Operator Licenses have different fees, and age 16 licenses cost $25.75. For a complete list of fees by age, visit the Ohio BMV website.

Special Scenarios: Expired Licenses and Updating Information

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you can't use the online service. You must get your license in person, but only after you've obtained a temporary permit and completed the required testing. Only then can you renew a driver's license in Ohio.

You can update information on your license, such as a move or name change, on the BMV website. Simply complete a change of address or change of name form online and provide proof to support the claim. The state will then send you a new license.

Helpful Resources for Ohio License Renewals

The Ohio BMV provides many useful resources to streamline the license renewal process. If you're unsure how to renew a driver's license in Ohio, visit the BMV website to answer your questions and begin the process.

Protect Your Driving Future: Explore Car Insurance Options Today

Making sure that your driver's license is always valid is incredibly important. Failure to do so may result in late fees, fines, or even jail time if you're very negligent. It's equally important to have car insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements and keeps you protected in the event of an accident.

Use EverQuote's comparison tools to shop coverages and find the best option for your situation and budget.

FAQs

Can I renew my Ohio driver's license online?
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Yes, visit the Ohio BMV website to get started.
What documents do I need for the new Ohio driver's license?
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To get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license in Ohio, you need documentation that shows your full legal name and date of birth and proves your legal presence in the United States. You'll also need proof of Social Security number and two proofs of Ohio residency. Documents like a valid U.S. Passport check many of these boxes, but you can find the full list of acceptable documents here.
What documents do I need to renew my Ohio State ID?
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To renew an Ohio state ID, you'll need many of the same documents as you would for a REAL ID-compliant license. And you'll still need to prove your legal name, date of birth, and lawful residence. However, the list of acceptable documents — found here — is slightly different.
How long can you have an expired driver's license in Ohio?
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Ohio does not offer a grace period for expired licenses. Driving with an expired license may result in citations or fines. However, you have six months to renew the license before it's suspended, and you have to apply for a temporary permit and reinstatement.