Ohio drivers can renew their license in person or by mail. Although a new law recently made online renewals legal in Ohio, you won’t be able to use the online renewal system until summer of 2022. All methods of renewal require $27.75 in fees and you can expect your new license by mail in about 10 days.

Nobody likes going to the DMV, but nobody likes the consequences of driving with an expired license either. Getting caught could result in fines or jail time. Don’t delay- get your license taken care of before your renewal deadline

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When to renew your driver’s license in Ohio

Look for your license’s expiration date on the front of your card, right next to where the license class is listed.

You can renew your license when it is set to expire in six months or less. When you renew changes the length of time your current license is valid for:

If you renew more than 90 days before the expiration date, then your new license will expire in 3 years

If you renew within 90 days of the expiration date, then your new license will expire in 4 years

There are special rules for drivers who are under 21. At most, you’ll be able to renew 30 days before your license expires—but you’ll also get an extra 30 days to complete your renewal if you miss your deadline.

MORE:

Driving without a license: What are the penalties?

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How to renew your driver’s license in Ohio

You may be able to renew your license by mail or in person, and the method you choose depends on your situation.

While Ohio legalized online driver’s license renewals in 2021, the online renewal system will be unavailable for a while longer.

Renew your license in person

Renewing in person is relatively easy as long as your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago. All you’ll have to do is bring your current license as identification and pass a vision test—no appointment necessary.

You will also need to bring cash, credit card, a check, or a money order to cover the $27.75 required to renew.

Things get more complicated if your license is more than six months out of date. You’ll need to bring additional documents to prove your:

Legal name

Date of birth

Social security number

Residency in Ohio

Citizenship or legal residency

Skip the added paperwork and make sure you renew your license early!

Renew your license by mail

Out-of-state residents can renew by mail. Your first step is requesting a packet from the Ohio BMV. You can do so by calling 844-644-6268 or sending an email through the BMV website.

You may be eligible for renewal by mail if:

You are only living out of state temporarily

Your license has yet to expire or has been expired for less than 6 months

You have an Ohio address on file with the BMV

Your license is not currently suspended

You are not in prison

Once you’ve received your packet, fill out all the information and return it with cash or a check that covers the renewal costs.

Renew your license online

Online renewal is coming to Ohio in July 2022. You will be able to renew your license online through the

Ohio BMV's portal

To be eligible for online renewal for an Ohio license, you must:

Be between the ages of 25 to 65

Have a current license issued in person

Have your photo on file with the BMV

As with all renewals, you can expect to pay $27.75 in renewal fees. Your new license will be mailed to you after the process is complete.

MORE:

Ohio car insurance laws

How long does it take to renew an Ohio driver’s license?

After you renew, you’ll get your new license in the mail within 10 business days.

MORE:

8 things to know about drivers license points

How to save money on car insurance in Ohio

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Is there a grace period for Ohio driver’s license renewal?

There’s a 60-day grace period to complete your renewal after your expiration date passes. Renewing after your grace period is up means that you’ll face extra penalties.

What about if I’m renewing my license after the grace period?

Renewing after your grace period is up will require you to get a temporary permit before your license can be renewed. You’ll also need to pass a written exam and a driver’s test.

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