Don Petit, Registrar with the Ohio Bureau of Motor vehicles in Columbus, explained 'for a standard license, if you have an existing card already and you were just looking to renew it, all you. Ohio is one of 13 states that require drivers to renew in person. The state requires an eye exam and new photo with every renewal. Bohrer said the state has not discussed changing the policy.

COVID-19 Effects on Licensing Services

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state DMVs nationwide have closed driver licensing offices, extended license and registration expiration dates, and/or limited the transactions they are processing. If possible, residents should use the BMV's online services to complete any relevant transactions. Follow the BMV's most recent updates for the latest information.

Renew Your Ohio Driver's License

If you need to operate your vehicle in Ohio, you'll be required to hold a valid OH driver's license. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is the agency that will process your driver's license renewals.

On this page you'll find complete details about renewing your driver's license in Ohio. If you need information about a different type of driver's license or permit, please refer to any the following links:

Ohio REAL ID Driver's License

The OH BMV issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to non-compliant licenses. As of October 1, 2021, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.

You have the choice to apply for a non-compliant license or upgrade to a REAL ID license—we'll walk you through the requirements below. For more detail, visit the BMV's guide to REAL IDs.

When to Renew Your OH Driver's License

NOTE: If you need to update your address with the OH BMV, you may want to handle this before you renew your driver's license. For more information, please see our Changing Your Address page.

You can renew your Ohio Class D (operator) driver's license any time before it expires. However, if you do so more than 90 days in advance, your OH driver's license will be valid for 3 years instead of the usual 4 years.

If you're younger than 21 years old, your Ohio driver's license will be valid until your 21st birthday, no matter when you initially received it. You may renew your driver's license within 30 days of turning 21 years old.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License

If you misplaced your OH driver's license and it is close to expiring, you may have the option of renewing it instead of applying for a replacement. To verify, contact your local OH driver's license office.

For more information about how to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license in Ohio, please read our page about Replacing a Lost License.

Expired License

If your license has already expired, the Ohio BMV gives you up to 6 months after it expires to renew it without having to re-start the entire driver's licensing process.

If you're not sure if your driver's license is expired or would like to check the status of your license, you can always obtain a copy of your Ohio driving record.

If your driver's license has been expired for more than 6 months, you will be required to re-apply for a new license. This means applying for an instruction permit and passing a road test.

Renew Your Ohio Driver's License

You must renew your OH driver's license inperson at any local Ohio DPS office.

The only exceptions are if you're a member of the military or a civilian temporarily living outside of Ohio (see “ Out-of-State OH Residents and Military' below).

You'll need to:

• Submit your current driver's license.
  • If you have a non-compliant license and you wish to upgrade to a REAL ID license, bring all required REAL ID documents with you.
  • If you're unable to provide your license, you'll need to re-submit all of your identity and residency documents.
• Pass a vision test.
• Submit payment for the $27.25 renewal fee.
  • See “Fees to Renew Your Ohio Driver's License' below for accepted payment methods.

NOTE: If you have changed your name since you last renewed your driver's license, you will be required to bring additional documentation. Visit our Changing Your Name page for more details.

If you need to check the status of your license renewal, you can do so by contacting the OH BMV.

Out-of-State OH Residents & Military

Driver License Renewal Locations

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you're temporarily living outside the state, the Ohio BMV does offer mail renewals as a courtesy. You'll be sent a mail renewal packet, which you must complete and return. Call (844) 644-6268, email the BMV or request a Live Chat for more detailed instructions.

Ohio Driver's License Renewal Locations

If you're an active-duty military member stationed out of state, visit the Ohio BMV website.

Ohio Drivers License Renewal Cost

Fees to Renew Your Ohio Driver's License

The fee to renew your OH driver's license is $27.25.

Ohio Driver's License Renewal Requirements

Ohio BMV offices accept payment by:

• Cash.
• Check.
• Money order.
• Credit card.