Quick answer: You can easily renew your driver’s license in Ohio by visiting BMV.Ohio.gov and clicking the “DL/ID Renewal Link.” Complete the application, upload the required documents, and pay the renewal fee.
Once you earn the privilege to drive in Ohio, it's important to maintain a valid license. If you let your license expire, you might be in a situation where you have to start the licensing process over again. Here is the information you'll need to renew your driver's license in Ohio.
When to Renew Your Ohio License
Ohio driver’s licenses expire every four or eight years. If your license is current, you can renew it any time before the expiration date. If it’s been expired for less than six months, the process is the same.
What if I’m Under 21?
If you’re under age 21, your Ohio driver’s license expires on your 21st birthday, regardless of when you first got your license. You cannot renew your license more than 30 days before your 21st birthday. You’ll also have a 30-day window after your birthday to complete the renewal.
Don’t forget to renew your license, or you could run into problems. Mark your calendar so it doesn’t slip your mind after your exciting 21st birthday extravaganza.
Documents You’ll Need for Ohio License Renewal
When renewing your Ohio license, you can choose either a Compliant Card or a Standard Card. Compliant Cards require you to provide more identification documents, but they meet the requirements for flying on a commercial airline and accessing military bases and other federal facilities.
When applying for a Compliant Card, you’ll need to prove your:
Full legal name
Social Security number
Date of birth
Ohio street address
Legal presence in the U.S.
The Ohio BMV provides a detailed list of acceptable documents for Compliant Card renewal. Review this before you start the renewal process.
If you prefer not to provide additional documentation, you can get a Standard Card by simply providing your current driver’s license. However, you’ll need to present a valid passport in addition to your driver’s license any time you want to fly on a commercial airline or access a federal facility or military base.
What if I Want to Renew in Person?
There are several places to renew your license in person across Ohio — and not just in large cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. According to the BMV's service location finder, there are 176 deputy registrar license agencies in Ohio.
In some of the most populated counties, you’ll find multiple Ohio BMV locations. Here’s a partial list.
Columbus BMV Locations
1583 Alum Creek Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43209
4503 Kenny Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
5332 Westpointe Plaza Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43228
Cincinnati BMV Locations
4566 Montgomery Road, Suite 23, Cincinnati, Ohio 45212
11177 Reading Road, Suite 203, Sharonville, Ohio 45241
3218 West Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45239
138 E. Court St, Room 100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
5694 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45248
Cleveland BMV Locations
2765 East 55th Street, Suite 4, Cleveland, Ohio 4410
2173 South Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
What Happens if You Don’t Renew Your License on Time?
If your license expired more than six months ago, you'll have to jump through some hoops. First, you’ll need to apply for a temporary permit. Then, you’ll have to go through the entire testing process again before receiving a new driver’s license. This is a hassle you’re better off avoiding in the first place.
Keep in mind that it is illegal to drive with an expired license. So, do yourself a favor and renew your license before it expires. Driving with an expired license in Ohio is considered a misdemeanor, but the penalties get more severe for repeat offenses. If you are convicted twice, you may face up to six months of jail time and up to $1,000 in fines.
Updated 8/5/23