Driver License & ID Cards
Current Ohio License
Customers renewing their driver license can choose a Compliant Card or a Standard Card. The two options require different identity documents.
A driver license that is current or expired less than six months can be renewed at any deputy registrar license agency or online at any time before the expiration date.
- The driver license will expire in four years or eight years depending on applicant's choice and qualifications.
- Drivers turning 21 cannot renew more than 30 days before their birthday.
If an Ohio driver license that is current or expired less than six months is not presented for renewal, the applicant must provide proof of:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (if assigned)
- Ohio residency
- Citizenship or legal presence
If applicant requests a name change, he or she must provide proof of the change.
Go to our Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents and links to use our interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a deputy registrar agency.
Expired More Than Six Months
If the driver license is expired more than six months, a driver must obtain a temporary permit and successfully complete all required testing before a new driver license can be issued.
Under Age 21
An Ohio license issued to a driver under 21 years of age expires on the driver’s 21st birthday. Drivers turning 21 cannot renew more than 30 days before their birthday.
Age 65 or Older
An Ohio license issued to a driver age 65 or over expires in four years. Drivers age 65 or over are not eligible to apply for a license that expires in eight years.
Ohio Revised Code: 4507.09, 4507.10
Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-1-19, 4501:1-1-21, 4501:1-1-22
Temporarily Out-of-State
If an Ohio resident is temporarily located outside of Ohio, an out-of-state duplicate or renewal packet may be processed if the driver possesses an Ohio driver license and meets the following criteria:
- Must have an Ohio address on BMV record
- If not a citizen, must be a permanent resident and present documentation to verify valid USCIS I-551 status
- Cannot be a CDL holder unless wanting to downgrade to a class D operator license
- Cannot be suspended or subject to any warrant blocks
- Cannot be incarcerated
If the license is expired less than 180 days, renewal packets may be mailed to the address listed on the provided self-addressed envelope. The packet may be sent in care of someone with an Ohio address, but the license itself must be mailed to the applicant at an out-of-state address.
When mailing the packet back to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), it must be postmarked within 180 days of the driver license expiration date.
How to Request
- Renew DL/ID Online (Eligibility Depending)
- Chat with a Live BMV Agent
- Call the Ohio BMV at 844-644-6268
- Email the BMV
If you are not eligible to renew or request a duplicate credential online, provide your license number and mailing address to the Ohio BMV and request that a renewal packet be mailed to you. Any request made via email may have a delay due to processing times.
Military/Volunteer
Military members renewing an Ohio driver license expired more than six months are exempt from knowledge and driving tests if they:
- Have been on active duty in the United States military and present a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).
- Present an honorable discharge certificate indicating no physical or mental disabilities affect driving ability.
- Had an Ohio driver license at the start of active duty and hold an expired out-of-state license while still on active duty or within six months of discharge date.
- Apply no later than six months after the date of discharge or separation and present a DD214.
- Hold an expired out-of-state license while still on active duty or within six months of discharge date.
Volunteer/Military Spouse or Dependent
To renew a driver license, members of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, U.S. Department of State Foreign Service, or applicants who are the spouse or dependent of a military member must:
- Present evidence of service indicating no physical or mental disabilities affect driving ability.
- Have had an Ohio driver license when service began.
- Apply no later than six months after leaving service or no later than six months from the date the military spouse or guardian was honorably discharged.
A vision screening is required.
Where Do I Go?
- For renewal, please visit our online military transactions page.
- For testing, visit any driver exam station in Ohio.
- For issuance, visit any deputy registrar license agency in Ohio.
Ohio Revised Code: 4507.10 (C & D)
USCIS – SAVE Verification
Ohio and federal law require each state to verify an individual's immigration status through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services SAVE verification system. For more information about verification, visit USCIS – SAVE Verification.