As of July 2, 2018, an Ohio drivers license renewal application may be used to obtain a REAL ID compliant card. Residents have the choice to renew their standard license or upgrade to the new version. Eligibility requirements differ for each type of card. The OH DMV does not allow applicants to renew drivers licenses online or by mail, although there are some exceptions. Resident must apply in person at a DMV office.

DMV license renewal fees must be paid in full at a local Deputy Registrar License Agency. Eligible out-of-state applicants may submit a renewal by mail. Restrictions apply. Although license renewals may be performed at any time prior to the expiration date, early submissions may result in your license being valid for a shorter period of time. Continuing reading below for more information.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Ohio

Drivers license renewal applications may only be submitted if the card is valid or has been expired for less than six months.

If the driver does not present his or her current license to the DMV, the following documents must be provided instead:

• Proof of your legal name, such as a United States passport
• Proof of your date of birth, such as a United States birth certificate
• Proof of Social Security Number, if applicable
• Proof of residency in Ohio, such as a bank statement
• Proof or legal presence, such as a United States passport
• Proof of legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, if applicable

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Ohio

A DMV license renewal cannot be performed if the card has been expired for more six months. Residents must apply for a new license and take all appropriate tests.

While most residents may renew their licenses several months in advance, drivers under the age of 21 cannot submit a renewal more than 30 days before their birthday.

How early can you renew your drivers license in Ohio?

A drivers license renewal application may be submitted at any point before the expiration date. However, an early renewal may affect the length of time the new license is valid. For example, a DMV license renewal submitted more than 90 days before the expiration date will be valid for three years. However, if a DMV renewal is submitted within 90 days of the license’s expiration date, the new card will last for four years.

Where to Renew Drivers Licenses in Ohio

Renewals must be competed at a drivers license office and cannot be submitted online or by mail. Certain allowances are granted to out-of-state residents. In all other cases, applicants must visit a Deputy Registrar License Agency to renew their credentials.

How do I renew my drivers license in person?

An OH DMV license renewal must be completed at a Deputy Registrar License Agency. Depending on the type of license you are renewing, you may be required to bring additional paperwork. Follow the below steps to renew a standard Ohio license.

1. Visit your local Deputy Registrar License Agency.
2. Present your current OH drivers license.
3. Provide proof of identity, if applicable. If you do not present your current drivers license, you must submit;
   1. Proof of legal name
   2. Proof of SSN
   3. Proof of residency
   4. Proof of legal presence
   5. Proof of date of birth
4. Pay the drivers license renewal fee.

Military & Out of State Drivers License Renewals in Ohio

Eligible out-of-state residents may submit a drivers license renewal packet to the OH DMV by mail. However, applicants must meet the following requirements to apply:

• They must have an Ohio address on record.
• They must be a citizen of the United States or present valid permanent residency documents.
• They cannot be downgrading from a commercial license to a Class D license.
• They cannot submit a DMV license renewal for a suspended or cancelled license.
• They cannot be incarcerated.

If you are eligible, you may request a renewal packet by emailing the OH DMV or calling 614-752-7600. Applicants must return the drivers license renewal packet within 180 days of the license’s expiration date. While the renewal packet may be sent to an Ohio address, the new license must be mailed to the out-of-state address listed on the application.

Military members with an expired drivers license may be exempt from taking additional knowledge and driving tests. Applicants are only exempt if they:

• Have been on active duty and submit a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).
• Have been honorably discharged and submit a certificate confirming that they are safe to operate a vehicle.
• Had a valid drivers license when entering active duty.

Applicants must submit a DMV license renewal application within six months of returning from active service. A military DD214 form must also be provided. Vision tests may be required.

Ohio REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

Drivers license renewal applications may be used to obtain REAL ID compliant cards. Federally compliant cards will be the only type of license accepted on domestic flights after October 1, 2020. Although the upgrade is not mandatory, residents are encouraged to buy compliant cards if they do not plan to travel using a passport. If you wish to upgrade your credentials when submitting a DMV license renewal application, you may do so by following the below steps:

1. Visit your local Deputy Registrar License Agency.
2. Present your OH DMV license.
3. Provide proof of identity, if applicable. If you do not present your current drivers license, you must submit:
   1. Proof of legal name, such as a current Ohio ID card.
   2. Proof of SSN, if applicable.
   3. Proof of residency in two forms. Documents, such as a mortgage statement or school transcript are acceptable forms of proof.
   4. Proof of legal presence, such as a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) document or a United States passport.
   5. Proof of date of birth, such as a United States birth certificate or a permanent resident card.
4. Pay the REAL ID DMV license renewal fee.

Ohio Drivers License Renewal Fees

The OH DMV accepts cash, checks, money orders and credit cards. A transaction fee of $3.50 may be applied to your order.

See below for a breakdown of the state’s licensing costs.

• Drivers License Renewal $25.75
• Vision Screening $2.75
• Lamination Fee $1.50

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