Renewing your driver’s license in Ohio is an important step to stay legal on the road. The process is fairly Renewing your driver’s license in Ohio is an important step to stay legal on the road. The process is fairly simple, but the steps vary depending on your age, status, and whether you’re renewing online, in person, or as an international student. This guide breaks down everything you should know about Ohio driver’s license renewal.
When to Renew
- Licenses are typically valid for four or eight years.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires.
- If you’re under 21, your license expires on your 21st birthday. You have a 30-day window before or after that date to renew.
- If your license has been expired for less than six months, you can still renew.
- If it’s been expired for more than six months, you’ll need to start over with a permit and new tests.
Renewal Options
1. Online Renewal
The Ohio BMV lets many drivers renew online. To qualify, you’ll need:
- Your current license
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number
- A credit or debit card for payment
The process takes just a few minutes, and your new license will arrive in the mail.
2. In-Person Renewal
If you’re not eligible for online renewal, visit one of the 176+ deputy registrar offices across the state. Expect to:
- Bring required documents (license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and legal presence if applying for a compliant card)
- Take a vision test if needed
- Pay the renewal fee
- Get your photo taken and receive a temporary license until the permanent card arrives by mail
Standard vs. Compliant Card
Ohio offers two types of driver’s licenses:
- Standard Card – Works for driving and ID purposes but won’t be valid for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings after May 7, 2025.
- Compliant Card – REAL ID compliant and accepted for federal use. Requires extra documents, such as proof of legal name, Social Security number, birth date, legal presence, and Ohio street address.
Renewal Fees and Payments
Fees vary by license type. Payments are accepted by card online, at kiosks, or by cash, check, and card at in-person BMV offices. One place that can help you with a good process with access to these offices is legitcleandocs where they have access to many government websites as partnership.
International Students in Ohio
International students, like those at Youngstown State University (YSU), have slightly different rules:
- A valid foreign license + International Driver’s Permit allows driving for up to one year.
- For a first Ohio license, students must pass a vision test, written test, and road test.
- Documents needed include passport, visa, I-94, I-20/DS-2019, proof of Ohio address, and payment.
- Licenses for international students expire based on the end date on the I-20 or DS-2019. They can be renewed with updated immigration documents but not during the grace period or while waiting for OPT approval.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ohio. Penalties can include fines of up to $1,000, possible jail time for repeat offenses, and the hassle of retaking exams if your license has been expired for more than six months.
FAQs About Ohio Driver’s License Renewal
Yes, many Ohio drivers can renew online through the Legitcleandocs portal. You’ll need your current license, the last four digits of your SSN, and a payment card.
The renewal fee depends on the type of license you have. Standard renewal fees apply, and extra costs may include processing fees for online payments. You can check our website to know the cost of driver’s license.
For a Standard Card, you usually just need your current license. For a Compliant Card, you’ll need proof of identity, Social Security number, date of birth, legal presence, and Ohio residency.
If it has been expired less than six months, you can renew normally. If it’s been more than six months, you’ll need to start over with a permit and retake exams.
Yes, but the expiration is tied to the end date on the I-20 or DS-2019. Renewals are only possible with updated documents and not during the grace period or while waiting for OPT approval.
You’ll need a Compliant Card if you plan to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities after May 7, 2025. If not, a Standard Card works for everyday driving and identification.
