Do you notice that your driver’s license will be expired after a few years? Yes, your Ohio state driver’s license is not an exception. Normally, your license is valid in 4 years. In order to help readers renew their Ohio driver’s license easily, this article is about Ohio driver’s license renewal as well as answer all the questions that people frequently asked about it!

 

dmv ohio drivers license
How to make the DMV Ohio Driver’s License Renewal?

 

1. When do you need to renew your Ohio driver’s license?

Did you know that you are able to make the Ohio driver’s license renewal at any moment before it expires? If you renew your license more than 90 days before it expires, it will be valid for three years; if you renew it fewer than 90 days before it expires, it will be valid for four years.

So, to offer yourself an extra year of BMV freedom, we recommend renewing your license one or two months before it expires. The Ohio BMV also permits you to renew your license six months after it expires without having to reapply.

 

>> Read more: How to pass Ohio Driver’s License Test

 

2. What are the needed documents to renew the Ohio license?

All driver’s license renewals in Ohio begin at the Ohio BMV, which presently does not enable drivers to renew online.

You must bring the following documents with you to the BMV:

  • Birth Certificate or Passport from the United States
  • Social Security Card or W-2 Form 
  • Proof of residence

 

3. How do I renew my Ohio driver’s license?

We recommend that you read all of the Ohio DMV recommendations to avoid any surprises. In general, you have two options for making the Ohio driver’s license renewal: online application or in-person renewal. The following sections provide thorough information on each approach that you should investigate:

 

3.1. In-person

To begin, log onto the Ohio DMV website and search your driving record for suspensions, outstanding fees, and other issues. If you have fines on your driving record, your renewal may be delayed. You may also print and fill out the renewal form ahead of time.

Second, you must show proof of identification. Your current driver’s license is your primary form of identity. A valid US passport or your Social Security card might be used as secondary identification. If you want to upgrade your Travel ID, you need also to create residency documents.

Then, go to your nearest DMV office or an authorized third-party driver servicing business. Always confirm their business hours. You might also need to make an appointment.

The next stage is to take the DMV Vision and road exams. A trained optometrist’s report is required for the vision test. Normally, you will only be required to take the road test if the examiners believe you are a risky driver. Avoid committing the following errors:

  • Driving suspensions and at-fault traffic offenses on your record
  • Issues with physical or mental health that may make driving difficult or risky
  • If you’ve been accused of being a reckless driver

Finally, you will finalize your Ohio driver’s license renewal by taking a photo and paying the price. You’ll be given a temporary paper license that expires in 30 days. Your responsibility now is to wait for the new license to arrive in the mail.

 

ohio drivers license renewal
taking a photo and paying the price to complete your renewal process

 

3.2. Online

You have 2 online method options to make the Ohio Driver’s license Renewal, which are by Mail or through the website of the BMV Ohio state.

By mail: When your license is set to expire, the DMV will send you an invitation to renew it. All you have to do is follow the instructions in the email. You can also ask for a renewal if you are:

  • You are a military member or you are presently not in your hometown.
  • You will be gone for at least 30 days before your license expires.

By website: Oh DMV office made a wise option in order to save you time and work. To renew your DMV license online, follow the simple procedures outlined below:

  • Every Ohio driver’s license comes with an account by default. Go to the OH DMV website to activate it or sign in.
  • Click the “Renew Now” option in your account’s ‘My Credential’ section.
  • To renew your license, follow the steps below. You must use a valid credit card to pay the required fee. A driver’s license plus a Travel ID should cost around $10 to renew.

 

dmv ohio drivers license
You have 2 online method options to make the Ohio Driver’s License Renewal

 

4. What are the FAQs of the Ohio driver’s license renewal? 

 

4.1. Do OH state has a grace period to renew the driver’s license? 

No. There will be no grace period to renew your driver’s license. Thus, when your license is about to expire,  you should renew it immediately. 

 

4.2. What happens if you drive in Ohio with an expired license?

This is punishable by up to 6 months in prison and a $1,000 fine. If you are convicted of driving while in possession of an expired driver’s license, you will be charged with a petty misdemeanor. This can result in penalties of up to $150.

 

4.3. How much does it cost to renew an Ohio driver’s license?

The renewal fee for the Ohio driver’s license is about $27.25 / $53.40. 

 

4.4. How soon can I renew my Ohio driver’s license?

You may apply for license renewal at least one month before the expiration date but no later than two (2) years afterward. Current Non-Professional (NPDL) / Professional (PDL) Driver’s License / Conductor’s License (CL) that is about to expire or has expired for at least two (2) years.

 

4.5. Can I renew my license before it expires?

If you like, you can apply ahead of the expiration date. Instead of the expiry date of your present license, the new license will be valid from the date your application is granted.

 

4.6. Do I need a new photo to renew my Ohio driver’s license if I’m 70?

Yes. You still need to have a photo to renew your Ohio driver’s license. 

 

That’s all there is to it when it comes to making Ohio driver’s license renewal. Remember to renew within six months of the expiration date to avoid the hassle of obtaining a new license. If you don’t have a DMV license, don’t forget to practice with DMV online practice test to score high and obtain the license successfully!