Renewing Your License

When to Renew

Ohio driver licenses usually expire on your fourth birthday after issuance. (If you're between the ages of 16 and 21, different rules apply. But we'll get to that.)

You can renew your license at any time before its expiration date. However, if you choose to renew more than 90 days before the expiration date, you will be on a different cycle than had you waited to renew it within 90 days of expiration.

Here are some examples:

More than 90 Days

• Expiration: Oct. 31, 2006

• You renew it on: July 4, 2006

• New expiration: Oct. 31, 2009

Less than 90 Days

• Expiration: Oct. 31, 2006

• You renew it on: Sept. 1, 2006

• New expiration: Oct. 31, 2010

As you can see, it is better to wait until you are within 90 days of your birthday to renew your license.

It will cost you $24 to renew your license, and you must do so in person. Also, you will receive an eye examination every time you renew your license.

Be sure to renew your license on a timely basis. If you wait until after six months from the expiration date to do so, you'll have to start over, meaning applying for a temporary permit and then taking all the necessary examinations.

Now, if you're between the ages of 16 and 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday, regardless of when you received it. You may renew your license within 30 days of your 21st birthday. After doing so, your license will expire on the usual fourth-birthday cycle.

If you're in the military or have a serious medical condition, special, detailed rules apply for your renewal.

Also, should your birthday fall on February 29, the official day to renew your license is March 1.

Military Personnel

Each state’s motor vehicle agency will have different renewal policies for drivers in the military. See our Drivers in the Military page to find out how to handle your license renewal while you are stationed out of state.