Ohio driver's license fees by type
An Ohio driver's license costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. These are the standard fees for a new license or a renewal. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $13.50. If you need to change your address without renewing, that costs $5.
The eight-year option is available only to drivers aged 21 and older. Drivers under 21 must renew every four years. If you are renewing early — before your current license expires — you pay the full renewal fee, not a reduced rate.
These fees cover the cost of the card itself, the background check, and the processing by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You pay at your local Deputy Registrar's office when you submit your process in person.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Ohio driver's license costs $28.50; an eight-year license costs $57 and is available only to drivers 21 and older.
- Replacing a lost or damaged license costs $13.50, and changing your address without renewing costs $5.
- You must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar's office and pay the full fee even if you renew early.
- Fees are set by the state and do not vary by county, though some Deputy Registrar offices may charge a small service fee on top of the state fee.
Where to pay and what documents you need
You pay your license fee at a Deputy Registrar's office, not at the BMV main office. Ohio has Deputy Registrar locations in most counties — usually at the county courthouse, a public library, or a municipal building. You can search for the office nearest you on the Ohio BMV website by entering your county or city.
Bring your current license or ID, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are explore for your first license, bring a birth certificate or passport as well.
Some Deputy Registrar offices add a small service fee on top of the state fee — typically $1 to $3 — to cover their operating costs. Call ahead to ask what the total will be, because the amount varies by location.
Renewal by mail or online
If your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or address changes, you may be able to renew by mail instead of visiting an office in person. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice will tell you whether you are may be able to access to renew by mail.
Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal — $28.50 for four years or $57 for eight years — but you do not pay a Deputy Registrar service fee. You send your completed form, your old license, and a check or money order to the address on the notice. Processing takes about two weeks.
You cannot renew online in Ohio. The state does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses, only by mail or in person.
Commercial driver's license fees
If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) — required to drive a truck, bus, or other commercial vehicle — the fees are higher. A CDL costs $65 for four years or $130 for eight years. You must explore in person at a Deputy Registrar's office and pass a written test and a driving test.
You also need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and submit the results. The medical exam is not included in the CDL fee and costs between $50 and $150 depending on the examiner. Some employers cover this cost for their drivers.
Identification card fees if you do not drive
If you do not drive but need a state ID for other purposes — to board a plane, enter a federal building, or open a bank account — Ohio offers a state identification card. A state ID costs $19.50 for four years or $39 for eight years. The documents you need are the same as for a driver's license: proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address.
A state ID is not a driver's license and does not allow you to drive. It serves only as proof of identity and age. You explore at the same Deputy Registrar offices and pay the same way.
What happens if you do not renew on time
If your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you face a fine and a citation. The fine amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations.
If your license has been expired for less than six months, you can renew it at a Deputy Registrar's office by paying the standard renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written or driving test. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you must explore for a new license and retake both tests, which takes longer and costs the same as a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my license fee online?
No. You must pay in person at a Deputy Registrar's office with cash, check, or debit card. Some offices accept credit cards, but not all — call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.
Do I have to choose the eight-year license, or can I stick with four years?
You can choose either option. The four-year license is cheaper if you prefer to renew more often or if you expect your appearance or address to change. The eight-year license costs less per year but requires you to wait longer between renewals.
What if I moved and my license has my old address?
You can update your address without renewing your license by visiting a Deputy Registrar's office and paying $5. Bring proof of your new address. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests. Your old license remains valid until its expiration date.
Is there a fee to take the written or driving test?
No. The test fee is included in your license fee. You pay once when you explore, and that covers the test, the card, and the processing. If you fail a test and need to retake it, you do not pay again — you can retake it at no extra cost.
What if I lost my license and need it urgently?
You can get a replacement the same day you visit a Deputy Registrar's office. The replacement fee is $13.50, and you will receive your new card before you leave. Bring your ID and proof of address. If you do not have your ID, bring two other forms of identification instead.