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ODPS | Bureau of Motor Vehicles

ODPS Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Renewal of Driver License

ODPS | BMV | Ohio Driver License Information

Documents Necessary for Renewal of Your Driver License

An Ohio driver license, commercial driver license (CDL), motorcycle or moped license either current or expired not more than six months is sufficient proof of all elements to complete a renewal as long as no other changes are needed. If changes are required additional documentation will be required, please refer to our Acceptable Documents List- BMV 2424. The elements consist of:

            • Full Legal Name
            • Date of Birth
            • Social Security Number, if ever assigned
            • Proof of U.S. citizenship OR U.S. legal presence
            • Resident street address in Ohio


An individual who does not present the Ohio driver license, commercial driver license (CDL), motorcycle or moped license at the time of renewal must present a primary, secondary, and proof of residency document to renew the license.

Only original documents or a copy bearing an original certification by the issuing authority are acceptable. Uncertified copies or copies of certified documents are not acceptable. Failure to provide two acceptable identification documents and proof of residency in Ohio shall result in the denial of the application.

Fees: See Driver License and Identification Card Fees for detailed information.

ODPS | BMV | Mopeds - Know the Rules

Prior to Expiration Date

Ohio Revised Code Section 4507.09

A driver's license will normally expire on the fourth birthday after issuance. There is an exception for drivers between the ages of 16 and less than 21.A driver license can be renewed anytime prior to its expiration date.

However, if an Ohio License is renewed more than 90 days prior to its normal expiration date, the license will expire on the customer's fourth birthday (three years plus the customer's upcoming birthday) from the date of issuance.

If the customer renews 90 days (or less) prior to their normal expiration date, the license will expire on the customer's fourth birthday from the date of issuance.  Unless applicable to circumstances listed below, no license shall be issued for a period longer than four years and ninety days.

Examples:
Expiration October 31, 2009, Customer renews on July 15, 2009 (more than 90 days) - New Expiration Date is: October 31, 2012.

Expiration October 31, 2009, Customer renews on August 1, 2009 (90 days or less) - New Expiration Date is: October 31, 2013

 

After License has Expired More Than Six Months

Ohio Revised Code Section 4507.10

Applicant must apply for a temporary instruction permit and then take all the necessary examinations before they can receive a permit, license or endorsement.

ODPS | BMV

Leap Year

If you were born on the 29th day of February, during the years when there is no 29th day of February, the expiration date shall be considered as March 1st.

ODPS | BMV

Under 21

An Ohio driver license issued to a person under 21 years of age expires on the licensee's 21st birthday.

An Ohio driver license and/or identification card may be renewed by a person within 30 days of their 21st birthday.

A driver license or identification issued within 30 days of an individual's 21st birthday will have the characteristics of a license or identification card issued to a person 21 years of age or older.

ODPS | BMV

Medical

Ohio Revised Code Section 4507.081

Medical forms will be mailed from the BMV approximately 45-60 days prior to the expiration of the license.
          • Upon receipt of the completed medical form at the BMV, a letter of instruction and a new medical restriction card, if applicable, will be mailed to the applicant.

          • The Deputy Registrar will issue the license and give it to the applicant over the counter.

If an applicant attempts to renew a medically restricted license without a letter of instruction the Deputy Registrar will:
          • Issue the license and forward it to the BMV;
          • Give the red and white copy granting 90 days driving privileges to the applicant;

          • Give applicant the medical forms or give him the option of contacting the BMV for the forms.

If an applicant indicates for the first time, at renewal, the existence of a medical condition, the following process will be followed:
          • Deputy Registrar will renew the license and issue it over the counter;
          • The applicant will be given the choice of obtaining a medical packet at that time or waiting until the BMV notifies him by mail;
          • If the applicant chooses to accept the medical packet at the time of renewal, they will be advised by the Deputy Registrar to mail the completed physician form to the BMV in the envelope provided;

          • If applicant chooses to wait, the medical packet will be mailed to them by our office.

Upon receipt of the completed medical packet, the BMV will evaluate as to which type of restriction, if any, is required and mail the proper letter of instruction and the medical restriction card, if required, to the applicant
          • If the renewal license should have been restricted, the BMV will send a reversal letter for a free license along with the restriction card;

          • If a restriction should be removed from a license, the BMV will mail a card indicating that no restriction is required. The driver can carry the card or return to the Deputy Registrar to have a new license made without the restriction. If he chooses to get a new license he will be required to pay the Deputy Registrar fee.

Note: A Medical Packet consists of a BMV 2310 (Request for Statement of Physician form), BMV 2320 and BMV 2321 (instruction letters), and a BMV 2330 (return envelope).

ODPS | BMV

Military

Ohio Revised Code Section 4507.10 (C & D)

The Registrar may waive the examination of any person applying for the renewal of a license or endorsement who meets the qualifications listed below: .
          • Has been on active duty in the military or naval forces of the United States (must present a LES, Leave and Earnings Statement).
          • Presents an honorable discharge certificate indicating that he/she has no physical or mental disabilities which would affect driving ability.
          • Was an Ohio licensee at the time his/hers commenced such active duty.
          • Makes the application not more than 6 months after the date of discharge or separation (must present a DD214).

          • Is the holder of an expired out-of-state license and is still active military or within 6 months of their discharge date.

Was in service with the peace corps, volunteers in service to America, or the foreign service of the United States.
          • Presents such evidence of such service as the registrar prescribes showing that the applicant has no physical or mental disabilities that would affect his/hers driving ability.
          • Was an Ohio licensee at the time he/she commenced such service.

          • Makes the application no more than 6 months after leaving the peace corps, volunteers, or foreign service.

Note: These provisions also apply to military spouses and dependents.

ODPS | Bureau of Motor Vehicles

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