Latest news with #OhioBureauofMotorVehicles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ohio ‘BMV cheat code' praised, agency says 10 million trips saved
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A trip to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is often considered a brutal exercise in patience, with customers waiting in long lines clutching what they hope are the right documents, but the agency's reputation could be changing with technology. According to Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel and BMV Registrar Charles Norman, online tools designed to reduce the number of times customers are required to visit are now alleviating some of the pain. In a recent joint news release, it was announced that Ohioans have been spared more than 10 million trips to the BMV due to upgrades that enable certain transactions without being physically present. 'We've put significant focus on using technology to save customers' valuable time and cut down on congestion at BMV deputy registrar locations across the state,' said DeWine. 'This milestone demonstrates the importance of these upgrades, which have made BMV services more accessible and efficient.' The changes began in 2019 and Ohio 'now has one of the most expansive menus of online services of any motor vehicle agency in the country,' according to DeWine's administration. 'Ohio has definitely been ahead of the game in modernizing BMV services,' said Tressel. 'No one enjoys waiting in long lines, and giving Ohioans the option to conduct more business online reduces wait times for those who do visit the BMV in person.' • Online renewal of driver's licenses or identification cards — recently expanded to eligible commercial driver's license (CDL) holders. Once approved, the customer will receive a printable interim credential, and the renewed license or identification card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 days. • Online ordering of temporary tags and renewing vehicle registration via OPLATES. • Online driving knowledge test to receive a temporary driver's permit and online scheduling of driver exams. Ohio BMV is also expanding driver's exam locations by partnering with approved third parties. • Online transfer a title for person-to-person vehicle sale with the new Ohio Title Portal. The title transfer request will be electronically sent to the applicable county's title office for review and approval of the transaction. • BMV Express self-service kiosks for renewing and printing vehicle registration documentation at grocery stores and e-check stations. The kiosks immediately print new vehicle registration cards and license plate stickers on-site, with the average transaction taking less than two minutes. While drivers can still visit any of Ohio's deputy registrar locations to complete any BMV-related tasks, the agency recommends using its 'Get In Line, Online' before leaving home. The service allows customers to advance in the queue without physically waiting in the office. After checking in online, customers have until close of business that day to arrive at the deputy registrar location, check in at a self-service kiosk, and claim their spot in line. One customer lauded the offering on social media, calling it a 'BMV cheat code.' 'If anyone's going to the BMV and doesn't want to wait forever, just use the online check-in like an hour before u go,' the Reddit user shared. 'They send you a message saying text HERE when you arrive.' I texted it right when I parked my car, walked in and there was around 30–40 people there waiting, sat down literally 2 mins, and they called my number … I'm doing this every time I go to the BMV from now on, hope they don't change it!' 'The BMV is always looking for convenient, innovative solutions to enhance the overall customer experience for Ohioans,' said Norman. 'We are dedicated to finding opportunities that modernize and improve our processes so that we can provide more service options.' A full list of online options can be found on the BMV's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Over 400K driver's license suspensions removed under new Ohio law
Over 400,000 Ohio drivers have had their license suspensions removed under a new Ohio law. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] House Bill 29 was implemented by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles as of May 9. The bill eliminates certain debt-related driver's license suspensions, waives reinstatement fees, and reduces long-standing penalties. It limits the court's authority to impose suspensions for drug offenses with the following exceptions: OVIs and if the offender used a vehicle to facilitate the commission of a drug offense. TRENDING STORIES: Former NFL receiver Antonio Brown sought on attempted murder charge Have you seen her? Police searching for missing 40-year-old woman Road closures expected as almost 600K pound 'superload' moves through Miami Valley The bill also eliminates reinstatement fees for eligible drivers. Over $8 million in fees have been forgiven in the month since the bill was implemented, according to a media release. More information on the bill can be found here. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
More than 400,000 Ohioans see driver's license suspensions lifted under new law
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — More than 400,000 Ohioans have seen their driver's license suspensions lifted in just one month since a new law was implemented, according to Sen. Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati). Ingram said as of Tuesday, 429,501 Ohioans have had total suspensions or blocks removed, and more than $8.3 million in reinstatement fees have been forgiven; 201,024 eligible drivers have been sent notifications. Chillicothe paper mill will close in August after stating it would remain open 'These aren't just numbers,' Ingram said. 'These are lives of workers, parents, and students who now have one less barrier standing in their way.' The bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Louis W. Blessing III (R-Colerain Township) and became law on April 9. It fully went into effect at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles on May 9. Watch previous coverage in the player above. The law ends the practice of suspending driver's licenses for failure to pay court fines or fees, along with some other minor offenses. The law does not apply to any 'drug abuse offense' in which a vehicle was used 'to further the commission of the offense.' The law also allows those who have had their license suspended for being in default on child support payments to prove that a suspended license prevents them from making the payments, and they could be granted 'limited driving privileges.' As Fort Rapids sale looms, Columbus church eyes plan to redevelop waterpark A 2022 report from the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland found that 60% of driver's licenses suspended in Ohio were suspended due to reasons not related to driving. Drivers are encouraged to make sure their information is current with the BMV so that if they're eligible for reinstatement, they can be notified. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio applauded the law, which makes Ohio the 25th state to shift away from debt-related penalties. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
‘Outstanding parking ticket': Ohio BMV warns of new phishing text scam
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has issued a warning against a widespread phishing scam in which residents are getting text messages from fraudsters claiming to be BMV officials. In a press release, Ohio BMV said the department has received multiple complaints about the texting scam. The phishing scam tricks residents into sharing their personal or financial information by threatening immediate suspension of their license. The residents of the US state have reported receiving alarming text messages from fraudsters, who pose as officials of Ohio BMV. The recipients are falsely informed about outstanding traffic tickets in their names. The message instructs them to immediately pay the money claiming that otherwise their license will get suspended. Ohio BMV said the phishing attempt has been reported by drivers nationwide and has been designed specifically to trick the residents of the state. The fake message from the scammers refer to a fabricated legal code, 'Ohio State State Administrative Code 15C-16.003'. The text features a suspicious payment link that resembles the official government web address. Besides license suspension, the scammers have even threatened registration suspension and prosecution. Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman has urged people to not fall for the phishing scam. 'Do not click any links and delete the text. Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or requesting your personal information,' Norman said in a statement. Those who have received the messages can report to the Federal Trade Commission through the official website at The victims of the fraud must immediately get in touch with their local law enforcement agency. Shockingly, the scam is not just limited to Ohio and has been reported in other states, too. Officials in Michigan have also issued a warning about the scam. Residents in the US state have been asked to get in touch with the Michigan Department of Attorney General for more information or to file a complaint. No. It does not send texts demanding payment or requesting personal information. Verify suspicious messages through official channels for payment notices. Residents are getting fraud texts asking them to pay the outstanding traffic ticket to avoid having their license suspended.
Mint
10-06-2025
- Mint
Scam Alert: Ohio BMV warns of widespread text scam targeting drivers with fake traffic ticket threats
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has issued a warning to residents about a widespread text messaging scam falsely claiming to be from the BMV. The phishing campaign is designed to trick Ohioans into providing personal or financial information by threatening immediate license suspension over fake traffic tickets. Ohioans have reported receiving alarming text messages claiming to be from the "Ohio Department of Vehicles (BMV)." The message falsely warns recipients that they have unpaid traffic tickets and demands immediate payment to avoid suspension of driving privileges and other penalties. The fraudulent message references a fabricated legal code — 'Ohio State State Administrative Code 15C-16.003' — and includes a suspicious payment link resembling an official government web address. Scammers also threaten additional consequences such as registration suspension, prosecution, and negative credit impact. The message urges victims to act quickly, with shifting deadlines that move forward daily — a classic red flag in phishing attempts. 'If you receive this text, do not fall for this scam,' said Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman. 'Do not click any links and delete the text. Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or requesting your personal information.' The scam is not limited to Ohio. Residents in other states have reported identical messages with only the state name altered, indicating a nationwide phishing operation. The fraudulent texts often come from foreign or spoofed numbers, falsely impersonate local agencies, and use threatening legal jargon to pressure recipients into clicking links. Authorities urge Ohioans to: Delete the message immediately Do not click any links or reply to the message Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at Contact local law enforcement if personal or financial information was shared The BMV and Ohio Turnpike are reminding residents to always verify suspicious messages and to rely on official government communication channels for payment notices.
