Ohio Rolls Out Online BMV Services To Encourage Compliance

The pandemic caused many people and companies to alter the way they conducted business. Doctor visits became commonplace through Telemedicine, and online grocery shopping is the new normal. Governor Mike DeWine is jumping on board with the current trend and moving BMV services to an online format.

No one likes going to the BMV, as the lines are long, tempers short, and it's an all-around mundane experience. DeWine worked with Lt. Governor Husted to offer another option to residents. Not only will this reduce lines and wait times for customers, but it will limit the number of trips needed to this government agency.

The change was motivated from data collected from Ohio drivers in 2021. Statistics showed that more than two million people skipped the trip to the BMV to avoid the crowd and the possibility of contracting Covid-19. Many let their license lapse or avoided renewing tags because they would rather pay the fine and penalties instead of making the dreaded trip.

The new portal will allow Ohioans to interact with multiple state agencies to renew their driver's licenses and transfer a title. On July 11th, new drivers became eligible to take the examination online to obtain their temporary permits. Though the physical test to obtain a license must be done in person, they are expanding driver examination testing locations around the state to accommodate.

The process requires you to upload documents for driver’s license and title transfers, but there are many BMV express kiosks around the state to help. It's easy to find a machine close to home and conduct business with little hassle. The kiosks will also dispense stickers for tag renewals right away for those who wait last minute to renew.

Though it sounds futuristic, the pandemic showed that change was necessary. Hopefully, the new efforts will cut down trips to the BMV and encourage people to renew their tags and license in a timely manner.