Driver's License Reinstatement In Ohio

A Driver’s License Suspension In Ohio

A driver’s license suspension in Ohio may be imposed by the Ohio Bureau Of Motor Vehicles (B.M.V.) or by a court.  Examples of B.M.V. suspensions include Administrative License Suspensions, 12-Point suspensions, and Non-compliance suspensions.  Examples of court suspensions include suspensions for an O.V.I. conviction, a Physical Control conviction, and a Reckless Operation conviction.

If your driver’s license has been suspended by the B.M.V. or by a court, there are certain procedures you must follow to reinstate your license.  Until you have followed the reinstatement procedures and actually received a new license, you are not permitted to drive, even if the suspension has ended. 

During the suspension, the B.M.V. will send you a reinstatement notice at the address on your driver’s license.  Therefore, it is important to complete a change-of-address with the B.M.V. if you are no longer living at the address on your license. 

License Reinstatement Procedures

There are basically two options for reinstating your license;  by mail or in person.
By Mail:  In the last month of the suspension, mail the reinstatement notice from the B.M.V. with payment of the reinstatement fee and proof of current auto insurance.  You will receive, by mail, a document confirming you are eligible for a new license.  Take that document to a B.M.V. Registrar License Agency to obtain the new license. 
In Person.  When the suspension has ended, go to a B.M.V. reinstatement center in person to pay the reinstatement fee and provide proof of current auto insurance.  You will receive, in person, a document confirming you are eligible for a new license.  Take that document to a B.M.V. Registrar License Agency to obtain the new license. 
Additional requirements:  Certain types of license suspensions have additional reinstatement requirements, such as taking a remedial driving course, obtaining an SR-22, and re-taking the driver’s license exam.

Reinstatement Fees

Reinstatement fees vary, depending on the reason your license was suspended.  In addition, reinstatement fees change when new legislation is passed.  At the time this page is written, the following are common reinstatement fees:
A.L.S.:  $475
O.V.I.:  $475
Physical Control:  $475
Reckless Operation:  $40
12-Point Suspension:  $40

Resources
If you have questions about reinstating your driver’s license, you may find answers at the Ohio B.M.V. website or by calling the Ohio B.M.V. at 614-752-7500.

Contact a Columbus, Ohio DUI OVI Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with DUI in central Ohio, contact the criminal defense law office of Shawn R. Dominy, Attorney at Law for an initial consultation about your case.