There are several reasons why your drivers license may be suspended or revoked. In Ohio your drivers license can be suspended for violating traffic laws, failure to pay required fees associated with traffic tickets or driving under the influence. Depending on your particular situation for a suspended license in Ohio, you may be required to go to court and/or take a drivers education course in order to reinstate your license. If your drivers suspension is related to moving violations, you may need to enroll in traffic school. On the other hand, if you were found guilty of DUI in Ohio, you may be required to attend an alcohol and drug awareness course. Each license suspension situation comes with its own protocol. It’s important that you learn how to handle the terms your driving suspension, from paying fines to license revocation. Once your drivers license suspension period in Ohio has ended, you can then proceed with driver license reinstatement.
How to Reinstate a Suspended Drivers License in Person
The process to reinstate your drivers license depends on the offense that was committed and the suspension that followed. Suspended drivers license reinstatement requirements vary greatly from one driver to the next. However, there are some important factors you should keep in mind.
The typical process for reinstating suspended drivers license documents is as follows:
- Wait out the suspension period.
- Complete driver/alcohol training (if applicable).
- Pay off all citations and fees in person at a local BMV office.
As for license reinstatement fees, the amounts will also depend on the type of OH drivers license suspension incurred. For a full list of reinstatement fees, visit the Drivers License Suspension and Reinstatement page. If you are unable to make a payment, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles allows motorists in need to sign up for a Driver License Reinstatement Fee Installment Plan. However, this plan is only available to those drivers who have met all other reinstatement requirements, minus fee payment.
If you owe $150 or more in fees, you may be eligible to retest for your Ohio drivers license by only submitting a payment of $50 (or more if you are financially able to do so) every 30 days. This monthly payment plan will remain in place until all of your suspended drivers license reinstatement fees have been paid off.
How to Reinstate a Suspended Drivers License Online
The state of Ohio now provides a new feature that allows you to complete payment for your suspended drivers license reinstatement fees online. Simply visit the Ohio License/ID Verification page and input key personal details that will help identify yourself and thus allow you to access your BMV record, including:
- Your Ohio driver license number
- Your date of birth
- The first letter of your last name
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number
- If you do not have a Social Security Number, simply type “0000” in the indicated box.
How to Reinstate a Suspended Drivers License by Mail
To reinstate suspended drivers license documentation by mail, simply send the necessary documents and a check or money order payable to the “Ohio State Treasurer” to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attn: RE Fee
P.O. Box 16520
Columbus OH 43216-6520
How to Reinstate a Suspended Drivers License by Phone
If you are having difficulty making your payment online, call the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ automated system instead. This convenient phone-in feature makes it easy for you to pay by electronic check only. The Ohio BMV currently does not accept payment by credit or debit cards. Once you have concluded your phone call, your payment for suspended drivers license reinstatement will be processed in up to seven business days.
To take advantage of the automated telephone system, dial 1-866-OPLATES (675-2837).
Article references:
mydriverlicenses.org/reinstate-suspended-license/ohio.html
