How to Get Your Driver's License Back After an Ohio DUI Conviction

 

In the state of Ohio, what is typically called a “DUI” charge is actually called an “OVI,” which stands for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence. After an OVI conviction in Ohio, you may be ordered to jail time, community service, and a driver’s license suspension. This can put a lot of stress on you, affecting your ability to get to work, to school, and to run errands. That’s why it is so important to learn about the process of getting your driver’s license reinstated, so that you can get it back as soon as your suspension period is over.

 

Process for Driver’s License Reinstatement in Ohio

 

The reinstatement fee for an OVI arrest is currently $475. You must provide proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number. If driving school was required, you will need to provide proof of completion. Reinstatement documents and fees need to be submitted in person at an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center. They are located in Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Jackson, Toledo, and Youngstown. In order to ensure that you get your driving privileges back in a timely manner, the BMV recommends that you send the necessary documents in 20 days before your suspension is scheduled to end. You cannot send cash. Send a check or money order payable to the “Ohio Treasurer, Josh Mandel.” You can also pay online or by calling the Automated Phone System at 1-866-OPLATES (675-2837). If you need to file certain forms for your suspension, you can find them on the BMV’s Commonly Requested Forms page. For example, one form you might need is the Alcohol/Drug reinstatement form, which sends information about your rehabilitation or treatment for chemical dependence on alcohol or other drugs. In some cases, you may also need to ask your insurance company to file an SR-22 form with the BMV.

 

To verify the fees you need to pay, call the BMV at 614-752-7500. In some cases, you may be able to sign up for a fee payment plan if you cannot pay it all at once. If you are approved for the plan, you will have limited driving privileges while making payments to the BMV. The minimum payment required is $50 per month. Be aware that approval for a payment plan is completely at the court’s discretion.

 

SR-22 Form Requirements

 

In some cases, you will be required to file an SR-22 form with the BMV in order to get your driving privileges back. This is proof that you have the minimum required insurance coverage. In order to get it, you will need to contact your insurance company. Be aware that your rates may now be double or triple what your past insurance rates were due to the OVI conviction. The insurance provider will adjust your policy accordingly and then file with the BMV electronically. If you cancel your insurance, they will inform the BMV, and as a result, you may face more penalties, such as an additional driver’s license suspension. You can learn more about SR-22s on the BMV site.

 

Learn More about Driver’s License Reinstatement Procedures

 

Every case is a little different, so you may still have questions about the process. You may find it beneficial to contact an Ohio DUI attorney, especially if you have multiple DUI convictions or your case involved a fatality. Reinstatement is not automatic in all cases, so it can be helpful to have someone on your side who is knowledgeable about how to protect your interests. You can also learn more about driver’s license suspension in Ohio on the BMV website, or contact:

 

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

P.O. Box 16520
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6520
(614) 752-7500
Hours:
Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:45 pm
Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm