Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a certified driver’s record online?
Yes, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles allows you to request a certified driving record online by visiting the website provided by the OH BMV site. In order to sign in you must provide your OH driver s license number and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or your full name, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security Number. Follow the steps as instructed and be prepared to pay any applicable fees. You can also request a certified driving record by calling the Automated Telephone System at 1-866-675-2837. If you wish to request a certified driving record in person, you can visit your local Regional Driver License Reinstatement Center or your local Deputy Registrar License Agency office and submit the OBMV Record Request form, provide documentation proving your identity, and pay the applicable fee.

For more information: Your Ohio Driving Record

Do I need to attend traffic school if I get a speeding ticket?
In the state of Ohio, you are only required to attend traffic school if you ve received court or judge s order to do so. Traffic school in OH is referred to as a remedial driving instruction course. The purpose of the remedial driving instruction course is to grant a two-point credit against the total amount of points charged within a two-year period in Ohio. The course is designed for those who wish to have their citations dismissed. Participating in the course will not remove or delete points from your driving record but it will keep further points from being added to your driving record due to a traffic violation.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Ohio

How can I pay for my traffic or parking ticket?
Ohio residents are required to pay a fine if they receive traffic ticket fines. The method through which you will be able to pay for your traffic or parking ticket depends on what county you were issued the citation by. You will need to refer back to your OH traffic or parking ticket for specific instructions on how to pay your ticket.

Paying a traffic or parking ticket is an admission of guilt to the violation. By paying the ticket, you are waiving your right to trial in traffic court and you may be assessed points to your OH driving record. Other consequences for an admission of guilt to a violation are higher insurance premiums for your vehicle and points accumulation that can result in a suspended OH driver s license.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Ohio

How do I file a complaint when I believe someone has illegally accessed my DMV record?
To file a complaint if you believe someone has illegally accessed your Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles driving record, you are urged to contact the OH BMV directly. You can call the OH BMVat 844-644-6268. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also opt to send out a written request. Written complaints can be sent to:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Attn. RE Fee P.O. Box 16520 Columbus OH 43216-6520

For more information: Your Ohio Driving Record

How do I get a copy of my driving record?
Drivers in Ohio who would like to obtain a copy of their driving record can request one in person, by mail, by telephone, or online.

In Person

If you wish to request a copy of your driving record in-person you have two options:

  • Visit your local Regional Driver License Reinstatement Center
  • Complete and turn in a OBMV Record Request form
  • Provide proper documentation proving identity such as OH drivers license or ID card
  • Pay a fee of $5 for each driving record request

OR

By Mail

If you wish to request a copy of your driving record by mail, you are required to complete and mail a OBMV Record Request form with all your correct information.

You can mail the form to:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Attn. RE Fee P.O. Box 16520 Columbus OH 43216-6520

You will also be required to pay a fee for requesting a copy of your driving record by mail. The fee is $5 and you are required to make a check payable to “Ohio State Treasurer.” Once your request has been submitted, allow 14 to 21 days for it to process.

Online

If you wish to request a copy of your online driving record, visit the website provided by the OH BMV site. Follow the steps as instructed and be prepared to pay any applicable fees.

By Telephone

If you wish to request a copy of your driving record by telephone, you can call the Automated Telephone System at 1-866-675-2837.

For more information: Your Ohio Driving Record

How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed?
If you ve been assessed with traffic ticket fines in Ohio, you can choose to pay traffic ticket fines upfront or you can dispute the ticket and request a trial. If you choose to pay traffic ticket fines, it is considered an admission of guilt and you will be assessed points on your driver s license. If you choose to dispute your traffic ticket fines and request a trial, you will be given a court date in which you will need to appear in front of a judge to argue your case. If the judge declares your traffic ticket fines to be dismissed, then you will not be subjected to pay the fine or be assessed with any points on your driver s license. If the ticket is not dismissed after you ve disputed it in court, you must pay the traffic ticket fine, as well as any associated court fees.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Ohio

How do I obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record?
Drivers in Ohio who would like to obtain a copy of someone else sdriving record can request one in person, by mail, by telephone or online. The same procedure applies for each method. The only additional document that needs to be completed and turned in is the Notarized Written Consent Release of Personal Information form granting the written consent of the person. This form must be completed, notarized, and submitted along with the along with the OBMV Record Request form in order to successfully request someone else s driving record.

Present proper documentation proving your identity such as your OH drivers license or ID card. Also, be prepared to pay any applicable fees that vary depending on which request method you use.

For more information: Your Ohio Driving Record

How do I reinstate my license if I refused to submit a breath/urine/blood test?
If you refuse to submit a blood, breath or urine test in the state of Ohio, your license will be suspended for one year and confiscated immediately. You may petition the court to grant you limited driving privileges. To petition the court, file the request in the municipal, county, or juvenile court. In order to renew your suspended drivers license, you will need to complete the reinstatement requirements.

You may have to complete one or more of the following requirements in order to fully reinstate your OH drivers license:

  • Satisfy any court requirements
  • Complete a driving course
  • Retake written knowledge and road skills tests
  • File and maintain SR22 car insurance for 3-5 years
  • Pay reinstatement fee
  • Show proof of insurance by forwarding the proper documentation to:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Attn. RE Fee P.O. Box 16520 Columbus OH 43216-6520

The OH BMV recommends that you send out your suspended license reinstatement requirements approximately 20 days before your suspension end date. Completing these requirements in a timely manner will allow the OH BMV to avoid any unnecessary delays and restore your full driving privileges once the suspension has come to an end.

To find out what your reinstatement requirements are and to apply for reinstatement, drivers should visit their local OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Ohio

How do I remove points from my driver’s license?
If you receive traffic ticket fines in Ohio, depending on the county that you have been assessed the ticket by; there are a number of ways in which you could resolve it. If you chose to dispute your traffic ticket fine, you will need to request a trial for your ticket and argue your case in front of a judge. If the ticket is not dismissed after you ve disputed it in court, you will be subjected to pay the traffic ticket fine as well as any associated court fees.

In order to inquire about how you can pay for your traffic ticket fine, you can contact your local county clerk office. Upon payment of your traffic ticket fine, you will also be assessed points based on the type of violation you committed. In order to be granted point credits, which would reduce the amount of points you ll be assessed with, you can take an approved remedial driving instruction course.

For more information: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Point System

How many points can I get on my driving record before my driver’s license is suspended?
In the state of Ohio, once you have accumulated a minimum of 12 points on your driving record within a two-year period, your drivers license will be automatically suspended. A 12-point suspension will last for the duration of six months, which begins to take effect the 20th day after the notice has been mailed. In order to reinstate an OH suspended drivers license based on an accumulation of 12 points or more, you must complete all of the reinstatement requirements which include:

For more information: Your Ohio Driving Record

How many times can I attend a traffic school course to remove points from my driving record?
In the state of Ohio, the remedial driver course does not delete or remove any points from the Ohio driving record. The purpose of the remedial course is to grant a two-point credit against the total number of points being charged within the span of two years. You re allowed to complete the remedial course once every three weeks. You are only limited to receiving a maximum of five credits within a lifetime. You must fulfill a minimum of eight hours in the course in order for it to count as completed.

For more information: Your Ohio Driving Record

If I lost my traffic or parking ticket, how can I find the information again?
In the event that you lost your Ohio traffic ticket fines documentation, you have a couple of options for retrieving your ticket information. Depending on the OH county you were issued the citation by, you may retrieve information about your lost ticket by visiting your local county clerk office website. You may also be allowed to pay traffic tickets online, depending on the county. You can also visit your local county clerk officeto inquire about lost ticket information and payment options. If you chose to visit your local county clerk office you may also inquire about disputing your traffic ticket fine.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Ohio

If my driver’s license was confiscated at the time of my DUI/DWI arrest, how do I get it back?
If you are arrested with a DUI/DWI in the state of Ohio, your license may be confiscated. Drivers in OH who are convicted of a DUI or DWI can have their license suspended from a year to three years depending on the number of times they ve committed the offense. In order to get your license back after it s been confiscated due to a DUI or DWI, you must wait until the suspension is over, complete all of your reinstatement requirements, and pay the drivers license reinstatement fee. You will be assessed with points on your driving record, as well as having to complete your driver s license examination again. In order to begin your reinstatement process, visit your local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Ohio

What are the different types of driving records?
In the state of Ohio, drivers have access to a single official driving record with all their information, regardless of what type of license they have. Driving records include information such as:
  • Accident history
  • Drivers license status
  • CDL license status (if applicable)
  • Record of offenses

In order to request a copy of your driving record, you can do so either in person, by mail, by telephone or online. You will be subjected to pay an applicable fee. The fees for driving record requests vary depending on the method in which you place the request.

For more information: Your Ohio Driving Record

What are the penalties of being convicted of driving under the influence?
If you are convicted of a DUI or DWI in the state of Ohio, you will be faced with penalties, which include serving jail time. Penalties are based on the number of DUI/DWI convictions you re faced with over a six year period.
  • First offense: Minimum of 72 hours in jail and drivers license suspension ranging from six months to three years
  • Second offense: Minimum of 10 days in jail and drivers license suspension ranging from one to five years
  • Third offense: Minimum of 30 days in jail and drivers license suspension ranging from one to 10 years
  • Fourth offense: Minimum of 60 days in jail and drivers license suspension ranging from three years to permanent suspension

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Ohio

What happens if I don’t pay for my traffic ticket from another state?
The state of Ohio receives and shares information regarding traffic violations and convictions with other states. Therefore, failure to pay an out-of-state traffic fine has the same consequences as failing to pay a traffic ticket in your home state. This implies a possible suspension on your OH drivers license and higher costs to reinstate your diving privileges.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Ohio

What happens if I get traffic ticket fines and I have a CDL?
If you are an Ohio resident who has a commercial driver s license and you ve been convicted with traffic violations you will be faced with penalties. If you ve been convicted with two serious traffic violations within the span of three years, your CDL will be suspended for one month. If you ve been convicted with three serious traffic violations within the span of three years, your CDL will be suspended for two months.

A first-time conviction of a DUI will result in your CDL being suspended for one year. A second-time conviction of a DUI will result in your CDL being suspended for life. You may request a hearing within 30 days of the mailing of the disqualification notice. If you are granted with a hearing, the disqualification will remain pending the outcome of the trial.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Ohio

What information does a driving record contain?
Residents of Ohio who wish to obtain a copy of their driving record can do so either in person, by mail, by telephone or online. Driving records for Ohio resident include the following information:
  • Accident history
  • Drivers license status
  • CDL license status (if applicable)
  • Record of offenses

To access a copy of yourdriving record, visit the OH BMV website or your local OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.

For more information: Your Ohio Driving Record

What is considered the legal alcohol limit?
What is the cost of a DUI?
If you are convicted of a DUI or DWI in the state of Ohio, you will be faced with a court-imposed drivers license suspension, serving mandatory penalties of time in jail, and will be subjected to paying mandatory fines. The amount of money a DUI citation in Ohio costs drivers depends on the circumstances of the DUI and on the driver s driving history. Depending on the severity of the conviction, DUI citations can cost drivers in Ohio anywhere from $375 to $10,500, and can include anywhere from two days to 60 days of consecutive jail time. In order to renew a suspended drivers license from a DUI/DWI, you must serve your suspension period, complete all of your reinstatement requirements, forward proper documentation showing proof of insurance to the OH BMV, and pay a DUI/DWI reinstatement fee of $475.

The OH BMV does not accept cash to be mailed in for reinstatement fees. You are required to send a check or money order, made payable to the “Ohio State Treasurer” to the appropriate address. The OH BMV now allows for reinstatement fees to be paid online by electronic check ONLY. No credit or debit cards are accepted. Payments processed online can take up to seven business days to process.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Ohio

What is the cost of a traffic ticket?
If you receive a traffic ticket in the state of Ohio, you will receive a traffic ticket fine. Traffic ticket fines vary depending on what type of traffic violation you are being charged with. In order to inquire about exactly how much your traffic ticket fine is, you can refer back to your ticket which will have all the information stated. Depending on which county in Ohio you are assessed traffic ticket fines with, the method you can use in order to submit a payment is determined.

Paying traffic or parking tickets is an admission of guilt to the violation. By paying the ticket, you are waiving your right to trial in traffic court and you may be assessed points to your OH driving record. Other consequences for an admission of guilt to a violation are higher car insurance premiums and points accumulation that can result in a suspended OH driver s license.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Ohio

What is the cost to get a driver record?
In order to request a copy of your driving record in the state of Ohio, you will be subjected to pay an applicable fee. The fees for driving record requests vary depending on the method in which you place the request. If you chose to request a copy of your driving record in person, you will be subjected to the following fees depending on what location you choose to go to:
  • Regional Driver License Reinstatement Center: $5
  • Deputy Registrar License Agency office: $8.50

If you chose to request a copy of your driving record by mail, you will be subjected to pay a $5 fee.

You are required to make any checks payable to the “Ohio State Treasurer.”

For more information: Your Ohio Driving Record

What is the DUI penalty for a CDL driver?
If you are convicted of a DUI or DWI in the state of Ohio and you hold a commercial driver s license, you will be faced with even more serious penalties than those who hold a standard OH drivers license. A commercial drivers license holder who has a BAC level of 0.4 percent or higher or refuses to take the chemical test during a traffic stop will be arrested for DUI and their CDL will be suspended for one year following a first-offense. A second CDL DUI or DWI offense will result in you being arrested and your CDL being revoked for life. For more information regarding CDL DUI laws you can contact the Ohio BMV directly at 844-644-6268. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Ohio

What is the DUI penalty for a minor?
If you are under 21 years of age in the state of Ohio and you are convicted of a DUI/DWI, you will be faced with certain penalties.
  • First offense: possible jail time for up to 30 days, possible fine of up to $250, CDL suspension from 90 days to two years
  • Second offence: possible jail time for up to 30 days, possible find of up to $250, CDL suspension for minimum of one year and up to five years

For both first and second offenses, minors will not be eligible for a temporary driving permit for the first 60 days of their suspension.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Ohio

What must I do to reinstate my driver’s license as a result of a DUI/DWI?
If you are convicted of a first-time DUI or DWI offence, your driver s license will be suspended for the duration of one year after the first conviction.In order to renew your suspended drivers license, you will need to complete the reinstatement requirements.

The OH BMV recommends that you send out your suspended license reinstatement requirements approximately 20 days before your suspension end date. Completing these requirements in a timely manner will allow the OH BMV to avoid any unnecessary delays and restore your full driving privileges once the suspension has come to an end.

You may have to complete one or more of the following requirements in order to fully reinstate your OH drivers license:

  • Satisfy any court requirements
  • Complete a driving course
  • Retake written knowledge and road skills tests
  • File and maintain SR22 car insurance for 3-5 years
  • Install ignition interlock device, if court-ordered
  • Pay a DUI reinstatement fee of $475
  • Show proof of insurance by forwarding the proper documentation to:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Attn. RE Fee P.O. Box 16520 Columbus OH 43216-6520

To find out what your reinstatement requirements are and to apply for reinstatement, drivers should visit their local OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Ohio

Where can I find more information about an ignition interlock device?
If you are an Ohio resident and you are convicted of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, a judge can place an order for an ignition interlock device (IID) to be installed in your vehicle. Circumstances that may result to being ordered to use an IID include:
  • Refusing a chemical test when stopped by a law enforcement officer.
  • Testing above 0.08 percent BAC on chemical test
  • Ordered by the court after your driver s license suspension ends.

IIDs must be installed by one of the state-approved interlock manufacturers in Ohio. Manufacturers include:

  • LifeSafer, Inc.
  • Alcohol Detection Systems, Inc.
  • Guardian Interlock Systems, Inc.
  • Draeger Safety Diagnostics, Inc.
  • B.E.S.T. Labs, Inc.

The OH Bureau of Motor Vehicle provides a full list of state-approved manufactures as well as their contact information in the Ignition Interlock Devices Certified For Use In Ohio PDF.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Ohio

Where can I find my traffic or parking ticket information online?
Access to traffic or parking ticket information varies in Ohio depending on which county you are assessed a citation in. In order to inquire about whether you can find your traffic or parking ticket information online, refer back to your citation and visit the website of your local county clerk office. In the event of a lost traffic ticket, Ohio residents may use the online service to check due dates and opt to dispute the traffic fines. Depending on the county, residents may also be able to pay traffic tickets online as well. If your county does not offer online access to traffic or ticket information, refer back to your ticket for specific instructions on how to pay your ticket.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Ohio

Why doesn’t a recent traffic ticket I received appear on my driving record?
Ohio residents who have obtained a copy of their driving records should check them thoroughly to make sure the records are accurate and there is no missing information. If you believe there are mistakes on yourdriving record, contact the Ohio BMV directly to notify them. You can call the OH BMVat 844-644-6268. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.Written requests can be sent to:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Attn. RE Fee P.O. Box 16520 Columbus OH 43216-6520

For more information: Your Ohio Driving Record

Will I get any points on my record if I received a traffic ticket from another state?
Yes, if you receive a ticket outside of Ohio, it will be treated as if received in your home state. This means that points will be added to your driving record if convicted of a moving violation in another state. However, you have two options: pay the fine or contest the ticket in court. Contact a traffic attorney to help you fight the out-of-state traffic citation if that is the step you wish to take. Otherwise, contact the court or the DMV of the state that issued your traffic ticket for information on how to pay traffic tickets.

For more information: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Point System

Will I have points against my driver’s license if I get a ticket?
If you have been assessed traffic ticket fines in Ohio, you may have points assessed to your driver s license based on the type of traffic ticket fine you receive. Violations that could earn you points include homicide by vehicle, DUI, drag racing, and failure to stop and disclose identity at the scene of a crash you were involved in. Each violation ranges in number of points you may be assessed with. An accumulation of 12 or more points within the span of two years will result in your driving privileges being suspended for the duration of six months. You may also be subjected to taking the remedial driving course in order to satisfy the requirements of a suspended drivers license.

For more information: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Point System

Will I have to take an alcohol awareness class to reinstate my driver’s license?
If you are assessed a DUI citation in the state of Ohio, you will be faced with mandatory penalties that include jail time and paying mandatory fines. In order to get your license back after it s been confiscated due to a DUI or DWI, you must wait until the suspension is over, complete all of your reinstatement requirements, and pay the drivers license reinstatement fee. You may be required to attend a state-approved substance abuse/alcohol treatment program depending on the court s order. You will also be assessed with points on your driving record, as well as having to complete your driver s license examination again. In order to begin your reinstatement process, you can visit your local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Ohio