CLEVELAND — On the first day of reopening of Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles locations, long lines formed almost immediately with some waiting outside for more than hour to get inside the service area.
News 5 photographers captured photos of long lines at the Independence and North Olmsted BMV locations. Some customers told News 5 they have been in line outside since 8 a.m.
While the BMV locations have opened for business, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said last week that there is no need for Ohioans to rush to their local office as most services can be done online.
The Ohio BMV said it will not be administering knowledge or skill tests. They will resume testing once they have the capacity to safely do so, officials said.
Customers were seen lining up and practicing social distancing at the Shaker Heights BMV location on Tuesday.
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles allows you to do the following things online without even stepping foot inside a BMV location:
- Vehicle registration
- Check availability of specialty plates
- Driving records
- Change of address
- Register to become an organ donor
- Reinstatement requirement fees
- Fleet and power of attorney services
- Check status of registration
- Next-of-Kin
The system will allow customers to get in line and reserve a spot in the queue without physically waiting in the office. After checking in online, customers have a four-hour window to arrive at the deputy registrar location, check in at a self-service kiosk, and claim their spot in line.
For those who need to visit the BMV, Husted recommends they use the "Get In Line Online" tool.
