How to Check Your Ohio Driver’s License Status Online and In-Person
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You cannot drive without a license. That's one reason why it's so important to check your driver's license status in Ohio. Of course, you have an expiration date on your license that will let you know when it's time for a license renewal, but you may not know that your license is connected to your driving record. If you have tickets or points on your record, then you may not be able to renew your vehicle registration or license without clearing your record first. You might even be close to suspension without realizing it.
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offers a few convenient ways to verify license information, which can help avoid legal or driving-related complications.
How to Check Your Driver's License Status Online in Ohio
To check your Ohio driver's license status, all you have to do is log into the BMV website. From the homepage, you can search for "check license status" and choose "Unofficial Driving Record." This will prompt you to log into your BMV account (or create one using your current license). Online, you can view an unofficial BMV driving record that shows any tickets or points still standing on your record.
This BMV record shows two years of driving history, but you can order an official three-year report for a small fee.
Other Methods for Checking License Status in Person or by Phone
You can check the status of your Ohio driver's license in person or by phone, although both are less convenient than checking online. However, since they're being verified by a human BMV employee, they are more official records.
To check in person, find a local BMV office. To check by phone, call 1-844-OHIO-BMV (1-844-644-6268).
Common Reasons for License Suspensions or Expirations in Ohio
The most significant reason to check your license status in Ohio is to ensure you're not driving on an expired or suspended license without realizing it. Some of the most common reasons you may have a suspended, expired, or invalid license include:
- Unpaid fees: Failing to pay traffic tickets, registration fees, and other BMV fees may lead to license suspension.
- Traffic violations: Traffic law violations accumulate points on your record and if you get 12 in a two-year period, you may face suspension.
- Expired license: Failing to meet Ohio's license renewal requirements and allowing your license to expire is a significant violation. Complete your Ohio driver's license renewal online if you need to.
- Invalid registration: If you've moved to Ohio and forgot to update your address record, get an Ohio license, or register your car in the state, this may lead to fines.
Even the best licensed driver might forget a ticket or two, but it's imperative to check your driver's license status in Ohio from time to time to ensure you remain compliant.
How to Resolve License Issues: Suspended, Expired, or Invalid
Different license violations require different responses. Basic issues like an expired license simply require you to renew your license. You can use the BMV's online service to do so.
Licenses may be invalid for a range of reasons, from missing child support payments to failing to pay court fines. To get an invalid license reinstated, you'll typically have to meet specific court-ordered requirements.
Reinstating a suspended license is a more common process. Once you've waited out the suspension period, you must fulfill any court orders, like paying fines or taking a defensive driving class. Then, you must visit the BMV in person to pay reinstatement fees and process your new license.
When to Expect Updates After Resolving License Status Issues
If you update your license status in person or by phone, you can expect the changes to be instantaneous. If you use an online form, it may take a few business days for the system to fully process.
Tips for Keeping Your Driver's License Status in Good Standing
Your driver's license is a reflection of your driving record. So long as you abide by the Ohio Driver's Handbook and meet Ohio requirements, you should be in good shape. That includes:
- Abiding by all traffic laws.
- Providing proper documentation like proof of address and Social Security when renewing documents.
- Keeping your license or identification card on you at all times.
- Maintaining a compliant Ohio car insurance policy and always carrying proof of insurance in the car.
- Checking your license status from time to time to ensure you have a clean record.
Stay Protected with Car Insurance for Ohio Residents
It's a good idea to check your Ohio driver's license status to ensure your license is in good standing. Equally important, you need to have a car insurance policy that not only meets state-mandated minimum requirements but also gives you enough protection to have peace of mind when you're on the road. Use EverQuote's comparison tools to find the best policies for you and your budget in Ohio.