Ohio ends same-day driver’s license issuing in favor of mail

No one enjoys waiting in line at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for a license renewal. The TV show “Seinfeld” even made a whole episode about how frustrating it can be.

But that trip to the Ohio BMW for a new driver’s license, or license renewal, might get even more frustrating starting in July.

As of July 2, 2018, Ohio BMV deputy registrar offices will no longer be allowed to print a driver’s license while you wait.

For added security reasons, it will become a two-step process:

• You will first go to your local BMV to sign up for a renewal, take a quick eye test and have your (usually awful) photo taken.
• But instead of getting the new license in 5 minutes, you will now be handed a temporary license card.
• Your official Ohio driver’s license will arrive by mail in two weeks.

Why the change?

Ohio’s BMV says it is making this change for security reasons, to be compliant with new federal ID laws. This will allow the new licenses to be accepted by Transportation Security Administration agents for identification at all U.S. airports.

It also allows the state to do a further check than your local deputy registrar office can do, to make sure it’s handing that license to the correct person — not a terrorist or scam artist.

Drivers’ licenses will continue to last for four (4) years, and the cost will remain the same.

GO HERE to learn more at the Ohio BMV website.

Bottom line: If you need a new license this year, you might want to renew it before the end of June so you don’t have to wait — and so you don’t waste your money.