Ohio’s BMV Reinstatement Fee Amnesty Program can help eligible drivers get back on the road by reducing, or in some cases waiving, certain reinstatement fees. Learn if you qualify and how to take advantage of this opportunity.
Good News: Ohio BMV Amnesty Automatic Enrollment
If you are eligible, the Ohio BMV will notify you by mail. You won’t need to submit an application. Proof of insurance is required to activate the fee reduction. If you believe you qualify but did not receive a notice, the Ohio BMV accepts form BMV 2829.
BMV Reinstatement Fee Amnesty Qualifications
The Ohio BMV Amnesty Program applies to you if you meet these basic requirements:
Basic Eligibility
You hold a non-commercial driver’s license or permit
You can show proof of current insurance
Important Note
Commercial driver’s license holders do NOT qualify for this amnesty program. The program is specifically for personal, non-commercial licenses only.
Additional Requirements for Personal License Suspension
If you had a suspension to your personal driver’s license, and you’ve never used amnesty to reduce or waive your reinstatement fees before, the following must also be true:
Your driver’s license or permit has been suspended
At least 18 months have passed since the end of the suspension period
You owe reinstatement fees
Qualifying Offenses
Amnesty only covers certain types of offenses that led to your suspension. Offenses involving alcohol, drugs or a deadly weapon do NOT qualify for amnesty.
Excluded from Amnesty
If your suspension involved alcohol, drugs or a deadly weapon, or was a commercial license or permit suspension, amnesty does NOT apply to that suspension.
Non-Compliance
Failure to carry state minimum insurance coverage
Forfeiture
Failure to appear in court on a traffic charge
Security/Hearing Failure
Failure to pay a security or request a hearing after an accident
Random Selection
Failure to show proof of state required minimum coverage
12-Point Suspension
Your license was suspended after accumulating 12 points on your driving record
Proof of Financial Responsibility
Having proof of coverage is essential for amnesty to take effect. If you’re missing the required coverage, we can help you get it quickly and affordably.
What You Need:
Valid auto insurance policy meeting Ohio minimums
SR-22 filing if required by your suspension type
Proof of insurance to activate the fee reduction
Get Your SR-22 Quote Check BMV Status
Need More Information?
Amnesty reduces the reinstatement fees you owe: for one eligible offense you pay half the fee, and for several you pay the greater of the lowest fee owed or 10% of the total. Drivers who show proof of indigence (for example SNAP, Medicaid, Ohio Works First, SSI or VA pension benefits) may have the fees waived. Remaining fees go on a BMV payment plan, and all other reinstatement requirements still apply. For complete details and current requirements, please visit the official BMV website.
Ready to Get Back on the Road?
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