Ohio BMV site now back up after initial glitch

In spite of pleas from state officials to conduct business online if possible, people lined up early outside an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in Boardman on Tuesday as BMV offices across the state reopened for business for the first time since they closed in mid-March.

The line of people stretched from the BMV's front door in the Boardman Plaza, along the front of five nearby storefronts along Route 224 near Glenwood Avenue.

At Youngstown's West Side Merchants, the line went from the front door and around the corner at Mahoning and Wesley Avenues.

The picture was much the same outside the BMV in Lisbon where the line snaked along the edges of the parking lot.

On March 18, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine closed 181 deputy registrar agencies and 52 driver examination stations as one of the precautions to stem the tide of the coronavirus.

Earlier this month Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that BMV offices would reopen on May 26 under continuing social distancing precautions.

The announcement came with an admonition that people do not to immediately visit a BMV office since many services are offered on the website www.OPlaates.com, and officials are hoping to keep in-person traffic to a minimum as a safety measure.

In addition, the BMV said those who must make an in-person visit can schedule beforehand by using the 'Get In Line, Online' link at www.bmv.ohio.gov. However, as of 10 am Tuesday 21 News was unable to log on to that website.

As of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, the 'Get In Line, Online' website has been restored. 

With the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle's Online Services, you can:

• Access OPLATES:
  • Renew, replace, or exchange your plates.
  • Replace your registration card or sticker.
  • Go paperless! Set your vehicle registration renwal notification preferences.
  • Check for specialized plates availability.
  • Check the status of your vehicle registration.
• View your driving record. View an abstract online or order an official version.
• Update your address. Update your residential address or add/update your mailing address.
• Add next-of-kin. Add two emergency contacts to their BMV record for use by law enforcement.
• View reinstatment requirements. If your license is suspended, you can view reinstatement requirements or pay your reinstatement fees.
• Make a returned item payment Pay your returned items online. Please allow 1-2 busiess days to clear any plate blocks.
• Check or modify your Commercial Driver License Self-Certification.
• Schedule a driving test at a Driver Exam Station.
• View or modify your organ donor registration.
• Verify the most recent date a driver license was issued in your name.