Suspended License

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The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles offers several ways to find out if there is an active suspension on your driver’s license. This includes an online request for an unofficial driving record or requesting your official record in person or via mail. Either of these reports should let you know if your license is currently suspended because of an administrative or criminal action.

Ways to Get Your Driving Record from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Ohio

There are three primary ways to learn what is on your driving record, including any active suspensions. This includes:

Getting Your Unofficial Record Online

You can view your unofficial driving record on the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. You will need your driver’s license or ID number, birthdate, last name, and Social Security Number. This is the only free option to see your driving record and allows you to look at the last two years of data. Your unofficial record should include any suspensions. If you find anything, you can request an official copy to confirm.

Request an Official Record in Person

You can request your official driving record, also known as a driver abstract, in person at any Regional Driver License Reinstatement Center or the closest License Agency. They will ask you to complete a Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles record request before they can provide you with the last three years of your driving records. There is a $5.00 fee associated with this process.

Request an Official Record Through the Mail

An alternative to requesting your official record in person is to mail the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles record request in and receive the records via mail. There is also a $5.00 fee (check or money order) associated with this method of requesting your records.

Why Is My Ohio Driver’s License Suspended?

If you believe the Bureau of Motor Vehicles has suspended your driver’s license suspension, you likely have a good idea of why. However, sometimes it comes as a surprise. Some of the most common reasons Ohio drivers have a suspended license include:

  • They have too many points on their record from traffic violations.
  • They were arrested or convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol.
  • They refused to submit to a blood alcohol concentration testing.
  • They committed a drug-related offense.
  • They failed to maintain the required liability auto insurance.

It is important to note that you may have an active administrative license suspension even if the courts did not end up convicting you of a drunk or drugged driving offense. Ohio law handles administrative and criminal suspensions separately.

How Can I Reinstate My Driving Privileges?

How long the state of Ohio suspends your license will depend on the reason for suspension in the first place. The requirements you must meet to reinstate it will vary, as well. There may even be fines and requirements from the court if you have a criminal conviction. Your driving record should help you understand how long your suspension will last. If you have questions, you can contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or the court that convicted you.

If you are currently facing an extended suspension, you may want to consider having a lawyer help you request limited driving privileges. This could allow you to drive to work, school, or other pre-approved locations until you can file for a full reinstatement of your privileges.

Talk to a Driver’s License Suspension Attorney About Your Case

A driver’s license suspension attorney from The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC can help you understand and address your Ohio license suspension. If you are just beginning an administrative suspension, we may be able to file an appeal and try to help you retain your license. As criminal defense attorneys, we can also represent you in court and work to fight against a criminal license suspension.

Have You Been Arrested for a DUI in Cincinnati, OH?

If you are facing DUI charges, you need to speak with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at 513-929-9333 to schedule your free consultation.

Steven R. Adams
Steven R. Adams was a criminal defense lawyer dedicated to DUI, OVI, and criminal defense in Cincinnati, Ohio.