COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Registrar Charles Norman announced on Monday the start of a new, virtual queuing system to better serve Ohio drivers who visit deputy registrars for BMV services such as license renewal or vehicle registration.
The new system, which went online Monday at 12 deputy registrar locations in the state, will allow customers to "Get in Line, Online" and advance in the queue without physically waiting in the office.
After checking in online, customers have a four-hour window to arrive at the deputy registrar location, check in at a self-service kiosk, and claim their spot in line.
"Right now, drivers can be subjected to significant wait times, which is inconvenient, inefficient, and frustrating," DeWine said. "We believe the introduction of this new technology will save drivers' valuable time and give the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and its deputy registrars better ability to provide exceptional customer service."
“Our goal is to change the culture of state government so every service is designed with the customer in mind,” said Husted, who serves as director of the newly-formed InnovateOhio. “We want ours to be the most innovative, creative state in the Midwest, which starts within state government by using technology to offer better services to Ohioans, and this is a great first step for the BMV.”
Drivers can access the queuing system by visiting www.bmv.ohio.gov. The system is currently active at the following deputy registrar locations:
- 22125 Rockside Rd., Bedford
- 104 W. Spring Valley Rd., Centerville
- 1583 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus
- 112 Dillmont Drive, Columbus
- 2970 Hayden Run Plaza, Columbus
- 4503 Kenny Road, Columbus
- 4161 West Broad Street, Columbus
- 5287 Westpointe Plaza, Columbus
- 8210 County Rd. 140 Suite A, Findlay
- 3040 Southwest Blvd., Grove City
- 4740 Cemetery Road, Hilliard
- 17 Cherri Park Square, Westerville
Through use of the new system, the BMV continually will review wait and processing times to further manage efficiency and improve customer service. If found to be successful, the system could expand to other deputy registrars in other parts of the state.
“The BMV understands that time is valuable and therefore the most important aspect of customer service,” said Ohio BMV Registrar Charles Norman. “We are dedicated to improving and enhancing the overall customer experience by providing our customers with access to innovative options that better meet their diverse needs.”
Using the new system for the above locations is not required, and walk-in customers are still welcome.
There are 186 deputy registrar locations in Ohio, accounting for approximately 16 million transactions annually.