"By eliminating the $10 fee, we are honoring those who have served and continue to serve our country," said Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Ohioans who wish to purchase military plates for the first time must show they are in good standing by issuing proper discharge papers or a letter from their commanding officer. The military license plates can be issued to passenger vehicles, non-commercial trucks, motor homes, house vehicles and non-commercial trailers.

The elimination of the $10 fee was made possible with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 232, sponsored by Senator W. Scott Oelslager (R-29). Also included in SB 232, a section which allows Purple Heart recipients to obtain Purple Heart license plates for any vehicle they own. Governor Bob Taft signed the bill into law in November.

Previous legislation waived the fees for plates featuring Grenada, Vietnam, WWI, WWII, Persian Gulf, Panama, Lebanon, Korea, POW, Purple Heart recipient and disabled veteran.

The Marine Corp League is not included in the eliminated fee because it is considered an organizational plate, not a military plate.

In Ohio, it is illegal to drive any motor vehicle without insurance or other financial responsibility coverage. It is also illegal for any motor vehicle owner to allow anyone else to drive their vehicle without financial responsibility coverage.

Liability insurance pays damages caused by one party and suffered by the other party for personal injury, death or property damage. Ohioans need coverage of at least $12,500 bodily injury for two or more persons and $7,500 property damage. Motorists should check with their insurance agent to see if they have the proper coverage.

Motor vehicle owners and drivers are required to show proof of financial responsibility when stopped by a law enforcement officer for a moving violation and during a vehicle safety inspection stop. Also, proof of insurance is required at the time of a court appearance for a moving violation and if asked to by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) in conjunction with their random verification program.

Proof of financial responsibility can be demonstrated in the following ways:

Violating the financial responsibility law can result in stiff penalties. Any driver or vehicle owner who fails to show financial coverage will lose his or her operator license for 90 days on the first offense. If the driver has prior offenses, he or she will lose their operator license for one year. During license suspension, the driver or vehicle owner will also lose his or her license plates.

Drivers who violate the law will also have to pay reinstatement fees of $75 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for any additional offense. There is a $50 penalty for any failure to surrender his or her driver license, license plates or vehicle registration. The driver will also be required to maintain special financial responsibility coverage, either high-risk insurance or the equivalent, on file with the BMV for five years.

Any driver who is suspended and violates the suspension will have his or her vehicle immobilized. Also, his or her license plates will be confiscated for at least 30 days for the first offense and 60 days for the second offense.

For third or subsequent offenses the vehicle will be forfeited and sold. The vehicle owner will not be permitted to register any motor vehicle in Ohio for five years. These penalties are in addition to any fines or penalties imposed by a court of law.

BMV Adds Four IRP Locations

COLUMBUS, OH (March 13, 2001) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has added four additional full-service International Registration Plan (IRP) locations for this year’s registration season. IRP is the method used to register commercial trucks traveling interstate. The four new sites located in Cambridge, Canton, Cincinnati and Findlay will assist in processing applications, issuing apportioned plates, accepting payments on renewals and supplemental invoices.

IRP offices determine the amount owed for each commercial vehicle registration based on the miles each truck travels in each state. The money is paid to the IRP Center and the BMV then distributes the funds to each state.

"We believe the additional locations will prove to be more convenient and time saving," said Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. "We continue to research other measures for future improvements."

The new branch locations will help alleviate lines at the main IRP center in Hilliard during registration season, which runs from March through May.

Last year, the BMV offered customers two locations in Medina and Lebanon. This year’s opening of four new full service locations, one in each quadrant of the state, is consistent with the BMV’s customer service initiatives.

The new locations are expected to be operational by the end of the month. If IRP customers have any questions they may call the Processing Center’s toll free number, 1-800-477-0007 for more information.

BMV Adds Two More Services To OPLATES.com

COLUMBUS, OH (March 1, 2001) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has added two more services to its online vehicle registration site, OPLATES.com. Beginning today, Ohio motorists can update their addresses, as well as purchase replacement registrations, stickers and plates online.

"Those Ohioans who have used OPLATES for vehicle renewals have expressed ideas they would like the BMV to implement, including address changes and purchasing replacements," said Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS). "This is an example of our ongoing efforts to maximize the services available through OPLATES."

Motorists who have moved can now log onto www.OPLATES.com and change their address prior to renewing their vehicle registration. Previously, if a person’s current address was not on file with the BMV, that person could not register through OPLATES. Ohioans who do not need to renew their vehicle registration may also use this service to update their address. There is no charge for this service.

Ohioans whose registrations, stickers or plates are lost, stolen or damaged may also use OPLATES.com to order duplicates. To order duplicates, a person needs the last four numbers of his or her social security number and the plate number. Motorists can use MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover to pay for the purchase. The transaction includes a $2.25 Deputy Registrar fee, as well as fees set forth by the Ohio Revised Code.

The BMV began testing OPLATES in October and officially announced the service in December. Since testing began, over 65,000 registrations have been renewed through the online site and the touch-tone telephone system

100,000 Vehicles Registered Through OPLATES

COLUMBUS, OH (April 30, 2001) – On Sunday, the 100,000^th transaction through the Bureau of Motor Vehicle’s (BMV) electronic registration site called OPLATES took place. Ohioans who need to renew their vehicle can log onto www.OPLATES.com or call toll free 1-866-OPLATES (1-866-675-2837). Ohioans can also order replacement plates, stickers or registrations in case theirs have been lost, damaged or stolen.

"OPLATES has been a big success for the state of Ohio," said Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. "The people who have used OPLATES have had great things to say about the service and we are continuing to add more services based on customer comments."

Almost a third of all OPLATES visitors have completed the end-of-transaction online survey. Ninety percent of Ohioans say they will use the service to renew next year.

The BMV uses the comment section to gage what customers want to see added to the site, such as renewals for leased vehicles. The BMV has plans to add renewals for leased vehicles and fleet registrations by the end of the year.

"We are very pleased with the responses we have received from the public," said Frank Caltrider, Registrar of Motor Vehicles. "We fully plan to continue to make improvements as a customer service to all Ohioans."

Testing on OPLATES began in October 2000. OPLATES officially kicked off in December 2000. Ohioans can also update their addresses by logging onto www.OPLATES.com.

Financial Responsibility Study Committee Continues Reviewing Programs In Other States

WHAT: Financial Responsibility Study Committee Meeting

WHEN: Wednesday, April 25, 2001, 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: Vern Riffe Center, 77 South High Street, 31^st Floor – South A, Columbus

WHO: Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety; J. Lee Covington II, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance; and Financial Responsibility Study Committee members

The Financial Responsibility Study Committee is comprised of eight members including Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) and J. Lee Covington II, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI). Members of the committee will continue to review programs in other states. During the meeting, programs in Utah and Maryland will be reviewed.

This is the third time the committee has met to discuss this issue. In previous meetings the committee has reviewed programs in New York and Colorado.

The committee is to have a comprehensive report including findings and recommendations completed by September 2001. The findings will be submitted to the Governor, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and the President of the Ohio Senate. The Chairperson of the Insurance and Transportation committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate will also receive the report. Please see the agenda below.

A. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

B. MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

C. REVIEW OF OTHER STATES PROGRAMS

1. Utah – Insure-Rite, Richard Kasteler (http://www.insure-rite.com)

2. Maryland – MS Technologies, David Powers

D. DISCUSSION

E. FUTURE MEETING DATE: May 23, 2001
    Conference Room East B, Riffe Center, 31st Floor, 8:30-10:30 am

F. ADJOURNMENT

On Friday, April 13, 2001, Lt. Governor Maureen O'Connor and Registrar Franklin Caltrider will announce the recipients of tentative Deputy Registrar contract awards for approximately 100 license agency locations statewide.

All commercial vehicle registrations for both interstate and intrastate carriers expire May 31, 2001.

Commercial vehicle registrations for carriers traveling in other states will need to register through the International Registration Plan (IRP). Each year, IRP offices determine the amount owed for each commercial vehicle registration based on the miles each truck travels in each state. The money is paid to the IRP Center, and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) then distributes the funds to each state.

The IRP is a program for registering commercial trucks, trailers and buses traveling within Ohio and at least one additional IRP state or province if the commercial vehicle is used for the transportation of persons for hire or designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property and the following information:

• Is a power unit having two axles and declared a gross vehicle weight (GVW) in excess of 26,000 pounds;

• Is a power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight;

• Is a power unit used in combination, when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds GVW.

Once the fees are paid, IRP credentials are distributed. Registration cab cards, apportioned license plates, validation stickers and weight stickers are included in the IRP credentials. The credentials allow the carrier to legally travel in each IRP jurisdiction declared on the cab card.

Vehicles exempt from registering through IRP include recreational vehicles, farm vehicles traveling less than 7,500 miles, non-commercial trucks/trailers, buses used to transport "chartered" parties and government owned vehicles.

Commercial trucks traveling only in Ohio do not fall under the IRP guidelines, as stated above. These vehicles display an Ohio commercial license plate, which can be renewed at any of the 217 Deputy Registrar agencies in Ohio.

The main IRP location is located outside Hilliard in Franklin County. In order to alleviate traffic at the Hilliard location, the BMV has added four additional IRP locations for Ohioans to use during the registration season. The new locations are located in each quadrant of the state.

In the Northeast, the new IRP center is located in Canton at 2207 Kimball Road Southeast. The Southeast location is in Cambridge at 11137 East Pike Road. Ohioans located in the Southwestern quadrant of the state can use the location at 106 Evendale Drive in Cincinnati, while Ohioans in Northwest Ohio can use the Findlay location at 1444 Lima Ave.

Traffic at the IRP centers during the final weeks or registration is heavy. In order to alleviate the traffic at the centers, the BMV would like to remind those who need to use the service to do so early.

Financial Responsibility Committee To Review Ohio’s Current Program

WHAT: Financial Responsibility Study Committee Meeting

WHEN: Wednesday, May 23, 2001, 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: Vern Riffe Center, 77 South High Street, 31^st Floor – East B, Columbus

WHO: Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety; J. Lee Covington II, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance; and Financial Responsibility Study Committee members

The Financial Responsibility Study Committee is comprised of eight members including Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) and J. Lee Covington II, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI). During the meeting, the committee will review Ohio’s existing program. The committee will also conduct conference calls with representatives from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.

The committee is to have a comprehensive report including findings and recommendations completed by September 2001. The findings will be submitted to the Governor, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and the President of the Ohio Senate. The Chairperson of the Insurance and Transportation committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate will also receive the report. See agenda below.

A.  WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

B.  MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

C.  REVIEW OF OHIO’S EXISTING PROGRAM – Automated Tracking
     Systems (ATS) represented by Peter Spitalieri and Gregory Stuart

D.  Telephone Conference Call with other States
     Maryland (call to be placed 9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.)
     New York (call to be placed 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.)

E.  DISCUSSION

F.  FUTURE MEETING DATE (to be set by committee before adjournment)

ADJOURNMENT

"What To Do If You Lose Your License"

Losing your driver license can cause some pretty hectic moments, especially if you are traveling out of state. Regardless where you are when you lose your license, there are steps to take to begin the process of getting a replacement license through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

If you are located within the state of Ohio and you lose your license, you will need to gather primary and secondary documentation. Primary documents include documents which verify your name and date of birth. Secondary documents must include your social security number, if one has ever been assigned.

Take the appropriate documents to your local Deputy Registrar. Providing there are no suspensions or revocations in effect, and the license has not been expired for more than six months, the Deputy Registrar will issue a replacement license.

If you are out of state or abroad, you also have some options. Ohio residents may request a renewal packet by calling the BMV at (614) 752-7600. Providing the driver is in good standing, paperwork is sent to the customer through the mail. Included in the paperwork is a permit which allows the person to operate a motor vehicle while we are processing the license application. The customer will then need to complete and return the paperwork to the BMV with the correct processing fee.

Other information to be returned with the renewal packets include; a vision form which must be completed and signed by an Optometrists/Ophthalmologist, a Proof of Financial Responsibility statement form and an original signature card.

When the BMV receives your completed renewal packet, a renewal or duplicate license will be sent to you. The current image on file at the BMV will be used on the renewal/duplicate license. If there is no current image on file, a renewal/duplicate license will be issued without a photo. Upon return, the resident may go to their local Deputy Registrar to obtain a current photo license at no additional cost.

If the Ohio resident is an American Express preferred customer, they have another option. American Express offers a "perks" package which includes providing duplicate driver license to customers whose driver license has either been lost or stolen. The customer contacts American Express with the necessary information. American Express will then contact the BMV. As long as the driver’s photograph is on file, a duplicate license is delivered to the customer through overnight shipping. American Express covers all the expenses on behalf of the customer.

Insurance Representatives Give Their Prospective On Reporting Financial Responsibility

WHAT: Financial Responsibility Study Committee Meeting

WHEN: Wednesday, June 27, 2001, 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: Vern Riffe Center, 77 South High Street, 31^st Floor – South B & C, Columbus

WHO: Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety;
          J. Lee Covington II, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance; and
          Financial Responsibility Study Committee members

The Financial Responsibility Study Committee is comprised of eight members including Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) and J. Lee Covington II, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI).

Insurance representatives will give their perspective on reporting financial responsibility talk to members of the study committee. The committee will also discuss the proposed report, which must be completed by September 2001. No final decision will be made at the meeting.

The report will be submitted to the Governor, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and the President of the Ohio Senate. The Chairperson of the Insurance and Transportation committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate will also receive the report. Please see the agenda below.

A. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

B. MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

C. INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVES PANEL

1. David Snyder-Government Affairs- American Insurance Association

2. Kevin Baron-Ohio Government Relations Director-Nationwide Insurance Company

3. John Koetz-Owner, W.E. Davis Insurance Agency-Professional Insurance Agents Association

4. State Farm Insurance Company Representative

D. DISCUSSION BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF PROPOSED REPORT

E. FUTURE BUSINESS

ADJOURNMENT

Customer Service Centers Prove to be Working

COLUMBUS, OH (July 31, 2001) – A year after the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) officially opened two Customer Service Centers (CSC) located in Franklin County, the center has exceeded expectations.

"We feel the two centers have greatly improved our customer service efforts," said Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. "Public opinion tells us the centers are working. We are very proud of their success."

The services offered at the service centers include driver testing, driver license renewals and issuance, vehicle titling, and vehicle registration renewals and issuance. The centers also allow customers to purchase crash reports and driver abstracts records.

Both locations use Q-Matic, a computerized system that measures how long a person waits until they are helped. Customers go to the information desk and sign in and the clock starts. "Business has doubled and the amount of time waiting to be helped has dropped," added O’Connor.

Last month, CSC completed a total of 28,558 transactions. The average wait time at the centers was 6.82 minutes. A year ago, the centers completed a total of 7,054 transactions with an average wait time of 24 minutes.

Customers can find out how long the wait is at either CSC by logging onto www.bmv.ohio.gov. Once you get on the site, go to Customer Service Centers located under the General Information heading.

Bicentennial License Plates Commemorate Ohio's 200^th Birthday

COLUMBUS, OH (July 16, 2001) – Ohio’s Bicentennial logo will soon be seen on cars throughout the state.

"We are very proud to play a part in Ohio’s Bicentennial Celebration," said Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. "The BMV and the Bicentennial Commission have worked hard to come up with the plate design."

Starting today, the BMV will begin shipping Ohio’s new official license plate to Ohio’s 217 Deputy Registrar agencies. Beginning October 1, 2001, bicentennial license plates will be issued for all new plate purchases. At this time a mandatory replacement of all blue and white license plates will begin.

Blue and white license plate holders will receive the new bicentennial plate for a 75-cent charge, plus any additional fees. Blue and white plate owners will be able to receive their new license plate at any time or wait until their registration renewal period. There are approximately 2.4 million blue and white plates still in service. Blue and white plates are to be replaced by January 2003.

Ohioans who are renewing their gold license plates will have the option of purchasing the bicentennial license plates for $2.75, plus any additional fees. If gold license plates are lost, stolen or damaged, they will be replaced with bicentennial license plates.

"This logo, and our efforts to paint it on barns across Ohio, have helped make the Bicentennial a familiar brand across the state," said Stephen C. George, Executive Director of the Ohio Bicentennial Commission. "The new plates will compliment our efforts, while making even more Ohioans aware of, and excited about, the historic occasion taking place in 2003.

All standard bicentennial license plates will feature the Bicentennial logo on the left side of the plate. Standard plates will have a new six-character combination (letter/letter/number/number/letter/letter). Seven character-personalized, organizational, motorcycle, dealer and commercial truck plates will not have the Bicentennial logo. Please log onto www.bmv.ohio.gov or www.OPlates.com for more information.

COLUMBUS, OH (July 19, 2001) – Flooding has caused the Sharonville Deputy Registrar License Agency to close until further notice.

Damage to the license agency, 11177 Reading Road, is extensive. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is in the process of transporting damaged computers, inventory and forms to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Blue Ash Post.

"We are assisting with the clean-up effort," said Frank Caltrider, Registrar of Motor Vehicles. "We hope to have the Sharonville agency back in business as soon as possible."

IBM representatives have been called to the Blue Ash Post to assess the agency’s computer damage. Forms and inventory will be counted. A complete damage report will be submitted.

The Evendale Deputy Registrar License Agency, 10400 Reading Road, was closed Wednesday while crews cleaned water and mud from the floors. Equipment was tested late Wednesday and no damage was reported. The Evendale agency re-opened this morning.

Customers who conduct BMV business at the Sharonville location should log onto www.bmv.ohio.gov or call (614) 752-7600 for a listing of additional locations.

BMV Issues Bicentennial Plates Monday

COLUMBUS, OH (September 28, 2001) – Beginning Monday, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will begin issuing Ohio’s red, white and blue license plate – the bicentennial plate. The license plate will be issued for all new and replacement license plate purchases.

"In a matter of hours, Ohio motorists will start seeing the bicentennial plates on our roadways," said Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. "We are very proud and excited to begin issuing this license plate to Ohioans."

The license plates will replace all blue and white plates. The BMV intends to have all the blue and white plates off Ohio’s roads by 2003. There are approximately 2.4 million blue and white license plates still in use. Ohioans who have blue and white plates will be charged 75 cents plus any additional fees for the new plates upon renewal of their vehicle registration.

If Ohioans who have blue and white license plates would like to purchase new license plates outside their 90-day renewal period, they will be charged a $2.75 fee. Also, if Ohioans who currently have gold license plates choose to obtain the new license plate, they will also be charged $2.75. All transactions include a $2.75 Deputy Registrar fee.

The bicentennial plates are produced by Ohio Penal Industries at the Lebanon Correctional Institution in Warren County. Approximately 6 million license plates will be manufactured by Oct. 1. There are approximately 11.7 million registered vehicles in Ohio.

The BMV has selected Deputy Registrar License Agencies in several cities throughout Ohio for media to obtain photographs and video of the new license plates being issued. The BMV asks that all questions concerning policy and procedures be directed to the BMV Communications Office at (614) 466-4344. Please conduct customer interviews outside the agency. Deputy Registrar agency locations for the selected cities are attached.

The following is a listing of agencies:

Akron – 2955 West Market Street Suite L, Akron – Agency requests you come after 10:30 a.m. and that you please call ahead and ask for Susan. The phone number is (330) 867-1183.

Cincinnati – 5694 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati – Agency requests members of the media can stop in anytime after 9 a.m.

Cleveland – 7000 Biddulph Road, Brooklyn – Anytime is fine.

Columbus – 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus – Anytime is fine.

Dayton –  8389 North Main Street, Dayton – Agency requests media to call ahead. The phone numbers is (937) 454-5222.

Marietta – 148 Gross Street, Marietta – Anytime is fine.

Steubenville – 4150 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville – Agency requests media to arrive before 3 p.m.

Toledo – 4900 McCord Road, Sylvania – Anytime is fine.

Youngstown – 299 Boardman-Canfield Road, Boardman – Agency requests members of the media can stop in anytime after 9 a.m.

For additional locations or more information please contact the Communications Office at (614) 466-4344.

BMV Gives Ohioans Online Access To Dealer Board Rulings

COLUMBUS, OH (September 26, 2001) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is pleased to announce a new online service, designed to show Ohioans new, used and salvage Dealer Board rulings. The online service will also show if a salesperson has had any Dealer Board action taken against him/her.

"Offering our customers the opportunity to view these public records online is another example of good customer service," said Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Licensed new and used dealerships, as well as salespersons, who are found in violation of the Ohio Revised Code go before the Dealer’s Board. The board can revoke or suspend a dealer or salesperson’s license, or the board can take no action. Salvage dealers go before the Salvage Dealer Board and can have the same action taken against them. The web site will also let customers know if the dealer or salesperson is planning an appeal and the status of the case.

The Dealer Board is comprised of 10 members, who are all appointed by the Governor. The Salvage Dealer Board is made up of four members also appointed by the Governor. The Registrar of Motor Vehicles serves as secretary to both boards and can also vote. Each board has representatives from all over Ohio.

The Dealer Board has jurisdiction over approximately 9,700 new, used and leasing dealers. They also oversee approximately 19,000 salespersons. The Salvage Dealer Board has jurisdiction over approximately 750 salvage dealers.The web site can be reached by logging onto www.OhioAutoDealers.com or by logging onto www.bmv.ohio.gov and clicking on the Dealer’s Section.

BMV Takes Steps To Fight Identity Fraud

COLUMBUS, OH (September 10, 2001) – In an effort to protect Ohio citizens against identity theft, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has enlisted the help of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify Social Security numbers, dates of birth and/or names of approximately 9 million driver license and identification card records.

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) supplied a link between the BMV and SSA for the verification process. Each record takes as little as two seconds to verify information. Approximately 351,000 or 3.9 percent of the BMV’s 9 million driving records did not match the records on file with the SSA. In most instances discrepancies are simply a result of name changes, spelling of names and/or birth dates.

"A person’s driver license has become a means of identifying an individual," said Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. "Having Social Security numbers included on a person’s driver license or identification card makes the license or ID card a target for fraud."

Identity theft occurs when someone obtains important personal information, such as a Social Security number to commit fraud or theft. Identity thieves are information seekers who do not need to steal a wallet or purse to do serious damage. Once personal information is obtained, imposters can open fraudulent credit card accounts, secure deposits on houses and cars, create insurance benefits and drain personal financial accounts.

Letters will be mailed in September notifying those Ohioans whose Social Security number, date of birth and/or name did not match with the records at the SSA. Ohioans whose information did match with the SSA will not receive a letter.

The letter will ask Ohioans to make sure information found at the top of the letter matches his/her personal information. If the information does not match, Ohioans will need to correct the information with the BMV. Residents can either wait until his/her license expires to make the correction or make the correction now. Only personnel at Deputy Registrar license agencies can make the corrections. Once the correction is made, a new license or ID card will be issued.

Individuals, who have had a name change, will need to bring proper documentation of that name change with them whenever they renew their license or ID card, until records are updated. If proper documentation is not presented, no license or ID card will be issued.

Each time a new license or ID card is issued, or if an individual has changed his/her name, information will be verified with the SSA.

Several states including Missouri, Massachusetts, California and Tennessee are also verifying Social Security numbers.

BMV Opens Reinstatement Center In Jackson

COLUMBUS, OH (December 14, 2001) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is opening a reinstatement center in Jackson.  The reinstatement center will be located in a BMV one-stop-shop.  Also included in the one-stop-shop are: the Deputy Registrar License Agency, Ohio State Highway Patrol Examination Station and the Jackson County Clerk of Courts office.

"We are providing the residents of Southern and Southeastern Ohio a closer establishment to take care of BMV business-like reinstatements," said Lt. Governor Maureen O'Connor, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.  "We are also providing the residents a place where they can do all their BMV business in one location - making it more convenient for residents."

The idea to house a reinstatement center in Jackson stems from Governor Bob Taft's Regional Cabinet meetings.  Prior to the Jackson reinstatement office, residents of Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Pike, Scioto, Vinton and Washington counties had to travel to Columbus to have their licenses reinstated.

Having a reinstatement center located in Southern Ohio will not only be beneficial to BMV customers, but fees collected help assist programs in the courts, police and victims of crime organizations.

The new BMV one-stop shop is located at 301 East Huron Street in Jackson.  For more information, please log onto www.bmv.ohio.gov.

BMV Opens Reinstatement Office In Jackson

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is officially opening the Jackson Regional Reinstatement Center Friday.  The reinstatement center will be located in a one-stop-shop that will also include a Deputy Registrar License Agency, an Ohio State Highway Patrol Examination Station, and a Jackson County Clerk of Courts office.

The addition of the reinstatement center is important to Jackson County and the surrounding counties of Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Pike, Scioto, Vinton and Washington.  Residents in these counties will now have a location closer to their home to reinstate their driving privileges.  Prior to the Jackson location, residents in these counties had to travel to Columbus.

The area will also receive monies generated through reinstatement fees.  The courts, police, and victims of crime organizations are some of the agencies that receive portions of reinstatement fees.

Please see the agenda below.

Agenda for the Opening of the Jackson Regional Reinstatement Office

301 E. Huron St.
Jackson, OH  45640-2031
December 14, 2001
10 a.m.

OPLATES.com Celebrates One Year Anniversary

COLUMBUS, OH (December 12, 2001) – It has been one year since the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) officially announced the online and touch-tone-phone vehicle registration system, OPLATES.com. During the last year, 250,474 transactions have taken place through OPLATES.com and new services have been added to better assist our customers.

“The reaction we have received is positive,” said Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. “Ohioans have saved time online, by doing BMV business on their own time, at their convenience - and we’re not done adding to our services that we offer.”

In the last year, the BMV has added the ability to order replacement plates, check availability of special plates, update addresses, pay by electronic check and conduct BMV business through a Spanish language site. The additions were made to the Internet site only.

The BMV is working closely with fleet owners to allow them to renew vehicles online. Through the fleet transactions, the BMV was recently able to renew 4,568 registrations. The BMV is also developing the ability to allow leased vehicles to be renewed online. Leased vehicles should be able to be renewed online by Spring 2002.

Last year, only those residents who did not lease their vehicle could renew through OPLATES.com. The BMV only accepted payment by VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

To use the online vehicle registration, log onto www.OPLATES.com or call toll free 1-866-OPLATES (1-866-675-2837). OPLATES.com facts and testimonials are listed below.

Information on OPLATES.com

Through 8 a.m., December 12, 2001

A total of 250,474 transactions have taken place through OPLATES.com

A total of 202,495  web site transactions have taken place

A total of 47,980 IVR (touch-tone-phone) transactions have taken place

A total of 247,229 transactions have been paid for by credit card

A total of 3,247 transactions have been paid for by personal check

Top five counties by transaction:

    Franklin County - 30,985 transactions completed
    Cuyahoga County - 20,414 transactions completed
    Hamilton County - 15,947 transactions completed
    Montgomery County - 9,863 transactions completed
    Summit County - 8,476 transactions completed

On November 23, 2001 (Thanksgiving), 119 transactions took place – during our testing phase

On December 25, 2000, 127 transactions took place

The last transaction to go through in 2000 was completed at 11:02 p.m. on December 31, 2000

The first transaction to go through in 2001 was completed at 12:40 a.m. January 1, 2001

On January 1, 2001, 498 transactions took place

On July 4, 2001, 450 transactions took place

On November 22, 2001 (Thanksgiving), 227 transactions took place

Testimonials

“I thought it went very good and excellent for handicapped people. Well done.”
Donald from Clark County

“Thank you! This made it so very, very convenient for busy moms! I applaud you and this service!”
Maureen from Cuyahoga County

“Very easy to renew over the Internet, especially when you have a job with hours that do not allow you to get tot he BMV while they are open.”
Kristine from Hamilton County

“This was quite convenient. Especially since I wanted to personalize my plates. I was able to see quickly if they were available.”
Unknown

“This is my second year using this service, I also renew for family and friends who do not have computers. Everyone loves it. Keep up the good work.”
Burnadette from Cuyahoga County

“The web site provides very user-friendly service. I am very satisfied with the overall performance. I changed my address and renewed my license plate today.”
Christina from Franklin County

“In this increasingly hectic world of ours, I find it extremely helpful being able to do things like this at home on my own time with out having to rush to get someplace before they close, especially if you work late hours a lot. Thank you so very much for offering this service over the net.”
Christine from Williams County

“We are currently in CA for the winter and Internet registration will enable me to get my stickers much faster than by mail. Wonderful service.”
Unknown

“With my busy work and college schedule, oplates.com is a VERY smart way to go!”
Casey from Tuscarawas County

One Million Bicentennial Plates Sold Since October