Ohio BMV implements kiosks to speed up registration renewal

Tired of waiting in line to renew your vehicle's registration? The state of Ohio is trying to speed up the process. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Registrar Charlie Norman announced Wednesday the launch of new BMV Express self-service kiosks throughout the state. One of the locations is in Findlay, at Meijer, 2200 Tiffin Ave. The kiosks, implemented at nine deputy registrar and retail locations across the state, will allow Ohioans to renew vehicle registrations for cars and noncommercial trucks. "The service announced today offers a convenient way for Ohioans to quickly and easily renew their vehicle registration so they can continue on with the rest of their day," Husted said in a press release. A kiosk user scans the barcode on the outside of their state renewal notification notice or the barcode on their current vehicle registration, or enters their license plate number manually. The ATM-like machine will then accept payment, and users will be able to print off their registration card and validation stickers directly from the kiosk. Ohioans can renew vehicle registration up to 90 days prior to expiration, and do not have to wait to receive a renewal notice from the state to do so. Insurance and emissions must be current. There is a $4.95 service fee for up to four vehicles renewed at a kiosk, in addition to the renewal cost. Credit cards and "pinless" debit cards are accepted at each kiosk. There is also a 1.95% (or $1.75 minimum) credit card processing fee. The Findlay kiosk is available from 6 a.m. to midnight daily. Some other locations throughout the state are available 24 hours a day. Other active kiosks are located at: • Meijer, 1391 Conant St., Maumee. • Deputy Registrar, 3481 E. Broad St., Columbus. • Deputy Registrar (outside of the BMV), 990 Morse Road, Suite A, Columbus. • Deputy Registrar, 972 N. Court St., Medina. • Meijer, 6325 S. Gilmore Road, Fairfield. • Meijer, 7150 Executive Boulevard, Huber Heights. • Riesbeck's Food Market, 800 Howard St., Zanesville. • Rhodes Tower Lobby, 30 East Broad St., Columbus. The BMV plans to expand the use of the kiosks after gathering data on their usage. "The BMV is dedicated to improving the overall customer experience by providing our customers with access to innovative solutions that better meet their diverse needs," Norman said. "The BMV Express Kiosks are another important step we're taking to give Ohioans more convenient options to choose from when they are deciding how to interact with state government."