Getting your suspended driver’s license back in Ohio will often require you to pay a fee. If you can’t pay this fee, you may be eligible for the Ohio BMV reinstatement Fee Amnesty Program. This program can help lower or eliminate this expense for getting your driver’s license reinstated. Learning more about the basics of this program is important to determine your eligibility.
Here is an overview of the Ohio BMV Reinstatement Fee Amnesty Program.
Who is Eligible?
This fee reduction program is relatively new, as it began on December 13, 2020. All eligible drivers automatically received a notice of enrollment in the amnesty program by mail. You must meet a few requirements to enter the amnesty program, such as having your driver’s license suspended due to an eligible offense, and you must wait at least 18 months to complete the suspension period. You can also only participate in this program one-time. It’s also important to know that you aren’t eligible to participate if your offense involves drugs, alcohol, or a deadly weapon.
How Much Assistance Can I Receive?
The amount of help you will get is dependent on your income. For example, you may qualify for a fee waiver if you are indigent. On the other hand, you can be eligible for a lesser fee if you are not indigent. To be labeled indigent, you will need to be involved in at least one of these government assistance programs:
- Medicaid
- Ohio Works First
- SNAP Program
- SSI
- US Department of Veteran’s Affairs Pension Benefit Program
There are also two different phases of the program, as Phase 1 is for any offense before September 15, 2020, while Phase 2 is for an offense after September 15, 2020.
Anyone eligible for this program will automatically receive an enrollment email or letter from the Director of Public Safety. This message will show your phase eligibility and the amount of assistance you will receive in reducing or waiving your fees. Additional instructions will also be included for paying your fees. You will also need to complete all of the terms of your suspension to reinstate your driver’s license.
Contact SR-22 Bond of Ohio to Learn More
SR-22 Bond of Ohio will work with you in learning how to apply to the Ohio BMV Reinstatement Fee Amnesty Program. Contact us today for more information.