COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles locations reopened for the first time in months and many people found long lines at multiple locations Tuesday.
The line outside the licensing agency on Morse Road in Columbus was wrapped around the building as of 10 a.m.
Gedawn Gedonny showed up at that location around 6 a.m. When he saw only two people in line, he decided to go get some breakfast.
"I got here about 7:30 a.m. and it was around the corner," he said.
Thomas Simmons came prepared to wait it out.
"It didn't take me long to figure this one out," he said. "I saw the line [and] I said I'm going to make sure I got my chair with me."
The state agency encouraged people to reserve their spot in line before arriving, however, officials reported the service was down Tuesday morning.
As of Tuesday evening, the website was back up.
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is encouraging people to complete their business online if possible.
If your driver's license or ID is expired, it will still be good for 90 days after the governor's emergency health order ends.
---
Changes at Ohio BMVs and what can be renewed online:
In the latest phase of Ohio's reopening plan, all BMV locations throughout the state are opening their doors for the first time in weeks.
So what should you do if your driver's license expired when all the BMVs were closed due to coronavirus?
“There is no rush to renew!” the BMV’s site declares. In fact, we encourage you NOT to immediately visit a license agency."
State officials say your expired driver's license is still valid.
"If your license or ID card expired on or after March 9, 2020, your expiration date has been automatically extended until 90 days after Ohio’s state of emergency ends or Dec. 1, 2020, whichever comes first.”
Many of the things you need to do at the BMV can actually be handled remotely, including registration renewal. See a list of all BMV services available online here.
If you have to visit a BMV location, officials are urging everybody to reserve their spot in line before arriving. You can do that here.
"Don't feel that you have to run out and do this stuff on Tuesday just because the BMV is open," Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said last week. "[We're] encouraging people to use the online resources."
Other businesses reopening in Ohio today include gyms and public swimming pools.