Driving will cost more for Ohio drivers today

By Marc Kovac

COLUMBUS — Ohio drivers will be paying a little more to register their cars and renew their licenses, under fee increases that take effect today.

The changes were part of the state transportation budget approved by lawmakers earlier this year but taking effect now.

Among the fee changes affecting Ohio drivers, according to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles are:

UVision screening fees are increasing $1.75 to $2.75 from $1. The change will be included in standard and commercial driver’s license renewals, which will cost $25.75 and $44.75, respectively.

UTemporary, 30-day license plates are increasing $8, to $18.50 from $10.50.

UVehicle-registration renewal fees for standard passenger plates ($34.50) are not increasing. However, fees for personalized plates will, with users paying an extra $50 from $35 over the standard registration costs.

Additionally, drivers who opt for initial reserve plates — that is, plates that include their three initials but no personalized messages — will pay $25 more, up from $10.

UThe majority of commercial plates are increasing $11, to $30 from $19.

UOhioans who are more than seven days late in registering their vehicles will be assessed a late fee of $20.

Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Lindsay Komlanc said notices were mailed earlier this summer to drivers whose registration renewals were due today or thereafter.

Lawmakers OK’d the fee increases to help balance the budgets for the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Ohio Highway Patrol and related agencies.

Additional information on the fee increases can be found online at www.bmv.ohio.gov.