Getting behind the wheel means shelling out some extra cash for some drivers in Ohio. Starting October 1, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles has increased several fees throughout its branches. That includes increases on things like vanity plates, vision screenings and temporary tags.
For some in Struthers, that fee increase drove them to the BMV Thursday morning. "I'm changing my vanity license plate today. I'm not going to get that anymore," said Jean Stombaugh of Struthers.
Ohio's Department of Public Safety says the increases are necessary. "The changes in Ohio law are not meant to pass any burden onto Ohio BMV customers, but we're trying to fill the growing funding gap for critical public safety services," said Lindsey Bohrer of the Department of Public Safety. Much of the money collected will go to the state highway patrol. "Those driving on Ohio's highways are most likely to benefit from the services that the patrol offers," said Bohrer.
Still for some, that doesn't make it any easier to accept. "Well, I realize it has to be done, but I'm not happy about it. Of course, I'm not happy when anything is raised," said Stombaugh.
The increased fees aren't the only differences. Starting next Thursday, proof of residency requirements are also changing. "That applies to those with a new or first-time drivers license, a state I.D. card, replacing a lost license or making an address change on a license or I.D. card. You will now have to provide documents that provide your current Ohio state street address," said Bohrer.
A wide range of documents will be acceptable for residency proof, including paycheck stubs, along with credit card and utility bills. For a full list, just click here.
