Patton Announces Information on BMV Closures, Expired Driver Licenses

State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) announced the state’s decision to close all Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMVs), with the exception of five essential locations within Ohio. Bedford has been included within the Northeast Ohio area as one of those locations that will remain open.

Bedford and the other locations will issue and renew commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and perform commercial knowledge exams to in order for the transportation of necessities such as food, medical supplies, and cleaning supplies.

“I am pleased that one of our locations within the region is going to stay open so that necessary services are being carried out for Ohioans,” said Patton. “I also want to ensure individuals that if you have an expired license, that law enforcement have been instructed to give consideration to those who may not have been able to renew their expired licenses at this time.”

The process is ongoing to extend those driver licenses who currently have an ongoing expiration date.

Additionally, it has been announced that all driving services have been suspended. Those looking to take a test or had one scheduled, must wait during this time and can look to reschedule when the suspension is uplifted.

Expired drivers licenses can cause predicaments when dealing with travel, banking, and other business needs. Due to the pandemic, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that those needing to fly that have an expired license beginning March 1, 2020 and after are permitted to still use that identification through the checkpoint. For banking and other business needs people may have, it is up to those institutions on whether they will accept expired drivers licenses as acceptable identification.

“I want everyone within our community to be as informed and updated as possible during this difficult time as we all face this pandemic together,” said Patton. “If you have further questions or concerns related to BMV issues, please visit www.bmv.ohio.gov or call them at 844-644-6268.”