Suspended License

The Basics

There are many ways you can have your license suspended in Ohio and to make navigating this amount of information more palatable, the BMV has prepared an information page on each type of suspension, complete with length of suspension, how to reinstate your license, and even definitions.

If your license has been suspended, you might be able to receive limited driving privileges (for example, if required for your job) while your suspension is in force. Click on the type of suspension listed below to see if you are eligible to drive under certain circumstances, as well as how to apply for this exception.

Check Your Driver's License Status

Whenever you need or want to check the status of your driver’s license, you can order a driving record report. This record will spell out if your driver’s license is currently valid. Should your license have been revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what’s on record at the BMV. This report will also show points against your license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have had.

Reasons for Suspension

According to Ohio law, your license can be suspended for the following reasons:

• 12 points within a two-year period

• Testing positive for blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit

• Refusing a BAC test when pulled over

• Convicted of a traffic violation and ordered by court

• DUI first offense

• Habitual user of drugs or alcohol

• Dropping out of high school

• Drug-related offenses

• Unsatisfied civil judgments

• Delinquent, unruly, or habitual drug user (juveniles)

• Failure to appear in court on a bond

• Liquor law violations

• Medical condition that would impair your driving ability

• Tagged as a "problem driver" in the National Driver Registry

• Insurance noncompliance

• Unresolved out-of-state ticket

• Out-of-state alcohol- or drug-related offenses

• Driving under the influence (juvenile)

• DUI second offense

• Causing an accident while uninsured

• Bringing a weapon onto school property

Reinstatement Procedures

While reinstatement requirements will vary depending in the reason for the suspension, all reinstatement procedures will involve fees.

You'll also need to show identification documents again to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number.

Driving school: In some cases, driving school will be part of your reinstatement requirements. You can find BMV-approved course providers by county.

All reinstatement documentation and fees must be submitted in person at one of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Centers in Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Jackson, Toledo, and Youngstown.

Check out the list of possible convictions and the point values associated with them.

For related information, see our DMV Point System page on this site.