Ohio House Bill 2, the state's transportation budget, which was passed on March 30, 2009, included a number of fee increases that impact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Some of these changes took effect July 1, 2009 and the remainder will take effect October 1, 2009.

Fees that are increasing are: Vision Screening Fee (increase of $1.75, impacts all operator license renewal transactions including standard driver license, commercial driver license and motorcycle endorsement), Temporary Tag Fee (increase of $8), Registration for Personalized Plates (increase of $15) and Registration for Initial Reserve Plates (increase of $15).

In addition to these changes, a $20 fee has been added for all late license and vehicle registration renewals.

The BMV began notifying customers of these changes on July 1, 90 days in advance, through notifications on the standard mail-in renewal notices sent to each customer with a vehicle registered in his or her name.

Go to www.bmv.ohio.gov to review the total cost for each transaction impacted by these changes. The information is located in several different places, including: "Fees for Services," "Vehicle Registration and License Plate, click on Vehicle Registration Fees," and is updated on OPLATES for those customers renewing their registrations online.