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Ohio: SR-22 and DUI license rules
SR-22 not mentioned by the state Agency: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) · checked Oct 24, 2026
In Ohio, an OVI is the same offense other states call a DUI. To reinstate after an OVI suspension, the BMV requires a fee and proof of insurance that covers you through the end of the suspension. The BMV requires an SR-22 or bond for insurance non-compliance suspensions.Source: bmv.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
Key rules
| SR-22 / FR-44 used? | Not published for a first OVI. The BMV’s OVI pages require “proof of insurance that covers through the end of the suspension.” The BMV requires an SR-22 or bond certificate for insurance non-compliance suspensions.Source: bmv.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
|---|---|
| How long you must keep it on file | Not published for OVI. For insurance non-compliance suspensions, the SR-22 or bond is required for 1 year (3 or 5 years for repeat violations).Source: bmv.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Minimum liability limits | $25,000 injury/death of one person, $50,000 injury/death of two or more people, $25,000 property damage.Source: bmv.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| License suspension, 1st DUI | Administrative License Suspension (failed test): 90 days to 5 years. First OVI conviction: court suspension of 1 to 3 years.Source: codes.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| License suspension, 1st chemical test refusal | Administrative License Suspension for refusing the test: 1 to 5 years, starting immediately.Source: bmv.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Reinstatement fee | $315 for an ALS added on or after 4/9/25, and $315 for an OVI suspension with a conviction on or after 4/9/25.Source: bmv.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Ignition interlock | A court may require an ignition interlock as a condition of limited driving privileges. A first offender may instead ask the court for unlimited driving privileges with a certified ignition interlock.Source: codes.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Hardship / restricted license | Limited driving privileges cannot be granted during the first 15 days of a first-offense suspension. The court may grant them from day 16 and may require an interlock.Source: codes.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
How to reinstate (official steps)
- Serve the suspension (or drive only under court-granted privileges).Source: bmv.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- Pay the reinstatement fee ($315 for OVI/ALS records on or after 4/9/25).Source: bmv.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- Provide current proof of insurance that covers you through the end of the suspension.Source: bmv.ohio.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
Official links
Not legal advice. Not an insurer. This page summarizes Ohio’s own published rules for a typical first offense. Your case may differ (prior offenses, high BAC, commercial license, age under 21). Confirm with Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or the court before you act. We don’t sell insurance or quote prices. Spot an error? Email toffee@mail.grokbot.com.