By bobby

February 1, 2010 8:53 AM | Link to this

This is the State of Ohio’s equivilent to payday lending. Those that are least likely to pay on time are the poor, disorganized and and uneducated. The state givith and the state takith away.

By rj

February 1, 2010 8:57 AM | Link to this

Does the State of Ohio prefer that I buy Cottonelle or White Cloud? I need their advice, I don’t know WHAT to do…..

By Jeff Corbett

February 1, 2010 9:13 AM | Link to this

Renew your license and tags on time and you don’t have the issue. The state provides you renewal notice months before the expiration date which you gives plenty of time to renew without the fees.

By LB

February 1, 2010 9:16 AM | Link to this

I understand the concept but in this economy it is rediculous the people who will be affected are the ones already struggling to provide for their families if they had the money they would have already renewed.

By jon

February 1, 2010 9:27 AM | Link to this

Playin Devils advocate here: What if I chose not to to renew, cause I don’t want to drive for a few months, or I have a classic Car that will not be on the road. My point is that driving is a privelge, but its also a choice.You shouldn’t get charged extra for changing your mind.

By oldtimer

February 1, 2010 9:52 AM | Link to this

Whoever told you people that life is fair. It’s not, so get used to it.

By grateful

February 1, 2010 9:52 AM | Link to this

Last week I received a card in the mail informing me that I had been driving on an expired license for 5 weeks. If I had been paying attention to my exp. date the DMV wouldn’t have had to send the card. It is much cheaper to pay the $20 late fee than to pay a ticket if you get stopped without a valid license. I wasn’t thrilled about the fee but it was my fault for not being alert. Who do you think foots the bill to send out the courtesy cards to inform us that we are overdue?

By Joyce

February 1, 2010 9:55 AM | Link to this

The state will also suspend your license for 90 days if you fail to show proof of ins. If you move and they mail it to an old address they WILL NOT forward mail and you will never know if they have sent you anything or not. That is not fair and you will have to pay a hefty fine when you have your license reinstated. That is the state for you.

By Jrich

February 1, 2010 9:58 AM | Link to this

Personal Responsibility.

By Daytonian

February 1, 2010 10:45 AM | Link to this

John, you have absolutely no future in politics.

By lisa

February 1, 2010 11:15 AM | Link to this

John your a prick poor people are not always stupid some poor people are poor not because of something they did but maybe because the economy is bad. but since you think poor people are just stupid I’m guessing your a poor person. I agree to a fee I just think 20 is a little high

By bobby

February 1, 2010 11:44 AM | Link to this

The license plate registration fee is $54. A $20 late fee is a 37% charge. If the county auditor charged a 37% late fee on property taxes, people would be marching on the county building.This fee is excessive and regressive.

By Mike

February 1, 2010 11:44 AM | Link to this

I don’t have as much of a problem with the late fee for a driver’s license as I do with license plates. If I have a vehicle, especially a trailer, that I may or may not use during the year, why should I be forced to pay extra for the privlege of leaving it set, unlicensed, until I need it? That is just plain wrong!

By oldtimer

February 1, 2010 12:03 PM | Link to this

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know when your licenses expire; you just have to be able to read. The expiration date is listed on driver’s licenses and is also listed on license plate forms you receive in the mail. If you’re late with a credit card payment, you are assessed a late fee, so this is no different. Don’t take on financial responsibilities you can’t meet.

By fortressdayton

February 1, 2010 12:12 PM | Link to this

Oh, please…. “people struggling to pay the regular amount, especially with multiple cars.” If you can’t afford the registration, you can’t afford the cars, sweetheart. With so many of our citizens living off the govt teat, they probably forgot that everything is not free, and that we have to prioritize. I think I’ll not pay my property taxes, because I am having a hard time saving money for my trip to Paris. Sound ok to you? It is very simple: Register on time and the big bad govt won’t slap you with an idiot-fine.

By r

February 1, 2010 12:47 PM | Link to this

what if you own a motorcycle or boat trailer and only use is 6 months out of the year?

By getaclue

February 1, 2010 12:47 PM | Link to this

Just because you are poor does not mean that you can’t be responsible. You can renew 30 days before (maybe more), and have 7 days after the expiration date. Plenty of time to do what you are supposed to do! People complaining are such morons!

By Fee Payer

February 1, 2010 12:58 PM | Link to this

I had to pay the late fee due to having tags expired for 2 months. This was only the 2nd year that a car was in my name so it slipped my mind that I needed to renew my tags along with my license. I got a new license last Nov but they said nothing about renewing my tags (apparently 2 different systems but whatever). I also did not receive a notice in the mail due to moving. Apparently the important mail doesnt get forwarded, only the junk does! I was not happy about paying the late fee but I would have been really mad if I got pulled over and had to pay a ticket AND the late fee. It makes sense to have a late fee though since every other bill adds more to your payment when late. Thats just how life is.

By Squirrellygirl

February 1, 2010 1:12 PM | Link to this

They don’t have an excuse for this. It’s just another way of raising our taxes. I’m sure Democrats are behind this. Ridiculous!

By Squirrellygirl

February 1, 2010 1:14 PM | Link to this

The state is not entitled to this money. I wish we could do away with unnecessary taxes, and the people who think they are necessary. Time for a smaller less intrusive gov’t. Let’s starve the gov’t.

By Greg

February 1, 2010 7:31 PM | Link to this

Just another tax. What do you expect from Ohio?

By Rocket Science

February 1, 2010 11:08 PM | Link to this

Would you rather pay the BMV $20 or Mr. Police Officer a hell of a lot more when he nabs you for expired tags on top of whatever else he pulled you over for?

By Tamia

February 2, 2010 12:01 AM | Link to this

I recently had to pay this fee. Not because I forgot to get my registration but because I was let go from my job at the end of December and when it came time to renew I had to choose to feed my kids or pay the fees. Sorry, my kids eat first. I was able to finally get it today at a cost of $75.00. That was a hard hit but I need to get my kids to school…I would have paid on time had I had the money, so alot of folks are right. It hits those of us who just can’t afford it really hard. I can take care of alot of things with $20… and I had to pay it to Ohio because I didn’t have the money to renew by my birthday.

By Debbie from Springfield

February 2, 2010 8:29 AM | Link to this

You know when your birthday is and you know you have to renew. I know things are hard for many of people right now.I lost my job 8 days before Christmas,but I have to be legal in order to look for another job. Babysit, turn in cans …do what you have to because it will cost more in the long run.

By puhleeze

February 2, 2010 9:12 AM | Link to this

Such whiners…it is your responsibility. Plates are renewed every year by birthday,license every 4 yrs.How do you forget.You whine that govt is taking over, yet you want govt to babysit you.Late fees are assessed on credit cards,taxes,mortgage payments,CAR insurance, but if OH charges one,you whine.PUHLEEZE,grow up,take care of business.Got multiple cars?No sympathy for you. Stop whinning puhleeze.Poor?Bad economy?Save a little each week,you know it’s coming.PLAN..PUHLEEZE I must renew both this year,I’m saving,I’m ready,will be there early. Not catching me. Why? BECAUSE I’M RESPONSIBLE.

By puhleeze

February 2, 2010 10:11 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah, late fees are charged on dog licenses too. If you don’t get by Jan31(at $20), you get to pay $40 on Feb 1. No one whinning about that. Why? Just going to let the little mutt run free?Don’t get caught,you won’t like that fee either. Is this or any late fee fair? Sure, some are exhorbitant, but they are a tool to get you to pay your bills. Businesses or govt can’t survive without $’s owed to them. If you are honest and truly try, you can work it out, but don’t ignore them. Or..you can be a whiner. Responsible or whiner? Decide which one you are.

By law breaker

February 2, 2010 12:10 PM | Link to this

Just do like I do! I have been driving a car, motorcycle, a 77passenger church bus,and a shuttle at kings island. I haven’t had a drivers license in over 10 yrs. I don’t have to buy insurance either!

By law breaker

February 2, 2010 12:15 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, i drink beer all day when I am at work @ K.I., and also while I am waiting on the church activities to break up.

By km

February 2, 2010 1:20 PM | Link to this

They could have at least sent a letter stating the change when they sent people their renewal notice. Since they’ve never done charged the fee before, it’s catching a lot of people off guard. Think that was the point all along????

By Pamela

February 2, 2010 3:13 PM | Link to this

Yes I have a problem with this fee. There is no other purpose then to raise revenue. It is not a burdon on them if I don’t renew on time. I might never renew so what. We have all be way to conditioned to accept fees on just about anything. That is why the services are so slow they don’t have to work very hard and now get a little extra for doing nothing. Don’t you wish your daily job worked this way?

By GT

February 2, 2010 7:48 PM | Link to this

Hay Pamula - due ewe thenk mebbe ewe cud lurn to spiel?

By Aaron

February 2, 2010 10:27 PM | Link to this

I think it is fair. You should know, its like paying a bill late. What they really should do it make everyone take a drivers test every 10 years to raise money. That way too we can get the morons who don’t know the rules of driving off the road, cause 75% of the people driving today drive like idiots or don’t know the laws!

By The Dude

February 3, 2010 6:24 AM | Link to this

And you thought a 20 fee for e-check every other year was excessive. So we don’t e-check anymore but licensing fees increased by (what for it) over $20 a year. The point, the government will always get their money. I’m just glad they waited this year for the late fee!!! (It’s easy to forget renewing your driver’s license if you have a life and get busy with other things than being a tool for the state.) Oh and the poor people are stupid comment is, well stupid. I used to be dirt poor but I have an IQ of over 130. Stuff happens. Not everyone’s parents can spoon feed them an education and a nice car. Keep that in mind!

By A

February 3, 2010 7:28 AM | Link to this

RJ!!! That was great!! That is next!!lol! I think it is wrong. We are taxed and fee’s all over the place enough!! I don’t look at my license all the time and I am expected to remember when my license expire!! 7 days? I think that is a bit tight! Loosen up OHIO!!

By T

February 3, 2010 9:18 AM | Link to this

Yes, it is fair. Why not? Other companies charge a fee if you don’t pay on time. We have plenty of time to get it done. Not paying on time has nothing to do with the economy, being poor, or whatever excuse people want to use. It is simply procrastination. Funny thing - we’re all excited to get our first license, and rush right down to get it, but we are in no rush to renew it as soon as possible. It’s very simple - when you receive your notice to renew, do it.

By check it now!

February 3, 2010 7:15 PM | Link to this

When was the last time you looked at the year your driver license expires? Everyone better check now and put it on their calendar. I’m checking right now…… Awww damn it! Mine expired 28 days ago! Guess I’ll go renew it and pay my $20! Yeah!

By John B.

February 3, 2010 8:55 PM | Link to this

The late fee should only apply if the driver operates the vehicle after the registration expires and gets stopped. I have a collector car that may not see the road for a long time. The registration fee is worthless if I am not driving it. When I do, I would know I need to get it renewed

By Mark

February 4, 2010 9:57 AM | Link to this

I guess it may be fair if you drive the vehicle all year around, but what about seasonal vehicles ? Motorcycles and people lucky enough to have exotic rides that they only use during nice weather months. How does that apply ?

By fortressdayton

February 7, 2010 2:26 PM | Link to this

If you can’t afford to renew, you can’t afford insurance. You may not drive. Hard but simple. I have a scooter that i only use6 months out of the year, but I have to pay for YEARLY registration, because the no one is watching me to make sure I DON’T use it. My insurance is lower during those months I don’t drive, because I ‘idle’ it for insurance purposes. If I have an accident when the vehicle is idled, do you think the insurance folks will pay? Not on your life! Enough with excuses; renew on time. And for the truly poor: yes, feeding your kids come first. You’ll just have to do what others do….start walking your kids to school and hoofing it on your job search or take the RTA. Life is not fair.

By TLB

February 9, 2010 8:00 AM | Link to this

No it’s not fair! What about the motorcyclists who don’t even use their vehicles in the winter? I never renew my tags (due 2/17) until end of March. They’ve also added the $1.80 for your eye exam when you get your license renewed… Another sneaky attack on the taxpayers! You’re already paying to get your license why pay to get an eye exam?

By Moi

February 13, 2010 9:03 AM | Link to this

I think it’s a completely fair way to raise money. Instead of charging everyone more, it’s a totally behavior-based fee. If you don’t want to pay it, you have complete control! It’s a totally avoidable fee. And it’s not like it’s an arbitrary due date—it’s your birthday. There are people who wait months or years to renew. The state has allowed this to happen with no penalties. The free ride is over. Quit your whining and take some responsibility!

By ohio citizen

June 28, 2010 2:36 PM | Link to this

Yes we should do it on time, but that does not excuse the state using this as an EXCUSE for squeezing more revenue from the citizens. The state should have put money in the rainy day fund for slow economic times but they spent it all an now are cooking up ways to make more revenue in the lean times. When times are good again they will find ways to spend all the new revenue and the next lean time it will be more and higher fees again. Soon the citizens will have nothing left. I have five vehicles to renew at once for hundreds of dollars. Even the 60 day window is not enough to spread it out. without this fee I could wait a couple months on the work truck or the utility trailer that I rarely use and spread the fees out. But NOOO, the state has to find another way to turn the screws. At least they could let us renew tags up to 12 months in advance or set up some kind of payment plan. The citizens should not have to pay so much at once during the year. And does it really make sense that it costs the same to register a 2010 ferarri as it does an ‘85 corolla?

By Heather

December 3, 2010 10:57 PM | Link to this

I have two very young children, I live in a not very good neighborhood. I have insurance and a car..I pay out my butt for rent, utilities, gas, diapers and to top it off..I have to worry about being 7days late on my renewal. I have my plate so full with doctor appointments and everything else with my children. I can hardly afford my bills let alone another $20. Its not forgetfullness…its being a single mother of 2 and having very little money to even live on. Its not good to keep raising prices for everything, its draining us all!

By Bill Jones

April 28, 2011 12:02 PM | Link to this

They got me for $60. My car, my drivers license and a trailer. My problem is not that there is a late fee. It’s that it’s way too high. My little trailer license tag costs less than $40 so it’s completely unreasonable to charge a a $20 late fee on it. Thats more than a 50% penalty! Would you pay a 50% late penalty to anyone else? You only renew your drivers license every 4 years and it is easy to forget that it’s time on that one. I think a late fee of less than $10 and at least a 2 week grace period is fair and reasonable to the people who actually own this state. Don’t look for ways to gouge money from the people you are supposed to serve. Voters know how to respond when they are unhappy.