A teenage reader asked our City Limits: Coronavirus team: "When is the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles opening up? Some of us kids have jobs and need a license."
There’s good news for people trying to renew a license — BMV offices are reopening.
But for those requiring a driving test to get their first one, more delays are ahead.
The BMV began reopening on an appointment-only basis in May. Offices had been closed since March 23 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier this month the BMV announced it would start allowing walk-in costumers.
However, offices are following strict social distancing protocols and may require long waits.
“We strongly encourage anyone planning to visit a branch to prepare to wait outside for an extended period of time. Please dress appropriately, bring water and something to shade the sun,” Christine Meyer, BMV director of communications, said in an email.
“We ask that all customers be patient and respect social distancing guidance,” she said.
Demand for BMV services appears to be high.
By 10 a.m. on Monday, the first day offices reopened to walk-ins, the BMV said it had already processed over 5,000 transactions.
“We anticipate these high transaction numbers will continue for the next several days, and possibly weeks ahead,” Meyer said.
Meyer added that administrative penalty fees for expired driver licenses, permits, state ID cards, and vehicles do not resume until July 1. Additionally, transactions and new vehicle registration may also be completed by July 1 to avoid a fee.
Many transactions don’t require an office visit. They can be complete online through the myBMV service or at BMV Connect kiosks.
Unfortunately for new drivers, applying for a license requires an in-person test.
The BMV says only that it’s finalizing a timeline for when it will resume those exams.
For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.
