Section 4501.025 | Programs to enhance convenience via electronic and online transactions.
(A) As used in this section, "convenience fee" means a fee charged for the benefit of using a service provided electronically, digitally, through online means, or through similar technology.
(B) The registrar of motor vehicles may develop and implement, or may permit a deputy registrar to implement, one or more programs that enhance the convenience and availability of bureau of motor vehicle services through the use of electronic, digital, online, or other similar technology. The registrar shall establish the amount of any convenience fee to be paid for using the services provided by the program or programs. The convenience fee may cover the cost to the registrar or deputy registrar of providing the service. The registrar shall deposit all convenience fees received by the registrar into the public safety - highway purposes fund created in section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.
(C) The registrar or deputy registrar may accept payment for the services provided by the program or programs offered under this section, including payment of the convenience fee, by a financial transaction device. The registrar or deputy registrar is not required to pay any costs that result from accepting payment by a financial transaction device. The registrar or deputy registrar may charge a person who tenders payment by a financial transaction device any cost incurred from accepting payment by the financial transaction device, but shall not charge any other fee for the person's use of the device.
(D)(1) Except as provided in division (D)(2) of this section, any convenience fee established under this section is in addition to any other fee or tax required or otherwise authorized by law for the services provided by the program or programs and may be itemized separately.
(2) A convenience fee shall not be charged under this section for a bureau of motor vehicles service for which the registrar or a deputy registrar is already authorized to charge a separate convenience fee under any other provision in Title XLV of the Revised Code.
(E) Any convenience fee established by the registrar under this section may be charged by a seller to a buyer in a transaction that is evidenced by a written instrument or contract under section 4517.26 of the Revised Code.
Last updated June 6, 2022 at 2:30 PM
Available Versions of this Section
- April 12, 2021 – Enacted by Senate Bill 68 - 133rd General Assembly [ View April 12, 2021 Version ]
- August 31, 2022 – Amended by House Bill 338 - 134th General Assembly [ View August 31, 2022 Version ]