Gahanna BMV to reopen this month after sudden closure in April

GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH) – The state Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Gahanna is set to reopen later this month after it suddenly closed its doors in April.

The City of Gahanna recently announced that the BMV, located at 415 Agler Road, will begin welcoming customers again on July 21. 

The office temporarily shut down on April 18 after its long-time deputy registrar submitted his resignation but did not give a 90-day notice that was required by his contract, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. 

“Anytime there is a temporary closure of a BMV facility, the license agencies in surrounding areas see an increase in customer volume and corresponding wait times,” a department spokesperson said. “We are glad that this community resource will be available again in Gahanna.”

The announcement of the reopening comes after Lolita Walker, who is currently the assistant manager at the Newark BMV, was hired to take over the role. A Facebook post by the City of Gahanna states Walker has been an “incredible asset” at the Newark BMV and will bring her “experience and dedication” to Gahanna. 

In Ohio, deputy registrars are independent contractors who are selected by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles through a competitive bidding process.

Once the Gahanna BMV reopens, residents can visit during its regular hours of Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. In the meantime, surrounding BMV branches in Westerville, Whitehall and on Morse Road in Columbus remain open.