This week, Governor Mike DeWine signed Ohio’s state operating budget into law—marking a major win for Ohio taxpayers and small businesses, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Finney Law Firm and our client, the Ohio Deputy Registrar’s Association (ODRA).
Many Ohioans may not realize that local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offices are not run by the state, but by privately owned small businesses known as Deputy Registrars. This innovative, privatized model saves Ohio taxpayers more than $215 million annually, while keeping service costs low and customer satisfaction high. For example, registering a 2024 Chevy Blazer in Ohio costs just $36 to $66—compared to $300 in Kentucky and over $400 in Indiana.
But this successful model has been under strain. The fees Deputy Registrars earn per transaction are set by state statute and have not kept pace with rising labor and operating costs. As a result, some local BMV offices have been forced to close, leading to longer drives and wait times for Ohio residents.
On behalf of ODRA, Finney Law Firm led a months-long, statewide advocacy campaign to secure a $3 fee adjustment for Deputy Registrars. Our approach combined direct legislative advocacy with strategic grassroots and grasstops mobilization, training Deputy Registrars across Ohio to engage their communities and legislators.
The result: a bipartisan policy solution that stabilizes the Deputy Registrar system, preserves a cost-effective service model, protects access for Ohioans, and continues to save the state millions.
I had the privilege of serving as Finney Law Firm’s lead on this initiative, working closely with ODRA and dozens of small business owners across the state. This victory reaffirms what we believe is the most effective model for state and local policy change: a combination of expert legal and policy strategy, direct advocacy, and strategic grassroots and grasstops advocacy.
Rebecca Simpson is an attorney and seasoned government and public affairs strategist at Finney Law Firm. If you need support with community engagement, coalition building, or advocacy at the state or local level, you can reach her at [email protected].
