The Random Selection program was implemented by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles on December 7, 1998. Individuals whose vehicles are selected at random by a computer are required to show proof of insurance for a currently registered vehicle and specific date. If they do not provide this proof, their driving and registration privileges are suspended.

Section 4509.101 (A)(1) of the Ohio Revised Code states in part, that “...no person shall operate or permit the operation of a motor vehicle in this state, unless proof of financial responsibility is maintained continuously throughout the registration period with respect to that vehicle...” The law further requires that a person be able to verify this proof of financial responsibility under a variety of circumstances, including those stated in 4509.101 (A) (3) (c), “...Whenever, in accordance with rules adopted by the registrar, the person is randomly selected by the registrar and requested to provide such verification...”

The Bureau’s subsidiary office in Richfield, Ohio, administers the initial phase of this program. Individuals who have received the Notice Requiring Proof of Insurance should mail a copy of the insurance card, or a copy of the declarations page of the policy, covering the selected vehicle and date to:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

P.O. BOX 390

Richfield, OH 44286-0390

Please include the license plate number of the selected vehicle on all correspondence.

The Bureau cannot accept billing statements, an insurance binder, collateral insurance or a memorandum of insurance.

For further information, individuals whose vehicles have been selected may call the Richfield office at 1-866-835-6305. For other individuals with questions concerning the program, please call the Bureau’s Columbus office at (614) 752-7700.

Please note that research of programs in other states that require proof of insurance at the time of registration reveals that many individuals obtain insurance just prior to registration and then cancel that insurance immediately. The Legislature considered many options, including utilizing the Deputy Registrars, before deciding to implement the current law.

When an individual receives a Notice Requiring Proof of Insurance, the date used for proof of coverage is prior to the mailing date of the Bureau’s Notice. A current insurance card or other current forms of proof of insurance are usually acceptable, since the chosen date is one in the recent past.

The cost of including return postage with the Request for Insurance Verification letter would exceed $100,000 per year. In considering several alternatives, the Bureau decided against this option. The Bureau does provide a self-addressed envelope for the Random Selection Program and has made every effort to minimize any expense involved in responding to the request.