IT outage disrupts some Ohio BMV services

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – The faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affected airport travelers, hospitals, businesses and some Ohio BMV locations.

Early Friday, the IT outage began causing problems nationwide, including at the BMV location on Hamilton Avenue.

“I’m going to have to drive illegally somewhat because my license plate is only good until Sunday,” Paris Lewis stated.

Lewis came to the BMV Friday to renew his plates. When he arrived, he found out the Ohio BMV could not help him as they dealt with the IT outage from CrowdStrike.

In a statement, the Ohio BMV said, “Due to a global network outage impacting services worldwide, some BMV and title services may or may not be available. We are working to restore services as quickly as possible.”

Lewis is one of a few people who came to the DMV against a deadline and might face repercussions because of the closure.

“I need to get them renewed because when I bought my car it was like they didn’t send me the information, so I’ve been driving around with expired plates,” explained Kayla Weber. “So now that I can’t get it, I risk getting pulled over so hopefully they’re nice to me and give me a pass.”

Monique Spencer says the DMV being closed could impact her vacation next week.

“I was coming to get an ID because someone had actually stolen one of my cards, stole my information, so I needed my ID to travel next weekend,” Spencer said.

Catherine Carter said that after months of preparation, she brought her 16-year-old daughter in to take the knowledge test to get her temporary instruction permit identification card.

“We walk in, and you can’t take it because the computers are down, so it’s discouraging because you can try and get a 16-year-old prepared to get this taken and you walk in and find out you can’t get it done,” Carter explained.

Friday’s outage, according to Carter, shows how dependent we are on the internet.

“I love technology, but when we have situations such as these that literally stops people in their tracks from doing day-to-day business, that’s an issue,” Carter said.

The title office was still taking passport photos and people could take their driver’s test, but their score could not be put in the system.

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