You will need to check-in and present identification to the receptionist in the lobby of the BMV’s Central Office. The receptionist will let the administrative law judge know that you have arrived for your hearing.
The administrative law judge will escort you to the hearing room. A staff attorney from the BMV will also be present at the hearing. Depending on the case, witnesses testifying on behalf of the BMV may also be present. For some cases, the BMV may choose to submit an evidence packet instead of sending a staff attorney. A copy of this packet will be provided to you at the hearing.
The administrative law judge will begin the hearing by starting the audio recorder so that the hearing is on the record. Once recording, the administrative law judge will record an introduction for the record so that the hearing is identifiable later, and swearing in anyone who will be testifying. If a translator is present, he/she will also be sworn in at this time.
BMV hearings are much less formal than court. There is not a witness stand and the administrative law judge does not wear a robe. Hearings are often very conversational and you do not need a legal background to be able to present your case effectively.