Ohio Vehicle Registration

All-Purpose Vehicles (APV), Snowmobiles, and Off-Road Motorcycles Registration

Ohio has specific registration requirements for all-purpose vehicles (APV), snowmobiles, and off-road motorcycles. To register these vehicles, individuals must visit their deputy registrar license agency in person.

The following documents are required for registration:

• Memorandum of title or Ohio certificate of title (for APV and off-road motorcycles only)
• Valid Ohio driver's license
• Social Security card or State ID

The Ohio BMV provides an approved document list in English and Spanish for reference.

Registration is unnecessary if an APV is primarily used for agricultural purposes. Furthermore, registered APVs are not permitted to be operated on public roads.

The validity period for this registration spans three years, concluding on December 31st. Non-Ohio residents can present a valid registration from their home state or procure an Ohio temporary registration, which remains valid for one year.

Temporary tags are also available, with a 45-day tag for APVs and a 30-day tag for off-road motorcycles. A memorandum of title or an Ohio certificate of title is required for obtaining a temporary tag.

Moped or Motorized Bicycle Registration

A moped or motorized bicycle is a unique type of vehicle that combines pedals with a helper motor. In Ohio, a moped is a vehicle with two tandem wheels or one front and two rear wheels. However, the helper motor must meet the following criteria:

• Must not have a piston displacement exceeding 50 cubic centimeters
• Must not propel the vehicle at a speed greater than 20 mph on a level surface
• Must not produce more than one brake horsepower

If a vehicle exceeds these criteria or any other specifications outlined in Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4501-23, it is legally classified as a motorcycle. Therefore, it would be subject to different regulations and requirements.

To register a moped or motorized bicycle, individuals should visit a deputy registrar license agency and complete the Ohio BMV Form 4510. Additionally, operators must obtain and display a rear license plate.

For specific driver's license requirements, refer to the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws.

Motor Scooters Registration

In Ohio, operating a motor scooter on public roadways is only legally permitted if specific requirements are met. These include having the scooter adequately titled, registered, insured, and operated by a licensed rider at least 16 years old.

To register a motor scooter in Ohio, individuals should first follow the process of titling the scooter. Once the motor scooter is titled, they can visit a deputy registrar license agency to complete the registration process.

For detailed information on how to title a motor scooter, refer to the guidelines on the "How to Title a Motor Vehicle" page of the Ohio BMV website.

Unconventional Vehicles Registration

Unconventional vehicles, such as Under-Speed Vehicles (USV), Utility Vehicles (UV), Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV), and Mini Trucks (MT), require specific registration processes in Ohio.

The authorization to operate these vehicles on public roads is determined by the local authority of the jurisdiction where the vehicle will be used. Individuals should contact local law enforcement in their city, township, village, or other jurisdiction to understand the applicable laws and regulations.

If one chooses to operate an unconventional vehicle on authorized roads, certain requirements must be fulfilled. These include obtaining a title for the car, passing an equipment inspection conducted by local law enforcement for under-speed vehicles, utility vehicles, and mini-trucks, and purchasing license plates and vehicle registration.

To register an unconventional vehicle, visit a deputy registrar license agency in person and present the following documents:

• Ohio certificate of title or memorandum of title
• Completed vehicle inspection certificate
• State ID or Social Security card
• Valid Ohio driver's license

If the vehicle is titled in a business name, a tax ID number must also be provided.

Vehicle Registration for New Residents in Ohio

To be considered a new resident, one must begin working in the state, rent or buy a home, register to vote, or enroll their children in an Ohio school. Within 30 days of establishing residency, it is necessary to title and register the vehicle.

The general process for vehicle registration in Ohio involves obtaining an Ohio driver's license, completing a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection to verify legal ownership, and, if required, getting a vehicle emissions test done. Additionally, individuals must apply for an Ohio vehicle title at a County Clerk's Title Office, not at the Ohio BMV.

Once these steps have been completed, individuals can register their vehicles in their new home state of Ohio.

First-Time Issuance

For individuals obtaining vehicle registration for the first time, there are specific steps to follow. If the vehicle will be driven before the issuance of a title, individuals can purchase a temporary tag online through Oplates of the Ohio BMV Online Services or from a local deputy registrar license agency.

All registrants must visit a local deputy registrar license agency and sign a proof of financial responsibility statement, which outlines Ohio's financial responsibility requirements and mandatory insurance.

Additionally, specific documents must be provided, depending on the situation. If the vehicle is leased, a lease agreement and power of attorney documents are necessary. The Ohio BMV has a list of leasing companies that have signed up for electronic power of attorney.

If the vehicle is in an E-Check county, an E-Check will be required for most cars between 4 and 25 years old. The counties in Ohio that enforce pollution controls and require E-Check or emissions inspections include Cuyahoga, Portage, Geauga, Lorain, Lake, Medina, and Summit.

For Ohio military residents and out-of-state residents currently in Ohio, the same procedure as in-state vehicle registration applies.

However, non-resident military personnel stationed in Ohio are exempt from vehicle registration requirements in the state. They must maintain a valid driver's license, registration, and insurance in their home state to avoid being ticketed if pulled over in Ohio.

Ohio License Plates

Once the vehicle registration process is complete in Ohio, individuals can expect to receive their license plates and vehicle registration stickers. These license plates will be mailed to the address provided during registration. In the meantime, individuals will be given a temporary permit to drive legally while waiting for the plates to arrive.

Ohio mandates one distinctive license plate on the rear of a registered vehicle. If it's on the front, both plates must match. Fictitious, counterfeit, or wrongly assigned plates are prohibited and are a misdemeanor under Ohio law.

If the existing license plates are in good condition, replacing them is unnecessary. Instead, individuals can transfer their plates to a new vehicle at a reduced fee compared to obtaining new plates.

Ohio also offers personalized license plates during registration. However, acquiring these plates may involve longer waiting times and additional fees.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Ohio?

Obtaining vanity license plates or personalized plates is straightforward in Ohio. Individuals can visit their local deputy registrar license agency or utilize the Ohio BMV Online Services to apply for these custom plates.

When using online services, check the availability of the desired plate configuration by selecting the preferred logo and entering the personalized plate number in the provided spaces.

Vanity plates in Ohio must contain at least four characters and no more than seven. The number of spaces permitted for each type of plate configuration varies.

For instance, plates with four or five characters can have up to three spaces, while those with six characters and a logo cannot have any spaces. Plates with seven characters are limited to a maximum of two spaces.

In Ohio, there is an extra $50 annual fee for each personalized plate when obtaining them.

Registration Fees for Vehicle Types (Also for Renewal)

• Passenger Cars: $31
• Motorcycles: $25
• Motor Homes: $46
• Light Non-Commercial Trucks with up to 3/4 ton capacity: $46
• Heavy Non-Commercial Trucks with over 3/4 - 1 ton capacity: $81

The fees for commercial vehicles (trailers, buses, trucks) vary based on declared Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGVW). For farm trucks and non-commercial trailers, the fees vary based on unladen weight.

Additional Vehicle Registrations

• APV/Snowmobile (Resident, Temporary Tag): $7
• APV/Snowmobile (Non-resident, one year): $16.25
• APV/Snowmobile (Resident, three years): $36.25

Permanent Registration

• Non-Commercial Trailer (additional fees based on weight): $128.50
• Commercial Trailer: $293.25

Additional Registration Fees

• Plate/Registration Transfer: $6
• Replacement Sticker: $6
• Duplicate Registration: $6
• Replace/Exchange 1 Plate: $12
• Replace/Exchange 2 Plates: $13
• Temporary Tag: $20
• Retain Stock Plate Number: $10 (additional)

Special Plate Fees (Annual)

• Personalized Plates: $50
• Organizational Plates: $0 - $50
• Collegiate/Professional Sports Teams: $35
• Military/Accessible Plates: No additional fee

Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Fees (Annual)

• Hybrid: $100
• Plug-in Hybrid: $150
• Electric: $200

Other Fees

• Deputy Registrar Fee: $5 - $15 (based on the number of years registered)
• Late Registration Renewal Fee: $10 (if renewed more than 30 days late)
• Permissive (Local) Taxes: Vary based on taxing district and vehicle type

To accurately assess registration fees for a specific car, check the Vehicle Registration Fees section on the Ohio BMW website or contact the state BMW.

Renew Online

When renewing vehicle registration in Ohio, individuals can conveniently renew through the BMV's online service, Oplates.

To be eligible for online renewal, the vehicle must currently be registered with the Ohio BMV, and the individual must be the vehicle's owner. Additionally, verifying that all personal and vehicular information on the registration renewal notice is correct is essential. No additional documents are required unless outstanding tickets need to be paid.

To complete the online renewal, individuals must provide a valid credit card (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or American Express) or a checking account for payment. They must also have their license plate number and a valid Social Security number on hand. If residing in an E-Check county, the vehicle must have a current emissions inspection.

Renew by Mail

If renewing vehicle registration by mail in Ohio, expect about four weeks for processing and receiving new plates and registration.

To renew by mail, individuals must submit an Application for Registration by Mail form along with the signed and dated registration renewal notice. If the vehicle is leased, a Power of Attorney for Ohio Vehicle Registration form is necessary.

If an emissions inspection certificate or proof of insurance is required, these documents must also be submitted. In case of an address change, individuals should indicate it on the renewal notice, as it may impact the renewal fees based on local taxes.

If new plates are needed, check the corresponding box on the renewal notice and be aware that replacement license plates will incur additional fees.

All applicable renewal fees, license plate fees, and taxes should be paid by check or money order payable to the "Ohio State Treasurer." The completed application and documents should be sent to the specified address on the form.

Renewing by mail is particularly suitable for residents currently out of state. For in-state residents, visiting a local deputy registrar license agency in person is ideal for completing the registration renewal process.

Renew in Person

Ohio residents who receive a renewal notice indicating they cannot use any other renewal methods can visit their local deputy registrar's office to renew their vehicle registration in person.

To complete the in-person renewal process, individuals should provide the deputy registrar agent with their renewal notice if they have it. However, not having the renewal notice does not exempt individuals from renewing their registration.

Additionally, individuals may be asked to provide proof of insurance to verify their coverage. If their address changes, they should bring their vehicle title. For leased vehicles, individuals must fill out the same form mentioned above (Ohio BMV Power of Attorney form). In some cases, the leasing company may already have an electronic power of attorney on file with the Ohio BMV.

If emissions testing is required, individuals must bring an E-Check certificate as proof of completion. Finally, individuals must pay all applicable fees for registration renewal at the deputy registrar's office.

For the renewal fee, revisit the "How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in Ohio?" section. Note that a late fee of $10 will be added if the registration has expired for more than 30 days.