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If you purchase a new vehicle in the state of Ohio, you can obtain a 45-day temporary plate which will allow you to drive legally on the roads until your vehicle registration is completed.
When registering your vehicle with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Ohio, you can apply for standard, specialty, or disability license plates, which can also be personalized.
There may be availability and eligibility requirements. The fees for license plates in Ohio vary by type.
Sample Ohio License Plate
Applying for License Plates in Ohio
All vehicles owned by Ohio residents must be registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
License plates must be securely attached to both the front and rear your car, truck, or van—or to only the rear of your motorcycle or trailer. Registration stickers must be up to date and clearly visible at all times.
To apply for license plates in Ohio, you can visit a local BMV office. You may be asked to provide the following documents:
Vehicle title
Proof of insurance
Valid ID (i.e., Ohio driver’s license)
Completed application forms
Payment of registration fees (see Summary of Fees for Ohio License Plates)
If you have recently become a new resident in the state of Ohio, or if you are a current resident and are purchasing a new vehicle, you must register with the BMV as soon as possible.
Types of License Plates in Ohio
The state of Ohio issues a standard license plate to you when you register your vehicle. You also have the option to apply for:
Specialty License Plates
Disability License Plates & Placards
Personalized License Plates
Fees and eligibility requirements vary by plate type.
Specialty License Plates in Ohio
Specialty license plates contain decorative designs of organizations, occupations, educational institutions, special causes, and more. The following are some of the specialty plates available:
Special Interest License Plates of hobbies, organizations, and causes; for example:
Breast Cancer Awareness Plates
Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame Plates
Collegiate License Plates of colleges, universities, fraternities, and sororities; for example:
Ohio State University Plates
Ohio Northern University Plates
Military License Plates of awards, military service, and experience; for example:
Purple Heart Plates
Persian Gulf Plates
Historical License Plates for vehicles at least 25 years old; for example:
Classic Cars
Street Rods
You can obtain a complete list of specialty license plates, pricing, and eligibility requirements by contacting an Ohio BMV office or online.
Disability License Plates & Placards in Ohio
If you have a disability, you can apply for special disability license plates and placards that will allow you to park in designated spots. You will be required to submit supporting medical documents to be eligible for these plates.
Disability license plates and placards are available for:
People with temporary disabilities
People with permanent disabilities
Veterans with disabilities
Public vehicles providing transportation for people with disabilities
Note: Disability placards must be displayed clearly from your vehicle's rearview mirror.
Personalized License Plates in Ohio
To personalize your license plates in Ohio, you must follow the guidelines provided by the BMV. These guidelines require license plates to be:
4 to 7 characters long (varies by plate type)
No profanity or indecent suggestions
Must be available to register
Must be approved by the BMV
You can look up available license plates in Ohio online to find if the plate you want is available.
Surrendering License Plates in Ohio
You may be required to surrender your license plates if:
You sell your vehicle and do not transfer the plates to a new vehicle
You move out of state with your vehicle
You cancel your vehicle’s insurance
License plates can be surrendered either by mailing them in or by dropping them off at a BMV office in Ohio.
Transferring License Plates in Ohio
If you purchase a new vehicle, you can transfer your old license plates. You are not permitted to give away your plates when you sell, donate, or auction your vehicle.
To transfer your license plates, you must title and register your new vehicle and pay the transfer fee.
Replacement License Plates in Ohio
If your license plates get lost, damaged, or stolen, you can obtain replacements from a BMV office in Ohio. You can apply for replacements online, in person, or by mail.
It can take upwards of 4 weeks to process replacement applications that are sent by mail. You may be required to obtain temporary plates to continue to drive legally on the roads.
Renewing License Plates in Ohio
The decal stickers attached to your rear license plate indicate the date on which your vehicle's registration will expire. To avoid any late fees, you should renew your vehicle with the BMV in advance either in person, online, or by mail.
Once you receive your new decal stickers, you’re good to continue driving your vehicle legally on state roads.
Summary of Fees for Ohio License Plates
In addition to any taxes and service fees, you may be required to provide payment for the following when registering your vehicle in Ohio:
Registration Fees:
Motorcycle: $28.50
Passenger Vehicles: $34.50
Motor homes: $49.50
Renewal Fees:
Motorcycle: $28.50
Passenger Vehicles: $34.50
Motor home: $49.50
Registration stickers:
1 year: $3.50
2 years: $5.25
3 years: $8
Personalization fee:
$50 + standard registration fees
Renewal: $50 + standard renewal fees
Specialty Plates (e.g., Breast Cancer Awareness Plate):
Registration fee: $35 + standard registration fees
Renewal fee: $35 + standard renewal fees
Note: A portion of the fee ($25) is contributed to support cancer patients
Transfer Fee: $4.50
Replacements:
1 Plate: $10.50
2 Plates: $11.50
Registration Stickers: $4.50
Renewal Late Fees: $10 (applicable after 30 days)
Looking Up Available License Plates in Ohio
You can use the search bar above to look up available license plates in Ohio. Simply type in the license plate you want and click submit. The results will reveal whether that license plate number is already registered or available.
The results of your search will also reveal some information about a license plate registered to a vehicle. You can obtain information such as vehicle history, theft, and more.
License plates can be searched not only for Ohio but also for any other state across the U.S.
Car Ownership in Ohio
Ohio ranks 38th on the list of states with the highest rates of car ownership. Idaho and Wyoming are tied for the top spot. The District of Columbia and New York have the lowest rates of car ownership in the US.
92.50% of households in Ohio have at least one vehicle. Idaho and Wyoming have the highest car ownership rates at 96.20%. The District of Columbia has the lowest vehicle ownership rate at 64.30%.
Ohio ranks 30th (tied with Michigan) for electric vehicle ownership in the US. Approximately 0.21% of all registered vehicles in Ohio are electric vehicles. California and Hawaii have 1.61% and 1.32% electric vehicles, respectively, the highest in the country. Mississippi and North Dakota are the bottom of the table with only 0.05% electric vehicles.
Ohio is the least expensive state to own a car in the US, followed by Iowa, Wisconsin, Maine, and New Hampshire.
The average cost of annual full coverage car insurance in Ohio is $1,112. In New York, the most expensive state, full coverage car insurance costs $4,769 per year on average.
The average cost of a check engine light-related car repair in Ohio is $353. In Connecticut, the most expensive state, the average cost of a check engine light related car repair is $418.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Ohio have 2 license plates?
Ohio has 2 license plates to make it easier for law enforcement officers to identify a vehicle. Also, reflective plates on the front and rear of the vehicle improve vehicle visibility and lower the risk of striking crashed or stalled cars.
How much do Ohio license plates cost?
Standard Ohio license plates for a passenger vehicle cost $34.50. You will need to pay extra if you want specialty plates or personalized (vanity) plates.
Can you get 2-year tags in Ohio?
You can get 2-year tags in Ohio by applying for a multi-year registration. Such a registration is valid for a period ranging from 2 to 5 years. You will need to pay the regular registration fees multiplied by the number of years. You cannot get a refund for the unused portion of your registration should you decide to sell your vehicle.
What is the penalty for driving with expired tags in Ohio?
The late fee for failing to renew your vehicle registration in time is $10 if you are more than 30 days late. However, the fines for driving with expired tags in Ohio can be $100 or more. Court costs can push the cost even higher.
Do you need insurance to renew tags in Ohio?
Yes, it is mandatory to have vehicle insurance in Ohio. You cannot register your vehicle or renew your tags without valid insurance.
Does Ohio require vehicle inspections?
Ohio does not require vehicle inspections. However, highway patrol officers can stop any vehicle that they feel could be a safety threat to the occupants or other vehicles and require the owner of such a vehicle to get a safety inspection.
What documents do I need to get my vehicle title in Ohio?
Some of the documents you will need to get a vehicle title in Ohio include:
Bill of sale from a dealership or private individual
Manufacturer’s certificate of origin
Assigned title from this or another state
Sworn statement of ownership
Documentary evidence required by the other state if the vehicle was brought into Ohio from another state
The fee to obtain a certificate of title is $15.