Ohio law requires that motor vehicle owners must register their vehicle with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) before taking it on the road. Both new and second-hand vehicles must be registered, regardless of whether they are purchased from a dealer or an individual. In addition, new Ohio residents who have registered their vehicle in another state must register their vehicle in Ohio. The initial vehicle registration must be done in person, but registration renewals can be done in person, on-line, by phone or by mail or telephone. Registrations are renewable every one or two years, except for motorcycles, which are renewable annually.

There are no late fees if you fail to pay your renewal on time, but remember that it could be expensive if you a caught driving without current registration.

INITIAL REGISTRATION

If you are registering a motor vehicle in Ohio for the first time, you must complete the following steps:

1. Ohio does not require you to show proof of insurance when you register your vehicle, but you must be insured to drive your vehicle legally in Ohio.
2. Collect the necessary paperwork. If you bought your vehicle from a dealer, then the dealer will have sent the necessary paperwork to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In all other circumstances you will need to collect the following additional papers:
3. The vehicle title.
4. Proof of your Proof of Identity.
5. If your vehicle will be registered in Coyahuga, Geuga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage or Summit counties, you will need an emission inspection certificate or exemption form.
6. Visit your local BMV Deputy Registrar's Office with your completed forms.

REGISTRATION FEES

Registration fees in Ohio are based on the type of the vehicle, where you live and whether you require specialized license plates. Typically the fees will include some or all of the following:

• The registration fee itself.
• License plate fees if you want personalized license plates. If you have to wait for your plates to be prepared, you will be issued with a temporary plate for $10.50.
• If you register an out-of-state vehicle you will need to pay an additional $3.50 inspection fee.

RENEWING YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Owners of motor vehicles in Ohio are required to renew their vehicle registration annually, and can do so in person, online or by mail or telephone. See our Registration Renewal section for complete details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The process for registering a motorcycle is generally the same as a car registration, except that motorcycle registration expires each year on your birthday.
• There are different procedures for boat registration and custom car registration.
• Auto Insurance is needed to legally operate all vehicles in Ohio.
• See also Renewing Your Vehicle Registration.
• See also Title Transfers and Car Insurance.