How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Ohio

1. Get Started With Car Registration Application Assistance Online

Vehicle registrations need to be renewed regularly. Many states require vehicle owners to renew their registrations every year, although some states offer the option to purchase registrations that last for two years or longer. Most states allow you to quickly renew your car registration online, but you should be aware of the information you will need to provide, the necessary fees and the acceptable methods of payment to ensure a smooth transaction. Our online guide can help you prepare all the required documents and fees so that you can renew your vehicle registration as smoothly and quickly as possible. In it, you will also discover all the steps needed to replace a lost registration and to update your name or address with the DMV.

2. By Mail

Some vehicle owners may prefer to renew their auto registrations through the mail. Certain states will allow their residents to apply by mail, but vehicle owners may need to meet certain eligibility requirements to submit their request. Additionally, the ways in which you may pay your renewal fee are limited to check or money order, and you may experience processing delays due to the time it takes the postal service to deliver your application. Furthermore, you may risk losing your application or registration tags in the mail, adding to the wait time.

3. In Person at a DMV Office

Renewing your vehicle registration in person at a DMV office is an option if you cannot or prefer not to apply by mail or online. Typically, the DMV will issue your new registration credentials after receiving payment. However, certain states may require you to wait to receive your renewed registration documents in the mail. While visiting a DMV office in person may provide you with more personalized attention, it often involves long waits. Additionally, the office hours of many DMV locations can interfere with your work schedule.

Car registration renewal in Ohio is required for all vehicles that will be driving on public roads. Most residents are able to get their Ohio DMV registration renewal online, in-person or via the mail, though your notice may state that you need to go to the office in person. Each renewal method comes with its own advantages.

Going in person, for instance, allows you to fulfill any additional requirements that the BMV has placed on your registration, such as showing that you have paid certain fines. Registering online or via mail, on the other hand, allows you to renew from the comfort of your home. In this article, you will learn all that you need to know about DMV car registration renewal in Ohio: how much it costs, what information you need to submit and more.

Requirements for Car Registration Renewal in Ohio

If your Ohio DMV registration renewal status is set to expire, you will need to make sure you have the proper amount of auto insurance. As well, you may need to get an emissions inspection. Your renewal notice will state when you need to get your registration renewed by.

What do you need to renew your car registration in Ohio?

In order to get your registration renewed, you will need to basic information about the vehicle, such as its model number.

The methods with which you can pay the Ohio DMV registration renewal fees will vary based on whether you choose to renew online, in person or via mail. Acceptable forms of payment are listed in their corresponding sections.

Ohio Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice

The Ohio vehicle registration renewal notice is designed to help you during the renewal process. It does this by letting you know when your registration is set to expire, as well as letting you know if you need to visit a BMV office in order to get your renewal. You are encouraged to bring this notice when going in-person to the BMV office, but you are not required to do so.

Ohio Car Registration Renewal Notice Lost or Not Received

If you lost your notice or never received it, you should renew your registration online or at a BMV office. Ohio does not offer a lost car registration renewal form, but you do have the option of making sure the BMV has the correct address for you.

If you are out of state when your registration is due, there is a section of the Application for Out-of-State Registration by mail that allows you to update your address with the BMV.

Ohio Car Registration Renewal Options

Ohio offers three different methods for individuals needing to renew their registration. Before choosing the method you want to use, check your renewal notice. It will let you know if you are required to submit your renewal application in person.

Below you will learn how to renew a car registration in Ohio: what information you need to submit, where you can go to get your registration renewed and more.

How to Renew Your Car Registration Online

To renew a car registration online in Ohio, you will need to provide the online portal with one of these forms of identification:

  • Your registration number
  • Your ID number, birthdate and initial of your last name
  • Your full legal name and birthdate

As well, you will need to submit the PIN of your Social Security Number. The portal will then guide you through the rest of the process. In order to pay, you will need to use either a debit card or a credit card. Once you have ordered your vehicle registration renewal online, your new registration will be sent to you in the mail. It will usually take no more than 10 business days to reach you. If it takes longer, you should contact the BMV.

How to Renew Your Car Registration by Mail

Though you are allowed to renew a car registration in Ohio via the mail, this is not a common option for residents living in the state. The BMV therefore asks that if you are currently living in Ohio and want to renew via mail, you contact the bureau before sending your renewal by mail. You can call (614) 752-7800 Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

To get a motor vehicle registration renewal if you are out of state, you will need to send the Application for Out-of-State Registration by Mail to:

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Information Services, Registration Support Services
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6521

In order to complete the application, you will need to sign that you have the amount of vehicle insurance required by the state.

After that, you will need to provide title and registration information, which can be found on your Certificate of Title and registration card, respectively. You will also need to provide basic personal information, such as your name, birth date and SSN. If you are getting a leased car registration renewal, you will need to provide their name and contact information.

This application allows you to change the address on file with the BMV. If you lost a registration renewal notice in the mail, this section allows you to make sure your correct address is on file. When using this method, you must pay using a check.

How to Renew Your Car Registration in Person

When deciding where to renew your car registration in Ohio, you should check your renewal notice. It will let you know whether or not you need to register at the office. If you do, you should bring:

  • Proof of insurance, which often takes the form of an insurance card.
  • Your renewal notice, though you are allowed to renew if you do not have access to this notice.

Payment methods will vary from one office to the next, so you will need to check with your office ahead of time before visiting.

Military & Out of State Vehicle Registration Renewal in Ohio

Active service members need to renew their car registration in Ohio using the same method that civilians use. That said, if you are a service member currently stationed in Ohio you will not be required to register your vehicle in Ohio. An expired vehicle registration from another state will need to be renewed in order to be used in Ohio.

If you are an Ohio resident serving out of state, you can renew your registration by mail. Service members and veterans are eligible for military plates, which are provided at the same price as regular plates.

Ohio Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees

The basic car registration renewal cost in Ohio is consistent regardless of your vehicle’s weight or model year. That said, the final fee you pay will vary based on how many years you want to renew your registration for. The fees are as follows:

  • The basic vehicle registration cost is $34.50
  • The Deputy Registrar fee is $3.50 if you renew for one year, $5.25 if you register for two years, $8 if you register for three years and $10 if you register for up to five years.
  • If you choose to get a vanity plate, you will need to pay an extra $50.
  • To renew an expired car registration that is more than 30 days past its due date, you will need to pay an extra $10.

Related Forms

Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.

Last updated on Monday, April 4 2022.

Sources

  1. Vehicle Registration Renewal from bmv.ohio.gov
  2. Multi-Year Registration from bmv.ohio.gov
  3. BMV Fees from bmv.ohio.gov