Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?
- Some US states prohibit car registration renewal for certain periods of the years. In Ohio, car registrations expire either one year or two years after initial registration, and you may request a car registration renewal up to 90 days prior to the expiration date. In order to renew your car registration, the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles allows you to use three different methods: in person, online, by telephone, or by mail. The general fee for a passenger vehicle renewal is $34.50. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouches as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- Can somebody else renew my registration for me?
- No, no one else is allowed to apply for a car registration renewal for you. The state of Ohio only allows the owner whose name is on the car title to apply for a car registration renewal. If you are not the owner, you must have the power of attorney for the vehicle. If the vehicle is leased, the registrant is required to present the lease agreement with the power of attorney. In order to renew your car registration, the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles allows you to use three different methods: in person, online, by telephone, or by mail. The general fee for a passenger vehicle renewal is $34.50. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouches as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- Do boats need to be registered?
- Yes, boats in Ohio need to be registered so that they may be legally operated. In order to register your boat, you will need to:
- Complete a Request for Special License Plates application.
- Present the application to your local OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
- Present your vehicle s Certificate of Title.
- Present accepted documents to prove identity.
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees.
For more information: How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Ohio
- Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
- In the state of Ohio, it is not required to file a police report in order to obtain a car registration replacement. However, it is recommended that you file a police report in the event that your car registration is stolen in order to avoid any illegal use. To file a police report, you can report your car registration stolen at the nearest police station. Be prepared to provide proper form of identification, which is required in order to fill out a formal police report. It is suggested to file a police report as soon as you become aware of your stolen car registration. Having a police report filed can help in the event that a law enforcement officer stops you, or if you are in an accident and you don t have your registration on hand. You will also be protected from any unlawful activity regarding your vehicle.
For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
- The state of Ohio does not require for you to return your license plate if you are moving out of state. As an OH resident, it is your responsibility to register your vehicle to the state you re moving to. Each state has its own regulations placed in order to transfer out-of-state car registrations. The state your moving to may require a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection in order to determine whether your vehicle has been reported stolen. Transfer fees vary depending on what state you re moving to.
For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Ohio
- Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
- You are encouraged to submit your damaged car registration so that it can be destroyed. In order to obtain a car registration replacement, visit to your local Deputy Registrar/OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office and present a completed Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates / Validation Sticker application, acceptable proof of identification, and be prepared to pay the applicable fee of $4.50. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouchers as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
- Yes, in the state of Ohio a motorized scooter is required to be registered in order to be legally operated on public roadways. Once you have purchased the title of a motorized scooter, you will need to obtain insurance and properly register the scooter at your local OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.You may be subject to pay any applicable fees. You can contact the Ohio BMV at 844-644-6268 for more information regarding registering motorized scooters. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Once your registration is purchased, you will be issued a motorcycle plate, which must remain fastened to the rear of your vehicle.
For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Ohio
- Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
- In the state of Ohio, only vehicles that are up to 25 years old and up to 10,000 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating are subject to emissions testing and only in the following counties:
- Cuyahoga
- Geauga
- Lake
- Lorain
- Medina
- Portage
- Summit
For more information regarding emissions testing, you are encouraged to contact E-Check at 1-800-CAR-TEST or the Ohio EPA at 614-644-3059.
For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Ohio
- How can I renew my vehicle registration?
- In order to request a car registration renewal, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles allows you to use three different methods: in person, online, by telephone or by mail.
In Person
- Visit your local OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
- Present your completed registration renewal notice.
- Submit any acceptable document with Social Security Number.
Online
- Visit the online link provided by the OH BMV.
- Proceed with the steps as instructed in order to complete your car registration renewal.
Telephone
- You can begin your car registration renewal process by calling 1-866-675-2837
By Mail
- Mail out the form and any acceptable identification document with your Social Security Number to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor VehiclesATTN: License Verification Unit P.O. Box 16784 Columbus, OH 43216-6784
You must also be prepared to pay the applicable car registration renewal fee of $34.50. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouches as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- How can I transfer my registration to another state?
- If you are an Ohio resident and you are moving out of state, it is your responsibility to register your vehicle to the state you re moving to. Each state has its own regulations placed in order to transfer out of state car registrations. The state your moving to may require a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection in order to determine whether your vehicle has been reported stolen. Transfer fees vary depending on what state you re moving to. In order to find out the exact steps you need to take in order to transfer your OH car registration out of state, contact the state s DMV by visiting or calling the local DMV office.
For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Ohio
- How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
- In order to apply for a disabled person-parking placard in the state of Ohio, you must complete the following steps:
- Complete the Application for Disability Placards
- Present the application to your local OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office
There is also the option to:
- Mail the application to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle P.O. Box 16521 Columbus, OH 43216-6521
- Present prescription from health care provider
- Pay processing fee of $3.50
In order to apply for a disabled license plate in the state of Ohio, you must complete the following steps:
- Have the Physician Statement/Affidavit completed by health care provider
- Present the application to your local OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office
OR
- Mail application to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle P.O. Box 16521 Columbus, OH 43216-6521
- Submit Ohio Certificate of Title Memorandum or valid car registration
You must be prepared to pay any applicable fees, which may vary. There are no additional fees for stock disability plates.
For more information: Information for Disabled Drivers in Ohio
- How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
- If your original Ohio car registration was stolen, it is recommended that you file a police report in order to avoid any illegal use. In order to file a police report, you can report your stolen car registration at the nearest police station.Be prepared to provide proper form of identification, which is required in order to fill out a formal police report. It is suggested to file a police report as soon as you become aware of your stolen car registration. Having a police report filed can help in the event that a law enforcement officer stops you or if you are in an accident and you don t have your registration on hand. You will also be protected from any unlawful activity regarding your vehicle.
For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
- To obtain a duplicate car registration in Ohio, your original title must have been lost, stolen or destroyed. Only the owner may apply for a duplicate car registration.In order to obtain a duplicate car registration, you must complete the following steps:
- Complete the Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates / Validation Sticker application
- Present it to your local Deputy Registrar/OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office
- Be prepared to pay the duplicate/replacement registration of $4.50
The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouchers as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- How do I obtain car registration?
- In order to obtain car registration for your new vehicle in the state of Ohio, you must proceed with the following steps:
- You must be the owner of the vehicle with power of attorney; if the vehicle is leased, you must present lease agreement and power of attorney.
- Visit your local OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office
- Present your vehicle s original Certificate of Title or Memorandum Certificate of Title
- Present one documents to prove identity such as:
- Ohio drivers license
- Social Security card
- Pay all applicable fees (Fees for new registration will be prorated, if applicable)
For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Ohio
- If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
- If you do not renew your car registration on time in the state of Ohio, you will be subject to paying an additional late fee. A late fee of $10 will be assessed to any vehicle registration renewal more than 30 days after the expiration date. The general fee for a passenger vehicle renewal is $34.50. Car registration renewal fees in OH vary depending on the type of vehicle. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouchers as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
- In the state of Ohio, the same process is required in order to obtain a license plate registration regardless of whether it was personalized or not. If you lose your OH license plate, you can purchase a replacement license plate in person by visiting your local Deputy Registrar/OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office or online using the site provided by the OH BMV and selecting the replace option.
The general fee for license plate replacement is $10.50. If you choose to replace your license plate online, you will be charged postage. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouchers as forms of payment.
h, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouchers as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
- In the state of Ohio, it is required to provide car registration documentation to any law enforcement officer if requested during a traffic stop. For this reason, it is recommended that drivers keep their car registration documentation in a safe place in your car. In order to obtain car registration for your vehicle, you must visit your local OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office, present your vehicle s original Certificate of Title or Memorandum Certificate of Title, present accepted documents to prove identity and pay all applicable fees. For more information regarding where you should keep your car registration, you can contact the Ohio BMV at 844-644-6268. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Ohio
- What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
- There are a number of reasons why you would need to request car registration replacement in Ohio. The most common reasons for needing to obtain a car registration replacement are if your registration was:
- Lost
- Damaged
- Stolen
To obtain a car registration replacement, you must visit your local Deputy Registrar/OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office and present a completed Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates / Validation Sticker application, acceptable proof of identification, and be prepared to pay the applicable fee of $4.50. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouches as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
- To apply for a new car registration in the state of Ohio, you may be subject to pay certain fees. Fees for new registrations are prorated, if applicable. In order to inquire about fee information regarding new car registrations, you can contact the Ohio BMV at 844-644-6268. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouchers as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Ohio
- What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
- The required feeto get a car registration replacement is $4.50. The fee for a replacement sticker is also $4.50. If you are in need of a license plate replacement, the fee is $10.50. You must be prepared to pay any applicable fees at the time you request a car registration replacement. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouches as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- What are the required fees to renew my registration?
- The state of Ohio requires you to pay applicable fees at the time of car registration renewal. Renewal fees vary depending on which county you live in and what type of vehicle you have registered. General fees for different types of vehicle include:
- Passenger vehicle: $34.50
- Motorcycle: $28.50
- Non-commercial trucks:
- Under 1,500 lbs.: $49.50
- 1,500 lbs. to 1 ton: $84.50
- Moped: $24.50
The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouches as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
- In order to obtain a car registration replacement, you must present the following documentation to your local Deputy Registrar/OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office:
- Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates / Validation Sticker completed application
- Acceptable proof of identification
Once you have presented the required documentation and paid the applicable fee, you will be granted a replacement car registration.
For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
- If you are applying for a new car registration in the state of Ohio, present the following required documents:
- Your vehicle s original Certificate of Title or Memorandum Certificate of Title
- Present one documents to prove identity such as:
- Ohio drivers license
- Social Security card
These documents are required in order to obtain a new car registration because they prove ownership. The title must be notarized and contain the Clerk of Court s seal. A photocopy of a title is not an acceptable document even if it s notarized or certified. An Ohio title may be obtained at the County Clerk of Courts.
For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Ohio
- What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
- For a car registration renewal in Ohio, present acceptable documentation which proves your identity and states your Social Security Number, and your signed and dated registration renewal notice. Only if you re renewing your OH car registration from out of state will you need to complete and mail in the Application for Out-of-State Registration by Mail form.
In order to renew your car registration, the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles allows you to use three different methods: in person, online, by telephone, or by mail. You must also be prepared to pay the applicable car registration renewal fee of $34.50. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouchers as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
- When does my car registration expire?
- If you have a car registered in the state of Ohio, the expiration of your car registration depends on your date of birth. Your car registration is set to expire on your first birthday or your second birthday depending on what kind of registration you requested. You can request either a one-year car registration or a two-year car registration. In order to renew your car registration, the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles allows you to use three different methods: in person, online, by telephone or by mail. The general fee for a passenger vehicle renewal is $34.50. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouchers as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
- To request a car registration replacementin Ohio, you do not have to go in person to local tax county collector s office. All requests and transactions regarding registration are handled at Deputy Registrar/OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices. In order to obtain a car registration replacement, visit your local Deputy Registrar/OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office and present a completed Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates / Validation Sticker application, acceptable proof of identification, and be prepared to pay the applicable fee of $4.50. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouchers as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
- Yes, in the state of Ohio you are required to fill out the proper application form at the time you request a car registration replacement. The application you are required to present is the Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates / Validation Sticker application. It should be signed and dated when presented at your local Deputy Registrar/OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Additionally, you will need to present acceptable proof of identification, and be prepared to pay the applicable fee of $4.50. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouchers as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
- The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will send you a vehicle registration renewal notice 45 days before the expiration of your vehicle registration. When you get your notice, verify that all personal and car information is correct. In order to renew your car registration, the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles allows you to use three different methods: in person, online, by telephone or by mail. The general fee for a passenger vehicle renewal is $34.50. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouches as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Ohio
- Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
- In the state of Ohio, your car registration will expire on your birthday. Your car registration is set to expire on your first birthday or your second birthday depending on what kind of registration you requested. You can request either a one-year car registration or a two-year car registration. In order to apply for a car registration renewal, the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles allows you to use three different methods: in person, online, by telephone, or by mail. The general fee for a passenger vehicle renewal is $34.50. The OH BMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, certified cashier checks, traveler s checks, county agency vouchers, and intra-state agency vouches as forms of payment.
For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Ohio