A registration sticker is not received by a driver when he or she orders new, renewal or replacement vehicle registration documents can cause serious problems for the driver of the untagged vehicle. Even if the OH driver has valid registration documents and only the DMV sticker was not received, he or she can still face trouble with the law if pulled over by the police. All vehicle registration and titling matters are overseen by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) in the state of Ohio.

A license plate sticker not received on time is usually caused by a problem with the driver’s registration request or an error in the driver’s address as recorded in the OH BMV system or the local postal system. To remedy a vehicle owner’s issue with a car sticker not received, the driver can submit an application for a registration renewal or registration replacement online, by mail or in-person to his or her nearest OH BMV. Read on for more important information about replacing a missing registration decal in Ohio.

Common Reasons for not Receiving a Registration Sticker

One of the most common reasons a driver needs to know where to get a registration sticker in Ohio is that there is a problem with the registration application submitted by the driver. If there is an issue with the vehicle owner’s new, replacement or renewal DMV registration sticker application, he or she will need to be in contact with the BMV to resolve the problem. The issue may be easily fixed but submitting missing required documents or another simple step.

Another common reason that drivers must replace a sticker online in Ohio is that there was a problem with the driver’s address as input either in the BMV system or in the driver’s local post office. If the driver recently moved, a DMV registration sticker not received has most likely been sent to the driver’s previous address If the OH driver recently put in a forwarding address with their local post office, it is a good idea for him or her to check that the new address has been recorded correctly with the post office.

Can I legally drive if my Ohio registration sticker was not received?

A driver’s Ohio car tag sticker should be clearly displayed on the bottom right corner of the vehicle’s license plate. Pulled over Regardless of whether a driver ordered his or her registration sticker online or by paper application, he or she cannot legally drive in the state of Ohio without having proof of registration with him or her.

While an OH driver is awaiting new or replacement vehicle registration documents, he or she can receive a temporary registration permit to allow him or her to operate the vehicle while waiting for the permanent documents to arrive.

Additional Consequences of a not Receiving a Registration Sticker in Ohio

An Ohio resident can be ticketed if he or she does not replace a license sticker not received and he or she continues to operate the unregistered motor vehicle in Ohio. Falsifying a DMV sticker replacement is considered a crime in Ohio and will cost the vehicle owner high fines and possibly bring on more serious criminal charges.

Steps to Take If Your Ohio DMV Sticker Was Not Received

The steps an Ohio driver should take to respond to a DMV registration sticker not received will vary based on the reason the driver failed to receive his or her registration documents. If the driver ordered a registration and car plate sticker renewal, he or she may need to contact the BMV to resubmit the application with corrected information or an updated address (when applicable).

Ohio drivers submitting their renewal or replacement application online can expect to receive their new documents within 10 business days of submitting the application. Residents of Ohio who submitted a paper application in-person or by mail can expect to wait up to four weeks to receive their new documents.

When applying in-person to renew a BMV registration sticker, Ohio drivers will need to provide documents according to his or her specific vehicle and location. Information that is requested during a car plate sticker renewal includes:

  • A valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID
  • Signed Proof of Financial Responsibility Statement, demonstrating that the driver has adequate auto insurance
  • Proof of passing E-Check environmental inspections, if applicant resides in an E-Check county
  • Proof of weight, for applicable commercial vehicles
  • Lease agreement, for drivers of leased vehicles

Ohio drivers who only need to replace a license plate sticker not received must be able to provide somewhat different information. To receive a BMV sticker replacement, the following material should be included at the time of application:

  • A valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID number
  • Signed Proof of Financial Responsibility Statement, demonstrating that the driver has adequate auto insurance
  • The vehicle’s license plate number
  • The vehicle’s odometer reading
  • The vehicle’s certificate of title number
  • Completed registration replacement application when applying by paper application
  • Payment of the applicable $4.50 fees

Both Ohio drivers who replace a sticker online or by paper can view the status of their registration application online through the BMV web portal. Any further questions about a registration application can be directed to the BMV by email or chat, phone or in-person at the nearest .

Where to Get Registration Sticker Replacements in Ohio

Once the Ohio vehicle owner has gathered the necessary information, he or she can choose to submit an application for a replacement online, in-person or by mail. Processing times for registration stickers online are significantly shorter than those for applications submitted by paper, so the OH BMV recommends drivers use the online platform when possible.

Applicants requesting a renewal or replacement BMV registration sticker submitted online should make sure to have a major credit or debit card ready to complete the application process, while applications mailed in should be accompanied by a check or money order made out to the Ohio Treasurer of State.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.