Car Registration

In Ohio, if you're registering your car with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the first time, you will need to visit a deputy registrar's office.

First-Time Registration

Only the vehicle's owner or someone who has been granted power of attorney by the owner may register the car. You'll need to show proof of identity.

Also bring along your original title, which proves ownership (photocopies are not acceptable).

The registration will expire annually on your birthday. However, if you are just leasing the car, it will expire on the 20th of the month designated for the leasing company.

Emissions Testing for Used Vehicles

If you are registering a used vehicle and you live in a county that requires the emissions inspection known as E-Check, you will first need to pass the inspection before you can register (lucky you). Remember to bring the inspection certificate with you to the deputy registrar's office.

The registration fee will vary according to the local taxes. The base fee is $34.50 for a passenger car, but local taxes could add up to $20 to your total.

Renewing Your Registration

You may renew your registration each year in person, by mail, or online.

If you choose to renew in person at a deputy registrar's office, bring proof that your vehicle passed the E-Check inspection, if you are required to have it checked. Usually you'll do this every two years if you live in one of the seven counties where it is required. Also bring proof of identity.

You can renew by mail if all information on your registration (name, address, and vehicle) is the same. Just return your registration notice with payment. If any of your information has changed, you'll have to renew in person or online. Don't forget to include the E-Check inspection certificate, if required.

For the most convenience, you can renew your registration online. First read the instructions. If you leased your car, the leasing company must be on the BMV's approved list for you to renew online.

If your registration has expired or is within 10 days of expiration, it's best to expedite the renewal by going in person to a deputy registrar's office.

As with a first-time registration, the renewal fee will vary according to where you live. However, it will be the same no matter which method you use to renew.

Nonoperable Vehicles

There's no special registration in Ohio for vehicles that are nonoperational or in storage.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting Ohio and hold a valid driver's license from another country, you may drive in the state up to one year. Be sure to have your license with you whenever you're driving.

It's a good idea to also obtain an International Driver Permit issued by your home country. The permit, which basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials, should also be carried with you when driving.

To apply for a non-renewable, non-transferable Ohio license, you first must provide proper evidence of your legal presence to be in the country. These licenses expire whenever your legal presence document expires or in four years, whichever period is shortest. Additionally, these licenses cannot be renewed, or transferred to another state.

If you become a resident of the state, you may apply for a standard Ohio license. These licenses expire either on the fourth birthday after license issuance or when your green card expires, whichever period is shortest.

No matter your situation, you'll need to pass the standard driver's license written, vision, and road tests to obtain your Buckeye license.