Can't find the answer to your question? Perhaps your answers are here.

What is biennial registration?

You may register your car for a two-year period if you wish. This simply entails paying double the fees as well as a $5.25 deputy registrar service charge. The only downside to this is that you won't get a refund if your situation changes in the second year.

Why is it so complicated to calculate registration fees?

Registration fees are calculated according to a number of factors, including:

• Type of vehicle

• Permissive tax (varies by tax district)

• Deputy registrar fee

• Cost of individual license plates (varies by style, design, personalization, etc.)

• Postage (if applicable)

The BMV has prepared a list of standard fees as a starting point.

Do I need to register my off-road vehicle or snowmobile?

Yes. Off-road vehicles (including ATVs) will need to be titled and registered. Snowmobiles do not require titles, but still need to be registered.

Please find details on the BMV's information page.

Are there special instructions for registering a limousine or other livery vehicle?

Yes. Livery vehicles are transport vehicles that seat no more than nine people. (Any vehicle seating more than nine people should be registered as a bus.)

Besides the title and proof of insurance, you'll need to complete and notarize a seating affidavit.

Find complete details and contact information on the BMV's information page.

I've lost my registration. What should I do?

No need to panic. Just go to a deputy registrar's office and request a duplicate registration for $4.50. You may also obtain a duplicate through Oplates for $4.82.

I've lost my vehicle title. What should I do?

If you can't find the original title, or if it's been stolen, destroyed, or damaged, you can get a replacement title at a title office for $15. However, only the owner or lienholder can apply for the title. If you happen to find the original title later, be sure to take it to the title office so that it can be canceled.

What should I do if I didn't get my registration?

If you didn't receive your registration, call the Registration Department at (614) 752-7500.

How do I get a replacement registration sticker?

Just go to a deputy registrar's office with proper identification, and fork over a $4.50 fee.

How do I get replacement license plates (tags)?

If your license plates have been damaged or stolen and need to be replaced, simply head to a license agency. Make sure to bring along two forms of acceptable identification. Also, if your plates were stolen, you should file a report with the police. The cost to replace your plates will vary, but will range between $6-$8.50. You may also receive duplicate plates by completing form BMV 4809 and mailing it to:

• Ohio Bureau Of Motor Vehicles

• Registration Section

• P.O. Box 16521

• Columbus, OH 43216-6521

Be sure to include a check or money order for the appropriate fees, which are listed on the form.
Or, if you'd rather to do the whole thing online, you may order the replacement plates through OPLATES.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

My vehicle is nonoperable. Does the state have any special type of registration for my situation?

Nope. You'll need to handle your registration just as you would a working vehicle. Same goes for vehicles kept in storage.

Where can I find answers not mentioned here?

For more information on registration and titling, please see the following resources:

• BMV Vehicle Registration Information

• Registration FAQ

• Vehicle Registration Fees

• BMV Title Information

• Vehicle Titling FAQ

• Title Fees (scroll down for list)

Or call the your local deputy registrar's branch for further details on any registration or titling matter.

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