Registration Renewal in Ohio
Here's exactly how to renew your Ohio vehicle registration — every route the state offers, what it costs, and what to do if your tags already expired. Start below, or ask Sam about your exact case.
How to renew your vehicle registration in Ohio
Registration Renewal in Ohio
Ohio vehicle registrations can be renewed with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) in a number of ways. When your registration is going to expire, you can renew online, by phone, through the mail, or in person at the Deputy Registrar's Office. Below you will find information to help you along your way.
Registration Renewal Cycles in Ohio
When you register and renew your vehicle, you have several options for how long you'd like your registration cycle to be:
- 1 year registration.
- 2 year registration.
- Up to a 5 year registration. (Only available to vehicles outside the 7 counties that require an inspection.)
Your registration expires on your birthday, and it is by this date that you will be required to renew.
You are NOT ELIGIBLE for a 2 year registration if your vehicle:
- Carries an apportioned license plate under the international registration plan.
- Is considered a special vehicle (e.g. off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc.).
- These registrations expire every 3 years on December 31
- Will require an inspection within the next succeeding registration year.
NOTE: The fees for a 2 year registration are simply double of what the standard 1 year registration fees (see “Registration Renewal Fees" below). However, you will also be responsible for an additional fees on a multi-year registration.
OH Registration Renewal Notice
The Ohio state motor vehicle registrar will send you a vehicle registration renewal notice 45 days before the expiration of your vehicle registration. When you get your notice, you will need to verify that all the personal and vehicular information is correct. The registration notice will let you know the method(s) that you may use to renew your registration (online, by phone, by mail, or in person).
If the renewal notice has any errors, you will need to correct all errors prior to completing the registration renewal.
Didn't Receive a Renewal Notice?
You will still be responsible for renewing your registration whether you receive your notice or not. If you do not renew your registration on time, you will be subject to late fees and/or traffic tickets for driving without a current registration.
Renewing a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
Your renewal notice will let you know what methods are available for you to renew your vehicle registration. Your choices are:
- Online.
- By phone.
- By mail.
- In person.
Once you know which way you will be renewing your registration, follow the steps listed below.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If your registration is expiring very soon, the OH BMV strongly suggests you renew in person at a Deputy Registrar's Office, so as to ensure you have an updated registration before your expiration occurs.
DID YOU KNOW?: Proof of car insurance may be REQUIRED when renewing your registration!
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Renew Online
Even though your renewal notice says you may renew online, you still need to make sure you meet all the requirements before you renew your vehicle registration on the Ohio online renewal page.
Online renewal eligibility requirements:
- The vehicle must be currently registered with the Ohio BMV.
- You own the vehicle.
- All the personal and vehicular information on your registration renewal is correct.
- You do not need to submit any additional documents in order to complete your registration (i.e. receipt of tickets paid).
- You have a valid credit card (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express) or a checking account for payment.
- You know your license plate number.
- You have a valid Social Security number.
- The vehicle has a current emissions inspection, if you live in an E-Check county (see “Vehicle Inspections" below).
If you meet all of the above requirements and/or have made the necessary changes to the OH BMV information, visit the BMV's online plate service, Oplates.com, and:
- Submit the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Enter your license plate number.
- Pay your renewal fees (see “Registration Renewal Fees" below).
- A $10 late fee will be added if your registration has been expired for more than 30 days.
You will receive your new registration and/or license plates in the mail. You can check the status of your registration renewal by contacting the OH BMV.
Renew by Mail
If you choose to renew your Ohio vehicle registration by mail, you will need to allow 4 weeks for the registration renewal to be processed and the new plates and/or registration sent to you. Residents who are currently out of state should utilize this option.
To renew by mail, submit:
- A signed and dated registration renewal notice.
- If you are out-of-state, you will also need to submit the Application for Out-of-State Registration by Mail (BMV 4625).
- Leased vehicles will also need a Power of Attorney for Ohio Vehicle Registration form (BMV 5736), also known as a Power of Attorney form.
- The emissions inspection certificate, if required.
- Proof of insurance, if required.
- Address change, if needed.
- Address changes may result in a difference in renewal fees based on local taxes. Call (844) 644-6268 to verify what you owe.
- If new plates are needed, be sure to check the box on the renewal notice requesting new plates.
- There will be additional fees for replacement license plates.
- A check or money order for all applicable renewal fees, license plate fees, and taxes, made payable to “Ohio State Treasurer" (see “Registration Renewal Fees" below).
Send all of the above to the address specified on the application form.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In-state residents will not be able to mail in your registration renewal if any information from the renewal notice has changed. You will need to visit the Deputy Registrar's Office in person to complete your registration renewal.
Renew In Person
If your renewal notice says you cannot use any of the other systems you can visit your Deputy Registrar's Office and renew your registration in person.
Provide the Deputy Registrar agent with:
- Your renewal notice, if you have it. You will need to sign and date the notice.
- If you do not have the renewal notice, they can still process your renewal. Not having your notice does not excuse you from renewing your registration.
- Proof of insurance, in case you are asked to verify your insurance protection.
- Your vehicle title, if you are making an address change.
- A Registration Information and Authorization to Register form (BMV 5736) for leased vehicles, also known as an Ohio BMV Power of Attorney form.
- Your leasing company may have an electronic power of attorney on file with the OH BMV.
- An E-Check certificate showing that you have completed the emissions testing, if required for your renewal (see “Vehicle Inspections" below).
- Payment for all renewal fees, license fees, and taxes (see “Registration Renewal Fees" below).
Registration Renewal Fees in Ohio
Ohio has standardized registration renewal fees for the most common vehicles, but taxes vary from county to county.
Renewal Fees
- Passenger vehicle: $36.
- Hybrid: $100.
- Plug-in Hybrid: $150.
- Electric: $200.
- Motorcycle: $30.
- Non-commercial trucks:
- Light (under 1,500 lbs.): $51.
- Heavy (1,500 lbs. to 1 ton): $86.
- Motor home: $51.
- Moped: $26.
- 1 year registration additional fee: $8.
- 2 year registration additional fee: $12.
- 3 year registration additional fee: $16.
- 4 year registration additional fee: $20.
- 5 year registration additional fee: $24
Special Plate Fees
These fees are added to the regular registration renewal fee.
- Personalized plates: $50.
- Initial Reserve plates: $25.
Replacement Fees
- Registration sticker: $9.
- Replacement registration: $9.
- Replacement license plate or plates:
- 1 plate: $15.
- 2 plates: $16.25.
Taxes
Each county has different tax rates for registration renewal. Visit the county tax page to find your county and determine what taxes you may owe.
All other vehicle registration renewal prices not listed are based upon gross vehicle weight. You can go to the OH BMV registration fee page to find that information.
Military Members & Registration Renewal
In-State Military Residents
Ohio residents who are serving in the military while currently stationed or residing in Ohio should renew their vehicle registration the same way as civilians. Simply follow the methods described above in “ Renew an OH Vehicle Registration."
Out-of-State Military Residents
If you are stationed somewhere other than Ohio, you will need an Application for Out-of-State Registration by Mail (BMV 4625) in order to renew your vehicle registration. See the “Renew by Mail" section above and follow the directions specified.
You will send all of the documents to the address listed on your application form.
You can also designate someone to act as power of attorney to take care of your registration renewal for you. Submit a Registration Information and Authorization to Register form (BMV 5736). Your military unit can also help you get this paperwork in order.
Vehicle Inspections in OH
Ohio requires emissions inspections in 7 counties around the Cleveland and Akron areas. If you live in one of these counties, you will need to have an E-Check emissions testing certificate in order to renew your registration.
- Cuyahoga.
- Geauga.
- Lake.
- Lorain.
- Medina
- Portage.
- Summit.
You can get more information on what is required for emissions testing, testing stations, and costs at the Smog & Emissions Checks in Ohio page.
Duplicate Registration or License Plates
The state of Ohio requires you to keep your registration certificate, stickers, and license plates on your car at all times. They must be legible and undamaged.
If you need a duplicate certificate or license plate(s) due to loss, theft, or damage:
- Complete an Application for Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates / Validation Sticker (BMV 4809).
- Submit the form to the Deputy Registrar's Office.
Visit our page on replacing a lost registration for more information.
Ohio Registration Renewal: FAQs
What do I need to renew my tags in Ohio?
To renew tags in Ohio, you need your renewal notice or your current registration, a completed vehicle emissions inspection (if required in your county), and payment for your renewal fee. If you're out of state, you'll also need to complete and submit the out-of-state renewal form.
How much is it to renew tags in Ohio?
How much it is to renew tags in Ohio depends on your vehicle type and how long you're renewing for. Passenger vehicles cost $36 to renew and motorcycles cost $30, with varying fees for other kinds of vehicles. To renew for 1 year, you'll pay an additional $8; 2 years costs $12, 3 years costs $16, 4 years costs $20, and 5 years costs $24.
How much are license plates in Ohio?
The cost of license plates in Ohio depends on the type of plate. Standard plates are included in your registration fee. Initial/reserve plates are $25, personalized plates cost $50, organization plates range cost up to $45, and sports/college plates cost $35.
How much does it cost to transfer plates in Ohio?
It costs $6 to transfer plates and registration in Ohio.
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Frequently asked questions
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