Ohio License PlateOhio license plates are metal plates with alphanumeric characters that provide quick identification for motor vehicles registered in the state. The characters displayed on these plates are known as plate numbers, and it is proof that the vehicles to which the plates are attached are already registered with the state. License plates can also provide a means of finding vehicle owners, subject to certain laws. Besides the plate numbers, typical Ohio license plates display the name of the state and the inscription "birthplace of aviation".
All vehicles in Ohio are required to display their license plates on the rear, as stipulated in Section 4503.21 of the state's Revised Code. The only exception in the state is commercial tractors, which are required to display their license plates on the front. Ohio required two license plates, one on the front and one on the back, until July 1, 2020, when House Bill 62 was passed to allow only one license plate on most motor vehicles, including passenger vehicles. The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), through the state's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), issues license plates in Ohio.
Listed below are the commonly issued license plates in Ohio:
Ohio law prohibits having anything that can obscure license plates on vehicles. License plates must be firmly fastened to prevent them from falling, and their validation stickers (if required) must always be visible.
Ohio License Plate Design and FormatsWhile there are many categories of license plates in the state with varying designs, most license plates in Ohio have a blue-to-white gradient. The state got a new license plate design every year between 1908 and 1973. However, beginning in 1974, yearly registration was changed to the sticker system, which is now in place instead of the annual changing of physical plates. Ohio license plate designs have changed several times over the past few decades. Ohio has a DUI license plate (a specialty plate) for DUI offenders whose design has not changed since 1967. It has a mustard yellow plate background with bright red lettering. This plate is typically given to drunk driving offenders for limited driving privileges.
Ohio's new standard license plate has a colorful design of an urban terrain on the left and a rural setting toward the right. It also has an airplane that showcases the state's history as the birthplace of aviation. This plate also features a shining sun rising from a wheat field and a girl on a swing next to a dog, which symbolizes the state's youth and future generations. The farm field on the plate represents Ohio's strong agricultural roots, while the skyline depicts the state's momentum as a technology and innovation leader.
Standard License Plates
Specialty License Plate
Ohio Vanity License PlateOhio vanity or personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to freely express their unique personality by choosing any combination of letters and numbers as their preferred plate numbers. However, there are certain rules and restrictions when it comes to personalizing license plates in Ohio. Generally, vehicle owners are restricted to not more than seven characters. While a combination of numbers and letters is permitted, you cannot use any punctuation or a special character in the mix. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) also prohibits using inappropriate, vulgar, or offensive combinations. For instance, your preferred characters cannot allude to any illegal substances or activities. In 2021, the BMV rejected hundreds of offensive vanity plate requestsdue to their obscene and inappropriate nature.
To obtain a vanity license plate in Ohio, you must first check the availability of your preferred license plate number. If it is available, you can apply to the state's BMV for a personalized license plate for your vehicle. The BMV Online Services allows you to initiate and conclude your application for an Ohio vanity license plate. Alternatively, you can submit a completed Request for Specialty License Plates Form (Form BMV 4705) in person at any BMV Deputy Registrar Agency office near you. The cost of obtaining an Ohio vanity license plate is $50, in addition to other basic registration fees.
Most Popular Ohio Special Plate NumbersSome of the most popular specialty license plates in Ohio are listed below:
Ohio License Plate LookupOhio license plate lookup is a means of identifying or retrieving information about any vehicle registered with the state's BMV by searching its license plate number. While it is subject to federal regulations and restricted to authorized persons and entities, it is also possible to find information about a vehicle owner by looking up the license plate registered to their vehicle. A license plate search will not reveal personal information about a vehicle owner unless the person or entity searching is authorized. Ohio residents can look up license plates to find basic information about vehicles or contact the police to assist them if they need to retrieve comprehensive details for legitimate purposes. Some of the reasons for conducting license plate lookups in the state are:
Generally, license plate searches conducted on Ohio license plates can reveal information such as the vehicle's mileage, repossession history, flood damage, make, model, year, maintenance history, and accident history. The Certified Record Request service provided by the BMV allows looking up Ohio-registered vehicle records, but it is a paid service. The BMV does not offer free license plate lookup services. With a license plate number, Recordsfinder also allows qualified individuals and entities to look up information about vehicles registered in Ohio.
A reverse license plate number search in Ohio can help disclose essential information, including the make, year, model, and VIN of any vehicle in the state. It can also uncover more information about a vehicle owner if conducted by an authorized person, government agency, or business. In Ohio, Recordsfinder offers an effective way of performing reverse license plate lookups on vehicles registered in the state. The search results from these searches are reliable and accurate.
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Ohio?Your vehicle must be registered with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) before obtaining a license plate in the state. The following are required to register a vehicle in the state:
You must visit a local deputy registrar license agency to submit all required documents and make payment. The fee for most standard license plates is $34.50, but you may incur additional costs for county taxes or if applying for specialty license plates. Once processed and approved, the Ohio BMV will mail your registration documents and license plates to the address provided on the forms.
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and Commercial License Plate in OhioGenerally, commercial license plates are given to vehicles used for commercial purposes, while passenger license plates are primarily issued for vehicles used for private purposes. The table below shows the significant differences between Ohio passenger license plates and commercial plates:
| Criteria | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle type | For vehicles designed and used for carrying up to nine persons or any motor vehicle designed and used for carrying at most 15 people in a ride-sharing arrangement | For vehicles that have motor power and are designed and used for carrying freight or merchandise |
| Expiration Dates | Usually expires on vehicle owner's birthdates or as determined by the leasing company if the vehicle is leased | The expiration month is often determined by the titled owner's SSN or the last two digits of the federal tax ID number. Commercial truck registrations usually expire on the last day of the month they were issued |
| Annual Renewal Fee | Typically lower than commercial license plates | Higher than passenger license plates |
The application process for obtaining commercial license plates in Ohio is the same as that for passenger license plates. However, depending on the type of vehicle and weight, you may need some additional documents to register a commercial vehicle and obtain a commercial license plate in the state.
How To Renew a License Plate in OhioIn Ohio, vehicle owners must renew their vehicle registrations, hence license plates, once they expire. While regular registrations are due for renewal every year, the state also offers multi-year registrations that may extend from two to five years. Generally, the registration expiration date for motorcycles, passenger vehicles, golf carts, non-commercial trailers or trucks, and motor homes will be on owners' birthdates. The registrations for most leased vehicles expire on the 20th of the month the lease companies assign license plates from the previous year. The expiration months of commercial vehicle validation stickers issued in Ohio are determined by the last two digits of the titled owners' SSNs or federal tax ID numbers.
Ohio license plates can be renewed online or in person at any local deputy registrar license agency and can be done 90 days before the due date. If you opt to renew your vehicle registration and, by extension, license plates by visiting a deputy registrar license agency, you need the following:
You can also mail these documents alongside a completed Application for Registration By Mail Form (select the "Renew" box under registration information) to the BMV at:
Bureau of Motor VehiclesAlternatively, you can use the Ohio BMV Online Services to renew your vehicle registration, hence license plates. Required information includes your license plate number and the last four digits of your SSN. It can take the BMV between 10 and 15 working days to process your request and mail your renewal registration documents.
How To Transfer a License Plate in OhioYou can apply to the Ohio BMV to transfer your state-issued license plate to another vehicle belonging to you when you sell or donate your old car. To do this, complete the Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates/Validation Sticker Application Form (Form BMV 4809). The completed form must be mailed with a $6 fee (check or money order made payable to the Ohio Treasurer of State) to the BMV at:
Ohio Bureau of Motor VehiclesIt may take the BMV up to four weeks to process your application.
Ohio License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)It is illegal to find the owner of a vehicle in Ohio by looking up the person's license plate unless there is a legitimate reason to do so and you are authorized to search. Per Rule 450:1-12-02 of the Ohio Administrative Code, the state's Bureau of Motor Vehicles will not disclose personal information from the motor vehicle records to any unauthorized person or entity. This law conforms to the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which prohibits revealing identifying information in motor vehicle records. Such information includes details that can identify a person, such as name, date of birth, photograph, telephone number, SSN, and address (except the 5-digit zip code and county). Others include driver's license number, medical or disability information, and digital image or digitized photograph.
The Ohio BMV uses the Record Request Form (Form BMV 1173) to receive requests from authorized individuals who need motor vehicle records with personal information in the state. This costs $5. Also, Recordsfinder offers a reliable and legitimate way to search Ohio license plates and obtain associated details. Typically, people can legally obtain records of over 269 million registered vehicles in the United States with their license plate numbers. These vehicles' license plate numbers and their VINs are linked in the public vehicle records.
Yes, you can get a replacement for a lost or stolen license in Ohio by applying to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) online, in person, or by mail. The OPLATES tab on the BMV Online Services allows anyone who has lost their license plate in the state to apply for replacement plates. Also, you can request a replacement license plate in Ohio by submitting a completed Form BMV 4809 (Application for Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates/Validation Sticker Form) at the nearest BMV Deputy Registrar Agency office in person or by mail.
The police can see the following information when they search your license plate in Ohio:
Yes, it is possible to look up license plates for free in Ohio online using certain websites with public records portals. However, it is unlawful to fetch personally identifying information of vehicle owners using these services unless authorized by law. Generally, looking up a vehicle's information, particularly identifying details through the vehicle's license plate, is restricted to authorized individuals, including law enforcement. However, interested individuals can still obtain basic records of millions of vehicles registered in the United States motor vehicle records for various reasons. The license plates of these vehicles are linked to their VINs.
In Ohio, a person may want to do a free license plate lookup on a used vehicle they intend to purchase. For example, if the vehicle's VIN has been cloned or there are issues the seller will not disclose, a free license plate lookup on the attached plate may reveal them. Looking up an Ohio license plate with Recordsfinder can show a vehicle's make, model, market price, engine type, body style, and year of manufacture.
Regular vehicle registrations in Ohio expire every year and must be renewed annually. The state also offers multi-year vehicle registrations that can be valid from two to five years, but they must be renewed upon expiration. While the state may give you 30 days to renew your vehicle registration after expiration, it does not offer a grace period for driving with an expired vehicle registration and, by extension, license plate. You will not be protected if you get pulled over.
Driving with an expired vehicle registration or license plate in Ohio is considered a minor misdemeanor. While it may seem trivial, this infraction can end up on an offender's driving record. If you get pulled over by the police and they find out your license plates are expired, you can be given a fine ranging from $100 to $150 or a citation. Sometimes, additional court costs may further escalate the total penalty. These penalties also apply to anyone caught operating a motor vehicle with an expired temporary license plate/registration in Ohio. In addition to these fines, an offender can have their vehicle impounded.
No, you are not required to return your Ohio license plates if you sell your vehicle or relocate to another state. If you are selling your old car and purchasing a new vehicle, the plates can be transferred to the new one through the state's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). While it is not mandatory to surrender your Ohio license plates when moving out of state permanently, the plates will become invalid once you register your vehicle in the new state and obtain a new driver's license. In this case, you can destroy the plates and cancel your vehicle registration. To cancel your Ohio vehicle registration and license plates, mail a completed Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration Form (Form BMV 4311) to the BMV at:
Ohio Bureau of Motor VehiclesOhio permits vehicle owners to keep their license plates after relocating permanently to another state. There are no penalties for not returning license plates to the BMV after moving out of state.
The dimensions of typical Ohio license plates are 12" wide and 6" high. They are 7" wide and 4" high for motorized bicycles, motorcycles, and other all-purpose vehicles (APVs) required by law to display license plates.
Temporary license plates issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles are valid for 45 days from the date they are given and cannot be extended. It is expected that permanent vehicle registrations will have been processed and license plates issued to vehicle owners within this period. Generally, you will need to get temporary license plates in Ohio while trying to secure permanent vehicle registration and license plates for your newly purchased vehicle.
You can renew your Ohio license plates using any of the following methods: