Ohio Vehicle Registration

An Ohio vehicle registration is documentation that connects Buckeye State residents with the mode of transportation, whether it’s a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or boat, they own or lease.

To register a car with the Ohio BMV, residents of this state need to provide their vehicle title, a photo ID, any required inspection documents, and payment for the registration fees. New Ohio residents should first obtain an Ohio title and driver’s license. Emissions inspections are required in certain Ohio counties. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requires that all vehicles have a valid registration in order to operate on Ohio roadways.

New Residents of Ohio

Individuals who are considered a new resident of Ohio when they:

Begin working in the state.
Rent or buy a home.
Register to vote.
Enroll children in an OH school.
Within 30 days of establishing residency, you’ll need to title and register your car.

The general process for getting an Ohio vehicle registration is the same as outlined below, but before registering, residents must:

Have a valid Ohio driver’s license
Have a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection completed to verify legal ownership of the vehicle.
Get a vehicle emissions test done, if required (please see “OH Registration Vehicle Inspections” below).
Apply for an Ohio vehicle title. This must be done at a county clerk’s title office, not the BMV.

Once these steps are complete, Ohio residents are ready to register their vehicle in their new home state.

Registering a Vehicle in Ohio

OH residents need to have an active car insurance policy when registering their vehicle. Residents of Ohio are responsible for completing their own vehicle registration in Ohio, regardless of whether they are moving to the state, purchasing a new car from a dealership (although the dealership may help the process), or buying/receiving a vehicle from a private party.

New residents must obtain an Ohio vehicle title before registering. Car dealerships must provide residents with the title within 30 days of purchase. OH residents who are purchasing the vehicle from a private party, the seller of the vehicle is required to give them the title at the time of purchase. Make sure the title transfer is correctly documented. Once residents have the vehicle’s title, go to the local deputy registrar’s agency and:

Present proof of ownership (Certificate of Title or Memorandum Certificate of Title). Titles must be notarized and contain the Ohio clerk of court’s seal.
A power of attorney is required if one or more of the owners cannot be present when registering the vehicle.

Provide either:

An Ohio driver’s license or photo ID.

Proof of social security number.

If the vehicle is leased, submit a Power of Attorney for Ohio Vehicle Registration (Form BMV 5736).
Present inspection documents, if required.
New-to-state vehicles require a VIN inspection document.
Certain counties also require emissions inspections (please see “OH Registration Vehicle Inspections” below).
Pay all applicable fees and taxes (see “Ohio Vehicle Registration Fees” below).

NOTE: Proof of insurance is not always required, but residents of Ohio may be randomly selected to prove they have OH auto insurance before they can complete your registration.

The license plates will be mailed to the address on the resident’s registration. They’ll receive a temporary permit that will allow residents to legally drive while they wait for the plates to arrive.

Vehicle Registration

Out-of-State OH Registration

Residents of Ohio, military or otherwise, who find themselves away from the state when they purchase a vehicle can register the vehicle by mail. Individuals can also use this process to renew their registration while out of state. Before individuals can register a new vehicle, they must get an Ohio title issued for the vehicle.

Once individuals have their vehicle’s title:

Download and fill out the Application for Out-of-State Registration by Mail (Form BMV 4625). Include the out-of-state address in order to receive your license plates.
Enclose the original Ohio title.
If the vehicle is leased, complete a Power of Attorney for Ohio Vehicle Registration (Form BMV 5736) signed by both the resident and the leasing company.

Include the necessary inspection paperwork:

VIN inspection.
Emissions inspection, if required by the county in which you are registering.
Provide proof of insurance, in case the application is randomly selected to prove insurance.
Pay all the required fees and taxes (see “Ohio Vehicle Registration Fees” below).

Vehicle Registration Fees

Registration fees are due at the deputy registrar agency when OH residents submit all the paperwork to register their vehicle. Fees for passenger and non-commercial vehicles begins at $31 This does not include permissive taxes which vary by the district, the Deputy Registrar license agency fees and any special license plate fees that may apply:

Plate or registration transfer: $6.
Replace or exchange 1 license plate: $12.
Replace or exchange 2 license plates: $13.25.
Temporary registration (45 days): $20.
Out-of-state vehicle inspection: $5.
Mailing fee for plates (if applicable): current mail rates.

There may also be additional fees for county taxes or specialty license plates. The deputy registrar agency will determine the actual amount owed for registering the vehicle.

Ohio Vehicle Inspections

Ohio requires inspections for vehicles depending upon where they are located and to determine whether they are stolen.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection

The VIN inspection can be done at any deputy registrar agency. The inspection checks the vehicle’s make, model, body type, serial number, and VIN to make sure the vehicle is not stolen.

Emissions Inspection

Vehicles being registered in a county that enforces pollution controls will need to be inspected prior to registering. The counties in Ohio that require emissions inspections are:

Cuyahoga.
Geauga.
Lake.
Lorain.
Medina.
Portage.
Summit.

OH License Plates

License plates will be mailed to the address used on the vehicle registration. Residents will be given a temporary permit that allows them to legally drive while they wait for their plates to arrive. Ohio residents will also receive a registration sticker for their license plate.

License plates that are in good condition do not need to be replaced. Residents of Ohio can transfer their plates to a new vehicle for a lesser fee than replacing the plates. There are also a number of specialty and personalized license plates OH residents can choose from when they register. Residents of Ohio may have to wait longer to get them, and extra fees will be required.

Motorcycle Registration in Ohio

Before Ohio resident may ride their motorcycle on Ohio roadways, they must register it with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Use this guide to learn about motorcycle registration if individuals are a new OH resident or a long-time Ohioan who just purchased a bike.

New Ohio Residents

Upon establishing Ohio residency, new residents have 30 days to register their motorcycle with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Titling and registration are typically done at the same time.

The first step to registering a motorcycle is completing an E-Check emissions inspection if the resident lives in a qualifying county.

Once the first step is complete, new Ohio residents can complete their registration by providing the following items at a local deputy registrar license office:

The motorcycle’s title.
If all owners cannot be present they must provide a power of attorney. One for the title signature and one for the registration The power of attorney for the title must be notarized. The BMV will accept a/an:
- Notarized power of attorney form.

Power of Attorney for Ohio Vehicle Registration (Form BMV 5736).
The lease agreement, if applicable.
Proof of OH motorcycle insurance.
An E-Check certificate if registering your motorcycle in a qualifying county.
Payment for the $25 base registration fee AND any other applicable fees and taxes.

OH Motorcycle Registration

The steps to registering a motorcycle with the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles will depend on whether the resident purchased the bike from a dealership OR a private seller.

Motorcycles from Ohio Dealerships

When residents purchase a motorcycle from an Ohio dealership, the dealership agent will complete the registration process. Typically, the dealer will include all applicable registration fees in the motorcycle’s purchase price.

The dealership is required to provide individuals with a title within 30 days of the motorcycle’s purchase date. They may also provide residents with a temporary registration until their official tags and plates arrive in the mail.

Motorcycles from OH Private Sellers

Ohio residents who purchased a motorcycle from a private seller need to complete a title transfer AND possibly an E-Check emissions test (only required in certain counties) before registering a motorcycle with the OH BMV.

Once Ohio residents have the title and E-Check certificate (if applicable), they can register their motorcycle by bringing the following items to their local deputy registrar office:

The current Ohio title for the motorcycle.
Proof of Ohio motorcycle insurance.
The lease agreement, if applicable.
Along with the lease agreement, residents need to include a Power of Attorney for Ohio Vehicle Registration (Form BMV 5736).
The Ohio motorcycle license, state identification card, OR Social Security card.
An E-Check certificate, if applicable.
The $25 base registration fee PLUS any other applicable taxes or fees.

Fees & Taxes for OH Motorcycles

The Ohio motorcycle taxes and fees are as follows:

Annual motorcycle registration fee: $25.

Deputy registrar license agency fees: Vary by number of years registered:

1 year: $5.
2 years: $7.50.
3 years: $10.
4 years: $12.50.
5 years: $15.
Out-of-state vehicle inspection: $5.
Registration transfer: $6.
Permissive (local) tax: Varies by district and vehicle type.

Boat Registration and Licensing in Ohio

The Ohio Division of Parks and Watercraft processes vessel registrations and titles, and enforces all boating regulations in the interest of public safety. This page outlines the steps to titling and registering a vessel and goes over the qualifications needed to boat on OH waters.

Vessel Registration Requirements in Ohio

In Ohio, some boats may require title AND registration, while some only require registration. Below, we’ll outline the specific types of vessels needing an OH title and/or registration.

Watercraft Requiring Registration

The Ohio Division of Parks and Watercraft requires ALL recreational vessels to be registered, including:

Motorboats.
Sailboats.
Canoes.
Kayaks.
Inflatable boats.
Rowing shells.
Racing sculls.
Pedal boats.
Personal watercraft (e.g. Sea-Doos and jet skis).

The following watercraft are exempt from registration:

Boats documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Kiteboards.
Belly boats/float tubes.
Paddle boards.
Boats registered in another state using Ohio waters for under 60 days.
Documented commercial boats.
Boats from other countries.
Lifeboats.
Government agency-owned boats.

NOTE: Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rowing shells, racing sculls, and inflatable watercraft requiring registration are eligible for alternative registration, which consists of a smaller registration decal AND doesn’t require registration numbers to be painted on the side of your watercraft.

Boats Requiring a Title

Additionally, Ohio residents must title the following vessels:

All boats 14 ft or longer.
Outboard motors with 10 HP or more.
Vessels under 14 ft long with permanently attached motors of 10 HP or more, like personal watercraft.

Exceptions to Ohio’s vessel titling requirements include:

Boats documented by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Canoes and kayaks.
Vessels under 14 ft long without a motor permanently attached.
Boats under 14 ft long with a motor that’s under 10 HP permanently attached.
Watercraft from outside the country.
Ship lifeboats.
Watercraft owned by an entity of the U.S. government.
Outboard motors under 10 HP.

Residents of Ohio who are still unsure about whether their boat requires a registration and/or title can call the Division of Parks and Watercraft at (614) 265-6480 or (877) 4BOATER (inside OH only) for clarification.

Titling & Registering Your OH Boat

To title and/or register a boat with the Ohio Division of Parks and Watercraft, generally, Ohio residents will need to provide:

A completed:
Certified Watercraft Registration Application (Form DNR 8460R).
Application for vessel title.
Different counties provide different title applications—contact your local boat registration agent for details on how to obtain an application to title your boat.
A proof of ownership for the vessel, like:
Manufacturer’s Certificate or Origin.
Properly assigned boat title.
Current registration certificate (for vessels exempt from titling).
Your Ohio driver’s license.
Payment for the applicable title/registration fees.

Depending on the resident’s OH county of residence, the documents they’re required to provide may differ. Residents of Ohio can call the local boat agent to verify they have all the necessary items to title and/or register their boat BEFORE submitting the application.

Once residents have confirmed they have all the correct documents, submit the watercraft title/registration application:

In person at a boat registration agent office.

By mail to your local watercraft office.

Ohio vessel registrations are valid for 3 years, with an expiration of March 1st during the final year.

Boat Title & Registration Fees

The costs of titling and registering a vessel with the OH Division of Parks and Watercraft are as follows:

Original/renewed registration for motorized vessels measuring:

Under 16 ft. AND any length of motorized canoe: $33.
16 ft to under 26 ft: $48.
26 ft to under 40 ft: $63.
40 ft to under 65 ft: $78.
65 ft and over: $93.

Initial/renewal registration for sail boats measuring:

Less than 16 ft: $38.
16 ft to under 26 ft: $53
26 ft to under 40 ft: $68.
40 ft to under 65 ft: $83.
65 ft and over: $98.

Original and renewal registration for watercraft not powered by motors or sails:

Regular registration: $20.
Alternative registration: $25.
Vessel title: $15.
Transfer fee for an unexpired vessel registration: $5.

Duplicate:

Boat registration card: $4.
Registration decals: $4.
Vessel title: $15.
Sales and use tax:
State: 5.75% of the purchase price.
Local: Varies by county of residence—use the Ohio Department of Taxation’s sales and use tax calculator for an estimate of how much residents could owe.

Renewals & Replacements

Ohio boat registrations are valid for 3 years and expire March 1st of the last registration year. The Ohio Division of Parks and Watercraft will send you a renewal notification before the expiration date.

Ohio residents can renew their boat registration by submitting the applicable renewal fees AND information about their vessel:

Online using the Division of Parks and Watercraft’s registration renewal portal.
By mail to the address listed on your renewal notification.
In person with any boat registration agent.

Replace Lost Title & Registration

To replace a lost or damaged vessel registration or decals, Ohio residents can request a duplicate by providing:

A completed Duplicate Registration or Decal Application (Form DNR 8456).
The necessary replacement title/registration fees.

OH residents can submit the required items:

In person at your local watercraft office.

By mail to:

Ohio DNR Division of Parks and Watercraft
2045 Morse Road, Building A1
Columbus, OH 43229

Ohio residents who need to replace their boat’s title can call the OH Division of Parks and Watercraft at (614) 265-6480 for instructions on how to request a duplicate.

Ohio Boater Qualifications

The Ohio Division of Parks and Watercraft imposes the following age restrictions when it comes to boating on OH waters.

Residents who are/were:

Born after January 1, 1982 and want to operate ANY vessel with more than 10 HP must have a boating education certificate.
Younger than 12 years old CANNOT use personal watercraft (PWC), like jet skis and Sea-Doos, at any time.
Boaters under 12 years old CAN operate vessels with more than 10 HP as long as they’re supervised by an adult who’s at least 18 years old AND you hold a boating education certificate.
At least 12 years old can drive boats with more than 10 HP WITHOUT supervision, as long as they have their boater education certificate.
12 to 15 years old you may drive PWC as long as they have a boat education certificate AND are accompanied by an adult who’s at least 18 years old.
At least 16 years old may operate personal watercraft WITHOUT adult supervision.

To earn your boater education certificate, Ohio residents need to successfully complete any of the following:

An online boater education course—head over to the OH Division of Parks and Watercraft’s Options for Learning page for a list of approved online providers.
An in-class course at a location and time convenient for your schedule.
A home study course, which residents can request for download.
A proficiency exam that residents can take at any watercraft office.

Completing a boater education class can save Ohio residents bundles on boat insurance!

Accepted Forms of Payment

The Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles accepts various forms of payment, including:

Cash
Personal check
Money order
Certified cashier checks
Traveler’s checks
County agency vouchers
Intrastate agency

Residents of Ohio need to make sure they have the necessary form of payment to ensure they can pay the necessary fees and avoid delays and penalties.