You must register your vehicle for the first time at any local Deputy Registrar.

The first time you register your vehicle you will need the original Certificate of Title or Memorandum Certificate of Title. These are the documents that prove ownership. The title must be notarized and contain the Clerk of Court’s seal. A photocopy of a title is not an acceptable document even if it is notarized or certified. An Ohio Title may be obtained at the County Clerk of Courts.

Only the owner(s) or individuals with power of attorney from the owner may apply for registration of a vehicle. If the vehicle is leased, a power of attorney from the leasing company is required.

If a power of attorney (POA) is used, the person that has been assigned POA must prove his/her identity with any document from the list of acceptable documents.

Effective August 29, 2007, customers will no longer be required to show proof of Social Security Number on initial vehicle registrations if an Ohio driver license or Ohio identification card is presented.   Customers who do not present an Ohio driver license or Ohio identification card on an initial registration will be required to prove their Social Security Number by presenting a document from the acceptable document list. 

The original registration period on new registrations goes from the title date or the date the vehicle was first used on the highway to the expiration date. Amended Substitute Senate Bill 1 established that the registration period for certain vehicles classifications be based on the owner’s date of birth. Vehicles that are leased or commercial owner will expire on the 20th day of the month based on the first letter of the owners name.

The fees for new registrations will be prorated, if applicable.

Fees are not prorated for Farm trucks or recreational vehicles.

If registering a used vehicle in one of the seven (7) E-Check counties, an E-Check inspection certificate or exemption is required per Ohio law. For additional information about E-Check program, call 1-800-CAR-TEST.

You may renew your vehicle registration/license plates at any local Deputy Registrar, online at www.OPLATES.com, by telephone by calling 1-866-675-2837, or by mail.

Only the owner(s) or individuals with power of attorney from the owner may apply for registration of a vehicle. If the vehicle is leased, a power of attorney from the leasing company is required.

If a power of attorney (POA)  is used, the person that has been assigned POA must prove his/her identity with any document from the list of acceptable documents.

Any of the documents from the acceptable documents list are required to be presented when renewing a vehicle registration in order to show proof of identity.

If registering a used vehicle in one of the seven (7) E-Check counties, an E-Check inspection certificate or exemption is required per Ohio law. For additional information about E-Check program, call 1-800-CAR-TEST.

Click HERE to read Frequently Asked Questions concerning the Removal of Social Security Numbers from the BMV Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice.