Staggered Registration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Staggered Registration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Effective March of 2004, all commercial vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers will switch to a staggered registration, instead of expiring on May 31^st of each year.

All vehicles will be assigned their primary registration month based on the last two (2) digits of the Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number (SSN).

Q1:

Will I have the option to stay with the expiration date of May 31st?

A1:

You will only have the option to keep the expiration date of May 31^st if the last two numbers of your TIN or SSN end in 31-39. You will be required to renew in your new month based on the last two (2) numbers on your TIN or SSN. This is in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code 4503.101, which states the BMV is to stagger commercial vehicle registrations. Ohio Administrative Code section 4501:1-5-05 states that all commercial vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers under this code will be assigned to a primary registration month.

Q2:

How long will my registration period be during the transition year?

A2:

During the transition year, it may be necessary for carriers to have registration periods as short as 6 months but no longer then 17 months.

Q3:

Do I have the option to split my payments during the transition year?

A3:

The applicant only has the choice to split the registration payments of the transition year if the registration period will be 13 months or more. If the applicant chooses to split the registration period, the first period will last six months and the second period will last the remainder of the original 13 or more months. A registration sticker for the first six months will be issued. The owner/lessee will need to pay the remainder of the fee in order to get the new valid sticker once the six-month registration has expired. This will take them to the 2005 registration year.

Q4:

Can I separate my fleet(s) into multiple additional months?

A4:

If the owner/lessee chooses to separate the fleet(s) into two, three or four divisions, the owner/lessee will designate which vehicles shall be assigned to the primary month, the secondary month and to each of the other predetermined month options.

Q5:

Who qualifies for division of fleets?

A5:

Any person who owns or leases two or more commercial vehicles may be eligible to separate the vehicles/fleets into two, three or four divisions.

Q6:

What if I choose not to separate my vehicles?

A6:

If the vehicle owner/lessee chooses not to separate the fleet(s) into separate divisions, all the vehicles will be assigned to the primary month (based on the TIN or SSN).

Q7:

Can I change my mind?

A7:

Once a vehicle is assigned to any month(s) (under the Rule), that vehicle will be registered for that same month as long as the owner/lessee owns or leases the vehicle.

Q8:

Will my primary month change?

A8:

The Registrar of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles can disapprove any selected date whenever he has reason to believe there is an uneven distribution of registrations throughout the calendar year.