How do I update my vehicle color on my registration?

A.

Customers can update their vehicle color online at www.oplates.com when the customer renews.  Or the customer will be asked to provide a vehicle color at the deputy registrar at first issuance or renewal.  The customer may also call 1-800-589-TAGS.  Vehicle color will not be captured through the mail-in renewal process.

How do I know which color to choose?

A2.

Each customer should review the color chart (located at all deputy registrars or posted online at www.ohiobmv.com) and choose the color closest to that of their vehicle.  These colors are standardized but will not match every tone.  The customer will have to choose the closest one to their own.  Each customer must choose a PRIMARY color and may also choose a SECONDARY color (the Honda Element is an example of a car that has a primary and secondary color).

Why do I have to provide my vehicle’s color?

A3.

This information is now being collected during the registration process to improve public safety and to assist law enforcement with the identification of vehicles.  This information is currently collected in other states and is now being part of registration in Ohio.

Will I have to provide my vehicle color every year at renewal?

A4.

No. Once the vehicle color has been provided, it will not be required on following renewals.  However, if the vehicle is sold, the new owner will have to verify the color at first registration.

What if the color of my vehicle changes?

A5.

Should a customer need to change the color of their vehicle (for example, if the automobile was painted a new shade), he or she may have it changed on their next transaction at the deputy registrar (the deputy registrar cannot change the color unless an actual transaction is performed).  Or the customer may call 1-800-589-TAGS (1-800-589-8247) to have the color changed on the database; however, to view the color chart, the customer will have to view the chart online at http://bmv.ohio.gov/pdf_files/NCIC Color Codes.pdf.

What if my vehicle has multiple colors so that it is impossible to choose just a primary and secondary color?

A6.

Customers with multi-color cars (either because of replacement parts of multiple colors or because the vehicle is iridescent) should choose the Multicolor option. 

Will my Vehicle Registration reflect my vehicle color?

A7.

No, vehicle color information will only be maintained on the BMV’s database.