How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Ohio

Ohio Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires drivers renew their registration by the time of their birthday, based on their variable renewal cycle (1 – 5 years). Forgoing renewal may cause a suspended license, extra late fees, and/or penalties.

The state of Ohio will mail a renewal notice explaining your registration date and details. You may also check with your county BMV or their website to see the status of your registration.

Vehicle registration renewal is available through:

  • Online
  • In-Person
  • Mail
  • Phone

You cannot renew if:

Got everything in order? Great! Let’s move onto the renewal process.

What’s Needed to Renew a Vehicle Registration in Ohio

Collect the following before visiting a local OH DMV office:

  1. Vehicle renewal notice
    1. In-state: Sign & date the document
    2. Out of state drivers: Submit the Application for Out-of-Registration by Mail form
    3. Leasing: Submit the Power of Attorney for Ohio Vehicle Registration form
  2. Applicable items
    1. Emissions report
    2. Insurance
  3. Valid payment method

Renewal fees are paid at the time of renewal and vary by county and vehicle type. You will need a valid debit or credit card to process these payments. Or, a check/money order when renewing by mail.

How to Renew Your Illinois Car Registration

The registration fees for most passenger vehicles start at $34.50+, not including taxes and fees. Your final price may also include the vehicle’s weight, visit the OH BMV fee guide for more information.

This varies by your vehicle and driver’s license – refer to our Other Vehicle Registration Guide for specific steps and fees with boats, motorcycles, and more.

Remember, it’s wise to have auto insurance always since Ohio does a random check regularly.

Renewing Online

Renewing online is the easiest option:

  1. Visit Ohio’s Oplates portal
  2. Fill in your personal information
    1. Name
    2. DoB
    3. SSN
  3. Enter your vehicle information
    1. Info on the renewal form
    2. License plate number
  4. Emission inspection certificate (where valid)
  5. Confirm the details and pay the renewal fee

It should take less than 2-weeks to receive your registration and plates.

Renewing In-Person

Take a trip to the local DMV with these items:

  1. Renewal information
    1. Signed and dated
    2. The vehicle title (in case)
    3. Leasing: Registration Information and Authorization to Register (BMV 5736)
  2. Proof of auto insurance (if applicable)
  3. Emission (E-check) inspection certificate (if applicable)
  4. Funds for the registration renewal fee

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is available but slower so it’s best to send early – you’ll include:

  1. Personal information
  2. Registration renewal info
    1. Registration ID
    2. PIN
    3. Registration card (copy)
  3. Copy of auto insurance
  4. The inspection certificate(s)
  5. Payment method (check or money order)

It may take up to a month to receive your renewed tag.

By Phone

Renewal by phone follows the same steps as you’d expect by mail, in-person, or online. Convey your information, pay the fees, and you should have your new registration in no time.

Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Title and Tags

Did something happen to your vehicle’s title and/or tags? See our Title Replacement Guide for more details if you need these when renewing your vehicle.