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This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Chapter 4501:1-7 | Vehicle Registration

 
 
 
Rule
Rule 4501:1-7-01 | Application for special license plates issued to volunteer firefighters.
 

[Comment: For dates and availability of material incorporated by reference in this rule, see paragraph (A) in rule 4501:1-7-15 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) Any person who is volunteer firefighter may apply for registration of one motor vehicle and for a set of volunteer firefighter specialty license plates.

(B) In order to receive a volunteer firefighter specialty license plate, a person shall complete BMV form 4705 "Request for Specialty License Plates."

(C) An accompanying document shall contain the signatures of both the applicant and the chief or assistant chief of the fire department certifying that the applicant is a volunteer firefighter. The registrar may require any other evidence the registrar deems necessary to determine whether the applicant meets all requirements for the registration of the vehicle and the issuance of volunteer firefighter specialty plates. The registrar shall reject any application that fails to meet any requirement.

Last updated August 1, 2022 at 8:47 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4503.47
Amplifies: 4503.47
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 7/6/1996
Rule 4501:1-7-02 | Conditions for issuance of license plates, removable windshield placards and temporary removable windshield placards for persons with disabilities.
 

[Comment: For dates and availability of material incorporated by reference in this rule, see paragraph (A) in rule 4501:1-7-15 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) As used in this rule: "removable windshield placard" or "placard" means a placard issued to a person with a disability which limits or impairs the ability to walk or to an organization under section 4503.44 of the Revised Code.

(B) Removable windshield placards and temporary removable windshield placards shall be issued upon payment of the deputy registrar fee, as required, and upon completion of BMV form 4826 "Application for Disability Placards." Disability license plates shall be issued upon payment of the deputy registrar other registration fees, as required, and upon completion of page one BMV form 4834 "Health Care Provider Certification of Eligibility for Disability License Plates." When a motor vehicle has been altered for the purpose of providing it with special equipment for a person with a disability which limits or impairs the ability to walk, the owner or lessee of the vehicle (other than the person with the disability) may qualify for a special license plate by submitting page two of the BMV Form 4834 "Health Care Provider Certification of Eligibility for Disability License Plates." The evidence as prescribed by BMV form 4826 and BMV form 4834 outlines the conditions for issuance of all windshield placards as determined by the registrar.

(C) Upon satisfactory proof to the bureau of motor vehicles from a placardholder's personal health care provider, as defined in division (A)(3) of section 4503.44 of the Revised Code, that the person is no longer eligible under section 4503.44 of the Revised Code and after notice from the bureau, the person shall forward the removable windshield placard or the temporary removable windshield placard to the bureau of motor vehicles for cancellation.

(D) When a court reports to the registrar that a person who has been issued a removable windshield placard or a temporary removable windshield placard or parking card or specialty license plates has been convicted of a violation of section 4503.44 of the Revised Code, the registrar shall revoke the privilege of using the placard or parking card and send notice in writing to the owner of the placard or parking card at his or her last known address as shown in the records of the bureau to return the placard or parking card to the registrar within ten days following the mailing of the notice, if the card was not previously surrendered to the court.

(E) If an applicant for a removable windshield placard is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States who is eligible under section 4503.44 of the Revised Code, and whose disability is service-connected, the registrar shall, upon receipt of a completed BMV form 4531 "Application for Removable Windshield Placard for Active Duty Military / Veterans With Disabilities," the requisite documentation from the health care provider, as defined in division (A)(3) of section 4503.44 of the Revised Code, and a letter from the department of veterans' affairs stating the veteran's disability is service-connected, issue the placard.

(F) The removable windshield placard and temporary removable windshield placard shall be displayed in such a manner that it may be viewed from the front and rear of the vehicle by hanging it from the front windshield rearview mirror. When there is no rearview mirror, the placard shall be displayed on the dashboard. The placard shall be displayed in a prominent location on motorcycles or other nonenclosed vehicles. The placard shall not be considered valid unless its expiration is properly indicated.

Last updated August 1, 2022 at 8:47 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4501.02, 4503.44
Amplifies: 4503.44
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 4/20/1996
Rule 4501:1-7-03 | Assignment of registration periods.
 

(A) In accordance with section 4503.101 of the Revised Code, the registrar of motor vehicles shall assign vehicles required to be registered in this state to a registration period within the calendar year based upon the type of vehicle to be registered, the type of ownership of the vehicle, the class of license plate to be issued, or any other reasonable factor determined by the registrar. If there is good cause to do so, the registrar may reassign vehicles to a different registration period. To effect such a reassignment from the current registration period to the new registration period, the registrar may require the motor vehicle to be registered for more or less than a twelve-month period at the time the motor vehicle's current registration is subject to renewal. The registration taxes to be charged shall be determined by the registrar on the basis of the annual tax otherwise due on the motor vehicle, prorated in accordance with the number of months for which the motor vehicle is registered, rounded upward to the next highest dollar amount.

(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of this rule, all commercial bus registrations shall expire on the thirty-first day of May of each registration year.

(C) The registrations of all special vehicles governed by Chapter 4519. of the Revised Code, including snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, and all purpose vehicles, shall be in accordance with rule 4501:1-7-04 of the Administrative Code and shall expire on the thirty-first day of December of the third year of their registration.

(D) All commercial trucks, commercial trailers, and commercial semitrailers shall be registered in accordance with rule 4501:1-7-05 of the Administrative Code.

(E) Notwithstanding any other provision of this rule, all rental vehicles owned by motor vehicle renting dealers shall be registered in accordance with rule 4501:1-7-06 of the Administrative Code.

(F) Except as otherwise provided in this rule, the registrations of passenger cars, noncommercial trucks, noncommercial trailers, motor homes, motorcycles, manufactured homes, and motorized bicycles owned by individuals shall expire on the individual's date of birth. The registrar may add other types of vehicles to this category as the registrar sees fit. At the registrar's option, "individuals" may include individual trustees who own vehicles in trust and individual partners who own vehicles in partnership. If there is more than one individual motor vehicle owner residing at the same address, the owners may select the date of birth of any one of the owners as the date to register any of the vehicles at that residence address.

(G) Except as otherwise provided in this rule, vehicles owned by persons who are not individuals shall be assigned in accordance with the first letter of the owner's name as follows:

(1) If the owner's name begins with "A" or "B," the registration shall expire on the twentieth day of January;

(2) If the owner's name begins with "C" or "D," the registration shall expire on the twentieth day of February;

(3) If the owner's name begins with "E," "F," or "G," the registration shall expire on the twentieth day of March;

(4) If the owner's name begins with "H," "I," or "J," the registration shall expire on the twentieth day of June;

(5) If the owner's name begins with "K" or "L," the registration shall expire on the twentieth day of July;

(6) If the owner's name begins with "M," the registration shall expire on the twentieth day of August;

(7) If the owner's name begins with "N," "O," "P," or "Q," the registration shall expire on the twentieth day of September;

(8) If the owner's name begins with "R" or "T," the registration shall expire on the twentieth day of October;

(9) If the owner's name begins with "S," the registration shall expire on the twentieth day of November;

(10) If the owner's name begins with any of the letters "U" through "Z," the registration shall expire on the twentieth day of December.

(H) For all other registrations, the registrar shall specify the registration period and whether each class of license plate shall be issued only by the registrar or may also be issued by deputy registrars.

Last updated October 23, 2023 at 12:03 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4501.02, 4503.101
Amplifies: 4503.101
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 7/6/1996
Rule 4501:1-7-04 | Registration and titling of all-purpose vehicles and off-highway motorcycles.
 

(A) Effective July 1, 2010, no person shall register an all-purpose vehicle or off-highway motorcycle without first obtaining a certificate of title.

(B) Before issuance of a certificate of title for an all-purpose vehicle or off-highway motorcycle proof of ownership shall be established by evidence satisfactory to the clerk of the court of common pleas consisting of one or more of the following: a manufacturer's or importer's certificate; a bill of sale that has been notarized or is otherwise trustworthy; a current or prior registration in this or another state; a declarations page from a policy of liability insurance or such policy issued to the applicant in this or another state and describing the vehicle by make, year, series or model, if any, and vehicle identification number; a warranty statement describing the vehicle by make, year, series or model, if any, and vehicle identification number; a security agreement listing the vehicle, owner, and secured party; evidence prescribed by rules issued by the registrar of motor vehicles to the clerks of court of common pleas; evidence approved by the registrar on a case-by-case basis; or a certificate of title, bill of sale, or other evidence of ownership required by law of another state from which the vehicle was brought into this state.

(C) If proof of ownership cannot be established under paragraph (B) of this rule it shall be established by evidence satisfactory to the clerk consisting of two or more of the following: a sworn statement of ownership; an affidavit of another person establishing ownership; receipts from purchase of parts or components; or photographs and tracings of the vehicle identification number.

Last updated May 2, 2022 at 10:27 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: R.C. 4501.02, R.C. 4519.55
Amplifies: R.C. 4519.55
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 7/1/1999
Rule 4501:1-7-05 | Registration of commercial trucks, commercial trailers, and commercial semitrailers.
 

(A) As used in this rule, "tax number" means the federal tax identification number assigned to any business or individual owner or lessee of a commercial truck, commercial trailer, or commercial semitrailer, or the social security account number of an individual owner or lessee of a commercial truck, commercial trailer, or commercial semitrailer.

(B) All commercial trucks, commercial trailers, and commercial semitrailers which are first registered on or after the first day of March 2004 or which have a registration expiring on or after the thirty-first day of May 2004 shall be registered in accordance with this rule.

(C) All vehicles registered under this rule shall be assigned to a primary registration month, and may be assigned to secondary registration periods and multiple registration periods, based upon the last two digits of the applicant's federal tax identification number or, if none, the applicant's social security account number. All such registrations shall expire on the last day of the month of expiration.

(D) Any person who owns or leases two or more motor vehicles may request the registrar to permit the owner to separate the owner's or lessee's fleet or fleets into up to four divisions in accordance with this rule and the assigned primary, secondary, multiple registration periods. The registrar may disapprove any selected date whenever the registrar has reason to believe that an uneven distribution of registrations throughout the calendar year is likely to develop.

(E) All vehicles registered under this rule shall be assigned to primary registration periods, secondary registration periods, and multiple registration periods, if applicable, in accordance with the following:

(1) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 00 through 07, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is January; the secondary registration month is July; and the additional multiple registration months are April and October;

(2) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 08 through 14, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is February; the secondary registration month is August; and the additional multiple registration months are May and November;

(3) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 15 through 22, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is March; the secondary registration month is September; and the additional multiple registration months are June and December;

(4) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 23 through 30, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is April; the secondary registration month is October; and the additional multiple registration months are July and January;

(5) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 31 through 39, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is May; the secondary registration month is November; and the additional multiple registration months are August and February;

(6) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 40 through 48, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is June; the secondary registration month is December; and the additional multiple registration months are September and March;

(7) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 49 through 57, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is July; the secondary registration month is January; and the additional multiple registration months are October and April;

(8) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 58 through 65, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is August; the secondary registration month is February; and the additional multiple registration months are November and May;

(9) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 66 through 73, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is September; the secondary registration month is March; and the additional multiple registration months are December and June;

(10) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 74 through 82, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is October; the secondary registration month is April; and the additional multiple registration months are January and July;

(11) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 83 through 90, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is November; the secondary registration month is May; and the additional multiple registration months are February and August;

(12) If the last two digits of the owner's or lessee's tax number are 91 through 99, inclusive, the vehicles' primary registration month is December; the secondary registration month is June; and the additional multiple registration months are March and September.

(F) If the vehicle owner or lessee chooses not to separate the fleets into separate divisions, all vehicles registered to that owner or lessee shall be assigned to the primary month based on the applicant's federal tax identification number or, if none, the applicant's social security account number. If the vehicle owner or lessee chooses to separate the fleets into two separate divisions, the owner or lessee shall designate which vehicles shall be assigned to the primary month and which vehicles shall be assigned to the secondary month based on the applicant's federal tax identification number or, if none, the applicant's social security account number. If the vehicle owner or lessee chooses to separate the fleets into three or four separate divisions, the owner or lessee shall designate which vehicles shall be assigned to the primary month, which vehicles shall be assigned to the secondary month, and which vehicles shall be assigned to either or both of the other multiple registration months. Once a vehicle is assigned to any month under this rule, that vehicle shall be registered for that same month so long as that owner or lessee owns or leases the vehicle.

(G) To effect the reassignment of commercial vehicles from the current registration period to the new registration periods set forth in this rule, the registrar may require the motor vehicle to be registered for a specific period of not less than six months and not more than seventeen months at the time the motor vehicle's current registration is subject to renewal. If any such period is thirteen months or more, the registrar may permit the applicant to choose to register for the entire period or to split the registrations into two periods. If the applicant chooses to split the registration period, the first period shall be six months and the second period shall be for the remainder of the original period of thirteen or more months. In all instances, the registration taxes to be charged shall be determined by the registrar on the basis of the annual taxes otherwise due on the motor vehicle, prorated in accordance with the number of months for which the motor vehicle is registered, rounded upward to the next highest dollar.

(H) The registrar of motor vehicles shall permit any person who owns or leases a commercial trailer or semitrailer, that is subject to the tax rates prescribed in section 4503.042 of the Revised Code for such trailers or semitrailers, to apply for a registration period of one, two, three, four, five six, or seven consecutive years in accordance with the provisions of this rule. Payment of fees for the equivalent of eight years is considered a permanent registration.

(1) A person who owns a commercial trailer may apply to the registrar to register a commercial trailer(s) for a period of one, two, three, four, five, six or seven consecutive registration years. Payment of fees for the equivalent of eight years is considered a permanent registration.

(2) A person who leases a commercial trailer may apply to the registrar, or a deputy registrar to register the commercial trailers to coincide with the term of the lease of the commercial trailers if the lease term is for a period of twenty-four, thirty-six, forty-eight, sixty, seventy-two, eighty-four, or ninty-six consecutive months.

(I) The registrar shall deny an application for multi-year registration if there is cause to believe that granting the application for multi-year registration would avoid compliance with any existing law, regulation, or rule.

(J) The director may prescribe the specifications for validation stickers to be used on commercial trailers registered for multi-year registration periods in accordance with section 4503.191 of the Revised Code and rule 4501-27-07 of the Administrative Code.

(K) The registrar may prescribe standards to govern the application for multi-year registrations. Any application for multi-year registration which fails to comply with any applicable provisions of the Revised Code, the Administrative Code, or the standards prescribed by the registrar shall be denied.

Last updated August 1, 2022 at 8:48 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4503.101, 4501.02, 4503.103
Amplifies: 4503.101, 4503.103
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 2/8/2010
Rule 4501:1-7-06 | Registration of rental vehicles owned by motor vehicle renting dealers.
 

(A) All rental vehicles owned by motor vehicle renting dealers shall be registered in accordance with this rule.

(B) Rental vehicles owned by motor vehicle renting dealers shall be assigned to primary registration months in accordance with rule 4501:1-7-03 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Any motor vehicle renting dealer who owns two or more rental motor vehicles may request the registrar to permit the owner to separate the owners fleet or fleets into up to four divisions in accordance with this rule and the assigned primary, secondary and multiple registration periods. The registrar may disapprove any selected date whenever the registrar has reason to believe that an uneven distribution of registrations throughout the calendar year is likely to develop.

(D) If the motor vehicle renting dealer chooses not to separate the fleets into separate divisions, all vehicles owned by that renting dealer shall be registered to the primary month assigned in accordance with rule 4501:1-7-03 of the Administrative Code. If the motor vehicle renting dealer chooses to separate the fleets into two separate divisions, the renting dealer shall designate which vehicles shall be assigned to the primary month and which vehicles shall be assigned to the secondary month assigned in accordance with this rule. If the motor vehicle renting dealer chooses to separate the fleets into three or four separate divisions, the renting dealer shall designate which vehicles shall be assigned to the primary month, which vehicles shall be assigned to the secondary month, and which vehicles shall be assigned to either or both of the multiple registration months assigned in accordance with this rule. Once a vehicle is assigned to any month under this rule, that vehicle shall be registered for that same month so long as that motor vehicle renting dealer owns or leases that vehicle.

(E) All vehicles registered under this rule shall be assigned to primary registration periods, secondary registration periods, and multiple registration periods, if applicable, in accordance with the following:

(1) If the vehicles' primary registration month is January, the secondary registration month is July, and the additional multiple registration months are April and October;

(2) If the vehicles' primary registration month is February, the secondary registration month is August, and the additional multiple registration months are May and November;

(3) If the vehicles' primary registration month is March, the secondary registration month is September, and the additional multiple registration months are June and December;

(4) If the vehicles' primary registration month is April, the secondary registration month is October, and the additional multiple registration months are July and January;

(5) If the vehicles' primary registration month is May, the secondary registration month is November, and the additional multiple registration months are August and February;

(6) If the vehicles' primary registration month is June, the secondary registration month is December, and the additional multiple registration months are September and March;

(7) If the vehicles' primary registration month is July, the secondary registration month is January, and the additional multiple registration months are October and April;

(8) If the vehicles' primary registration month is August, the secondary registration month is February, and the additional multiple registration months are November and May;

(9) If the vehicles' primary registration month is September, the secondary registration month is March, and the additional multiple registration months are December and June;

(10) If the vehicles' primary registration month is October, the secondary registration month is April, and the additional multiple registration months are January and July;

(11) If the vehicles' primary registration month is November, the secondary registration month is May, and the additional multiple registration months are February and August;

(12) If the vehicles' primary registration month is December, the secondary registration month is June, and the additional multiple registration months are March and September.

(F) To effect the reassignment of rental vehicles from the current registration period to the new registration periods set forth in this rule, the registrar may require the motor vehicle to be registered for a specific period of not less than six months and not more than seventeen months at the time the motor vehicle's current registration is subject to renewal. If any such period is thirteen months or more, the registrar may permit the applicant to choose to register for the entire period or to split the registrations into two periods. It the applicant chooses to split the registration period, the first period shall be six months and the second period shall be for the remainder of the original period of thirteen or more months. In all instances, the registration taxes to be charged shall be determined by the registrar on the basis of the annual taxes otherwise due on the motor vehicle, prorated in accordance with the number of months for which the motor vehicle is registered, rounded upward to the next highest dollar.

Last updated March 5, 2024 at 1:52 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4501.02, 4503.101
Amplifies: 4503.101
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Rule 4501:1-7-07 | Vehicle registration renewal notice.
 

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles shall, not less than forty-five days prior to the vehicle registration expiration date, notify the owner of any vehicle with valid registration in the state of Ohio the date upon which the vehicle registration will expire. The notice shall be in a form prescribed by the registrar, contain any information required by statute or prescribed by the registrar, and be sent by regular mail to the owner's last known address on the owner's vehicle registration record as maintained by the bureau of motor vehicles or by electronic means, if the owner has consented to receive the notice in this manner.

(B) Upon receipt of the notice, the owner of the motor vehicle shall verify the information contained in the notice, sign it, and return it in person to the registrar or a deputy registrar or by mail or by electronic means to the registrar together with payment of all the registration taxes and fees due as indicated on the notice and with any other documents required by statute or by the registrar.

(C) The registrar shall designate the types of vehicles and classes of license plates eligible for direct mail-in or electronic registration renewal, or renewal at a deputy registrar location, or combinations of renewal methods and locations.

(D) Notwithstanding any other provision of this rule, the registrar shall not be required to send a vehicle registration renewal notice to owners of special vehicles pursuant to Chapter 4521. of the Revised Code, owners whose vehicle registration privileges are under suspension; owners who previously gave a bad check in purported payment of registration fees; owners who hold commercial radio or television reserve plates; owners of gratis plates; owners of school, church, or transit bus plates; owners of leased or fleet vehicles who fail to respond to any request for information; and any other owner for good cause or for whom complete and current registration information is not available.

(E) Failure to receive a renewal notice shall not relieve a motor vehicle owner from the responsibility to renew the registration for the motor vehicle.

(F) The registrar may reject any application for renewal registration by mail or by electronic means if the application does not comply with any applicable statute, any applicable rule, or any of the instructions prescribed by the registrar.

Last updated August 1, 2022 at 8:48 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4503.101, 4503.102
Amplifies: 4503.101, 4503.102
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 4/9/1989
Rule 4501:1-7-08 | Vehicle registration renewal by electronic means.
 

[Comment: For dates and availability of material incorporated by reference in this rule, see paragraph (A) in rule 4501:1-7-15 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) As used in this chapter, "electronic means" includes transmissions by telephone and over the internet, and any other electronic transmissions approved by the registrar of motor vehicles.

(B) Any owner of a motor vehicle who receives a vehicle registration renewal notice stating that he or she is eligible to apply for registration renewal by electronic means pursuant to rule 4501:1-7-07 of the Administrative Code may apply to renew the registration for that vehicle in accordance with the provisions of this rule.

(C) The registrar shall establish a telephone number and an internet web site, and may establish other media, for receiving vehicle renewal applications by electronic means.

(D) If, upon receipt of a registration renewal notice, the owner of the motor vehicle chooses to register it by electronic means, the owner may begin the process by accessing the telephone number, web site, or other electronic site established by the registrar. The site established by the registrar shall contain in electronic form essentially the same information contained in the registration renewal notice. The vehicle owner shall verify the information contained therein, affix the owner's electronic signature, and return it together with payment of all the registration taxes and fees due to the registrar by electronic means, all in accordance with this rule and any instructions prescribed by the registrar. The registrar may permit a vehicle owner to renew a vehicle registration by electronic means whether or not the owner actually received the original registration renewal notice.

(E) The electronic media shall contain all essential registration application information, including access to all necessary information regarding Ohio's financial responsibility laws. The vehicle owner shall verify that the registration information is correct, that the owner has been given notice of Ohio's financial responsibility laws, and that the owner has in effect and will maintain vehicle liability insurance or other acceptable financial responsibility coverage in compliance with Ohio's financial responsibility laws.

(F) The registrar shall prescribe the elements which constitute the owner's electronic signature for vehicle registration renewal purposes. The elements may include, but are not limited to, the vehicle's license plate number, the owner's social security or taxpayer identification number, a personal identification number (PIN) assigned by the registrar, a derivative of any of the foregoing numbers, or any other electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated the registration record. Compliance with the elements prescribed by the registrar shall evidence the owner's intent to sign the registration application and shall constitute the signature of the vehicle owner.

(G) The registrar shall specify the financial transaction devices which are acceptable for payment of all the registration taxes, fees, contributions, and other charges due with the renewal application in compliance with the provisions of section 113.40 of the Revised Code. the vehicle owner shall submit payment of all the taxes, fees, contributions, and other charges by electronic means in accordance with the registrar's instructions.

(H) The registrar may reject any application for renewal registration by electronic means if the application does not comply with any applicable statute, any applicable rule, or any of the instructions prescribed by the registrar.

(I) In carrying out the registrar's duties under this rule, the registrar may contract with outside sources to process any information, send and receive any information or notices, and take any actions on behalf of the registrar as the registrar may prescribe.

Last updated October 23, 2023 at 12:03 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4501.02, 4503.102, 4503.20
Amplifies: 4503.102
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 10/8/2000
Rule 4501:1-7-09 | Multi-year and permanent registration.
 

(A) Any person who owns a motor vehicle, other than a motor vehicle excluded under paragraph (B) of this rule, may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar for registration of that vehicle for not more than five succeeding registration years.

(B) Vehicles requiring an apportioned license plate under the international registration plan, commercial cars used in intrastate commerce, vehicles registered under Chapter 4519. of the Revised Code, and any vehicles specifically excluded by the registrar are not eligible for multi-year or permanent registration under this rule.

(C) In addition, any person who owns or leases a trailer or semitrailer that is subject to the tax rates prescribed in section 4503.042 of the Revised Code for such trailers or semitrailers, may apply for registration for any number of succeeding registration years, including a permanent registration. The period of registration for a trailer or semitrailer registered under this paragraph is exclusive to the trailer or semitrailer for which that certificate of registration is issued and is not transferable to any other trailer or semitrailer.

(D) An owner may apply for multi-year or permanent registration under this rule to the registrar or a deputy registrar in person or to the registrar by electronic means. The registrar may, but is not required to, offer multi-year or permanent registration through the centralized mail registration system.

(E) The registrar shall calculate and collect the registration taxes and fees for each of the multiple registration years based upon the annual taxes and fees then in effect together with any increases or decreases in the taxes and fees of which the registrar has notice at the time of the application for multi-year or permanent registration. The registrar or a deputy registrar may deny any application for multi-year or permanent registration if it appears that accepting the application would avoid the collection of registration taxes and fees which would otherwise be due during the registration years.

(F) The taxes and fees collected at the time of the application are final. The applicant shall not be charged any tax or fee increases, and the applicant is not entitled to any refund for any tax or fee decreases, which come to the registrar's attention after the transaction has been completed.

Last updated October 23, 2023 at 12:04 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4501.02, 4503.103
Amplifies: 4503.103, 4503.101
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 1/12/2004
Rule 4501:1-7-10 | Retention of standard license plate numbers and letters.
 

(A) As used in this rule:

(1) "Standard license plate" means a license plate issued to the owner or lessee of a vehicle without any special number and letter combination available under sections 4503.40 and 4503.42 of the Revised Code;

(2) "Distinctive standard number" means the distinctive numbers and letters assigned to each standard license plate by the registrar of motor vehicles or issuing deputy registrar; and

(3) "Logo license plate" means a license plate bearing the distinctive logo or description of any organization that is eligible for a specialty license plate including, without limitation, military and veteran organizations, colleges, and universities, and special interest groups.

(B) Except as provided in paragraphs (D) and (E) of this rule, any person who is replacing vehicle license plates, upon request and payment of a fee of ten dollars, may retain the distinctive standard number on license plates previously issued to that person in accordance with this rule.

(C) Distinctive standard number plates shall be produced using the sheeting that is then being used for standard license plate production.

(D) The distinctive standard number may be retained from a previous license plate to a new license plate only within the same general license plate class as follows:

(1) From a previous standard license plate to a new standard license plate;

(2) From a logo license plate to a new logo license plate;

(3) From a disability license plate to a new disability license plate;

(4) From a historical license plate to a new historical license plate;

(5) From a collector's license plate to a new collector's license plate;

(6) From a motorcycle license plate to a new motorcycle license plate;

(7) From a military or veteran license plate to a new military or veteran license plate;

(8) From an all-purpose vehicle (APV) license plate to a new APV license plate; and

(9) For any other class of license plate as approved by the registrar of motor vehicles.

(E) This rule does not permit the retention of the license plate numbers and letters under the following transactions:

(1) A person who is replacing license plates originally obtained under section 4503.40 or section 4503.42 of the Revised Code. Such a person shall pay the additional fee required under the applicable section to retain the distinctive license plates previously issued; or

(2) A person who is replacing a single, duplicate license plate due to the loss, mutilation, or destruction of a license plate.

Last updated August 1, 2022 at 8:48 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4501.02, 4503.192
Amplifies: 4503.192
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Rule 4501:1-7-11 | Special plates for national guard members.
 

[Comment: For dates and availability of material incorporated by reference in this rule, see paragraph (A) in rule 4501:1-7-15 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) Any person who is a member in good standing of the national guard of Ohio may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles for a specialty license plate. The application for national guard license plates shall be made on BMV form 4705 "Request for Specialty License Plates," and shall be accompanied by a written certification of the applicant's commanding officer that the applicant is a member in good standing of the national guard of Ohio at the time of making his first application. Subsequent verification shall be submitted as directed by the registrar.

(B) The registrar shall reject any application which fails to meet any requirement imposed by statute or prescribed by the registrar.

(C) The registrar shall prescribe the design of the license plate and any inscription on the plate.

(D) The registrar may cancel the registration and seize the national guard plates and sticker of any person who is discharged or retired from the national guard at the next succeeding registration period, or of any person whose license is suspended for violation of any law or rule which applies to any other operator of a motor vehicle.

Last updated August 1, 2022 at 8:48 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4503.29
Amplifies: 4503.29
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/1990, 3/1/2017
Rule 4501:1-7-12 | Process for issuance of collegiate license plates.
 

[Comment: For dates and availability of material incorporated by reference in this rule, see paragraph (A) in rule 4501:1-7-15 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) "Applicant" means the owner, or lessee if eligible under the Revised Code of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other motor vehicle eligible under the Revised Code who voluntarily chooses to submit an application for issuance of collegiate license plates in connection with a registration, or a renewal of the registration of such plates.

(B) "Institution" means a state university or college or a private university or college located in this state that possesses a certificate of authorization issued by the Ohio department of higher education pursuant to Chapter 1713. of the Revised Code. "Institution" includes community colleges created pursuant to Chapter 3354. of the Revised Code, university branches created pursuant to Chapter 3355. of the Revised Code, technical colleges created pursuant to Chapter 3357. of the Revised Code, and state community colleges created pursuant to Chapter 3358. of the Revised Code.

(C) "Logo" means single-type body of matrix containing a short, often used set of letters or words, a distinctive signature, or name or a trademark or name plate.

(D) "Program" means the collegiate license plate program.

(E) An institution may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles to participate in the program. An application by an institution shall be made via BMV form 4810 "Affidavit for Participation in Organizational/Collegiate Specialty License Plate Program," which shall include the following information: the name and address of the institution; a copy of the certificate of authorization issued by the Ohio department of higher education pursuant to Chapter 1713. of the Revised Code; a copy of the logo in a design format as required by the registrar to be used by the institution on its license plates, which shall not exceed three inches in height and two inches in width, along with the specific pms numbers for the colors involved; and a release in favor of the bureau of motor vehicles of any copyright or trademark rights possessed by the institution.

(F) The institution's application shall be signed by an authorized agent of the institution, and, including the logo, shall be subject to the approval of the registrar. The registrar may disapprove the application if: (1) the design specifications would be, in the opinion of the registrar, confusing to a person attempting to read the registration numbers or letters on the collegiate license plates; or (2) the application lacks some or all of the necessary information; or (3) the application does not include a completed BMV form 4820 "Petition to Establish Organizational License Plate." The registrar shall notify the institution of his approval or disapproval in writing.

(G) Each applicant's request for collegiate license plates or renewal or registration of such plates shall be accompanied by a service fee, voluntary contribution in the amount of twenty-five dollars for the benefit of the institution. The bureau of motor vehicles shall charge the applicant an additional ten dollar fee for the cost of producing and processing each set of plates, or registration, or renewal of registration.

(H) Whether or not an applicant holds special reserved license plates, an application for collegiate license plates may be combined with an application for special reserved license plates under section 4503.40 or 4503.42 of the Revised Code, so long as the number of alpha or numeric characters and spaces is no more than six.

(I) Each applicant who already holds collegiate license plates and wishes to renew this special registration for the following renewal period shall have the option of renewing his registration by mail, by electronic means, or in person at a deputy registrar.

(J) The registrar shall terminate the participation of any institution in the program for violation of section 4503.51 of the Revised Code, or of this rule, or of any procedures prescribed by the registrar to implement the program.

Last updated August 1, 2022 at 8:48 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4501.02, 4503.51
Amplifies: 4503.51
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Rule 4501:1-7-13 | Specialized plates.
 

[Comment: For dates and availability of material incorporated by reference in this rule, see paragraph (A) in rule 4501:1-7-15 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) Definitions.

(1) "Applicant" means any veteran, service member or reservist, as defined in section 5903.01 of the Revised Code, who applies to the registrar of motor vehicles for the registration of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, or recreational vehicle, or other motor vehicle eligible under the Revised Code that the person owns or leases, either singly or jointly, for the purpose of obtaining specialty license plates for a service member, reservist or a veteran renewal thereof.

(2) "Reservist" means any person who at the time of verification is a member of the reserves of the armed forces of the United States or the national guard of any state.

(3) "Service Star" means a military award approved by the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff for service members who were engaged in actual combat against the enemy under certain circumstances.

(4) "Veteran" has the same meaning as in section 5903.01 of the Revised Code.

(5) "Wartime military service" means military service in the armed forces of the United States during the following:

(a) World War I includes only the following periods: April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918; for veterans who served in Russia, April 6, 1917, through April 1, 1920, extended through July 1, 1921, for veterans who had one day of service between April 7, 1917, and November 11, 1918.

(b) World War II includes only the period December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946.

(c) The Korean conflict includes only the period June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955.

(d) The Korean defense service that includes July 28, 1954, through date to be set by law or presidential proclamation.

(e) The Vietnam conflict includes only the period August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975.

(f) "Mission of 1982" (Lebanon) means the period August 25, 1982, through August 1, 1984.

(g) "Invasion of 1983" (Grenada) means the period October 23, 1983, through November 23, 1983.

(h) "Invasion of 1989" (Panama) means the period December 20, 1989, through January 31, 1990.

(i) The Persian gulf war includes only the period August 2, 1990, through a date to be set by law or presidential proclamation.

(j) The Kosovo campaign means the following periods:

(i) Kosovo air - March 24, 1999 through June 10, 1999.

(ii) Kosovo defense - June 11, 1999 through December 31, 2013.

(k) Inherent resolve campaign means the following periods:

(i) Abeyance - June 15, 2014 through November 24, 2015.

(ii) Intensification - November 25, 2015 to a date to be set by law or presidential proclamation.

(B) "Military Specialty License Plate program" as defined in section 4503.29 of the Revised Code.

(1) The director of the Ohio department of veterans services specifies guidelines for establishment of the military specialty license plate program pursuant to division (B) of section 4503.29 of the Revised Code.

The list of military specialty license plates shall be available electronically on the bureau of motor vehicles public facing website.

(2) The registrar shall establish guidelines for the implementation and issuance of military specialty license plates as recommended in writing by the Ohio department of veterans services pursuant to division (B) of section 4503.29 of the Revised Code.

(3) Any application for a military specialty license plate shall be via BMV form 4507 "Gratis Registration Application for Disabled Veterans, Former Prisoners of War, Spouses of Deceased Prisoners of War & Free Boat Trailer License Plates," BMV form 4705 "Request for Specialty License Plates" or BMV form 4625 "Application for Registration by Mail" and accompanied by appropriate documentation, as annotated in rule 5902-6-03 of the Administrative Code, demonstrating eligibility for the applicable license plate. Documents or subsequent verification shall be submitted as directed by the registrar.

(4) The specialty license plate shall be manufactured in accordance with rule 4501-27-01 of the Administrative Code. The registrar shall, with the assistance of the Ohio department of veteran services and the institute of heraldry, design the license plate.

(5) An applicant shall be entitled to license plates or a validation sticker for any number of vehicles.

(6) A veteran may apply for designation of wartime military service in only one wartime period for each set of license plates.

(7) Only one military designation can be displayed on each set of license plates.

(8) The registrar may cancel the registration and seize the specialty license plates and sticker of any reservist, veteran or person on active duty who is no longer eligible for such plates at the beginning of the next succeeding registration period, or of any reservist, veteran or person on active duty whose driver's license is suspended for violation of any law or rule.

(9) Each service star medal license plate shall be inscribed with identifying words or markings as prescribed by the registrar and approved by institute of heraldry indicating receipt of the award with the corresponding ribbon and number of service stars as evidenced in the applicant's DD-214.

Any application for the display of service star medal license plates shall be made via BMV 4508 "Application for Service Star Medal License Plates" or BMV form 4625 "Application for Registration by Mail" and must be accompanied by appropriate documentation as annotated in rule 5902-6-03 of the Administrative Code, demonstrating eligibility for the service star medal license plate.

(a) The ribbon on the service star license plate for the "Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and National Defense Service Medal" shall represent the first award. Subsequent awards shall be represented with a bronze service star for a single campaign.

(b) The ribbon on the service star license plate for "Korean Service Medal, Southwest Asian Service Medal," and "Vietnam Service Medal" may be represented by a bronze service star for each campaign the veteran participated in as evidenced in applicant's DD-214.

(c) In lieu of five bronze service stars, one silver service star shall be represented.

Last updated August 1, 2022 at 8:49 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4501.02, 4503.29
Amplifies: 4503.29
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 11/3/2003, 8/24/2006, 4/9/2012
Rule 4501:1-7-14 | Collector's vehicles.
 

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles shall issue a validation sticker and collector's plates or a validation sticker alone to the owner of a collector's vehicle in accordance with this rule.

(B) The registrar, in order to determine whether a motor vehicle is owned, operated, collected, preserved, restored, maintained, or used essentially as a collector's item, leisure pursuit or investment, shall pursue the following steps:

(1) The registrar shall consult the national automobile dealers association classic, collectible and special interest car appraisal guide or any other published source previously approved by the registrar to determine whether the motor vehicle is listed therein.

(2) If the vehicle is not listed in that publication, the registrar may consult one or more similar publications that he deems similarly authoritative.

(3) If the motor vehicle is not listed in one of those publications, the registrar shall review original correspondence and related documentation, if any, from the manufacturer submitted by the applicant demonstrating that the motor vehicle was in limited production or is at the time of application a make or model of significant value to collectors.

(4) The applicant may demonstrate to the registrar's satisfaction that the vehicle was in limited production or is at the time of application a make or model of significant value to collectors.

If the applicant does not demonstrate that the vehicle qualifies under this paragraph, the registrar may refuse registration as a collector's vehicle.

(C) The registrar may refuse registration as a collector's vehicle if the vehicle is a reproduction of a make or model previously manufactured, or if the vehicle has not been maintained in or restored to a condition that is substantially in conformity with the manufacturer's specifications and appearance.

(D) The registrar may refuse an application to register a collector's vehicle unless the applicant can sufficiently demonstrate that the vehicle is not used as primary transportation.

(E) A registration as a collector's vehicle that was issued in error is automatically canceled, after notice, on the day before its normal expiration unless the registrar has previously canceled it or unless the registrar issues an extension either before, on, or after the date of cancellation. After such a cancellation the vehicle owner, if otherwise eligible, may within one year apply for regular license plates without payment of the fee for replacement plates. If the vehicle owner comes into compliance with the Revised Code, this rule, and other applicable laws within one year after the original date of cancellation, he may apply for registration as a collector's vehicle without payment of the fee for replacement plates.

(F) In accordance with rule 3745-26-12 of the Administrative Code, a vehicle that qualifies as a collector's vehicle under paragraphs (B), (C), and (D) of this rule is permanently exempt from the emissions inspection required in the designated program area.

Last updated October 23, 2023 at 12:04 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: R.C. 4501.02
Amplifies: R.C. 4501.01, R.C. 4503.10, R.C. 4503.19, R.C. 4503.45
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Rule 4501:1-7-15 | Materials incorporated by reference.
 

(A) Incorporated by reference. This chapter includes material that has been incorporated by reference. If the material is subject to change, only the specific version listed in this rule is incorporated. Any revision to the referenced material is not incorporated unless and until this rule has been amended to specify the new date.

(1) "Affidavit for Participation in Organizational / Collegiate Specialty License Plate Program" or "BMV 4810" (October 2021) may be accessed electronically at https://bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx

(2) "Application for Disability Placards" or "BMV 4826" (March 2020) may be accessed electronically at https://bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx

(3) "Application for Removable Windshield Placard for Active Duty Military / Veterans With Disabilities" or "BMV 4531" (March 2020) may be accessed electronically at https://bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx

(4) "Application for Service Star Medal License Plates" or "BMV 4508" (April 2015) may be accessed electronically at https://bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx

(5) "Health Care Provider Certification of Eligibility for Disability License Plates" or "BMV 4834" (October 2019) may be accessed electronically at https://bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx

(6) "Electronic Renewal Application" sample (October 2021) as referenced in rule 4501:1-7-08 of the Administrative Code is available by writing to the "Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Office of Vehicle Services, 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223."

(7) "Petition to Establish Organizational License Plate" or "BMV 4820" (October 2016) may be accessed electronically at https://bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx

(8) "Request for Specialty License Plates" or "BMV 4705" (January 2022) may be accessed electronically at https://bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx

(9) Specialty plates for military as referenced in rule 4501:1-7-13 of the Administrative Code may be accessed electronically at https://bmv.ohio.gov/vr-sp-geninfo.aspx

(10) "Application for Registration by Mail" or "BMV 4625" (August 2021) may be accessed electronically at https://bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx

(11) "Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice" sample (October 2021) as referenced in rule 4501:1-7-07 is available by writing to the "Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Office of Vehicle Services, 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223."

(12) "Gratis Registration Application for Disabled Veterans, Former Prisoners of War, Spouses of Deceased Prisoners of War & Free Boat Trailer License Plates" or "BMV 4507" (July 2020) may be accessed electronically at https://bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx

Last updated August 1, 2022 at 8:49 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4501.02, 4503.29
Amplifies: 4501.01, 4503.10, 4503.19, 4503.29, 4503.44, 4503.45, 4503.51, 4503.78
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 3/1/2017
Rule 4501:1-7-16 | Registration of vehicles subject to biennial emissions testing.
 

[Comment: For dates and availability of material incorporated by reference in this rule, see paragraph (A) in rule 4501:1-7-15 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles will provide information regarding the requirements established in division (A) of section 3704.14 of the Revised Code and Chapter 3745-26 of the Administrative Code to any person who owns a motor vehicle that is subject to the motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program as established by the sections; the information provided, via vehicle registration renewal notice or vehicle registration reminder notice whether by mail or electronic means, will include details about the need in required counties to present an inspection certificate in order to file an application for registration or preregistration.

(B) A person who has registered their motor vehicle for multiple years, as established by section 4503.103 of the Revised Code, is not exempt from complying with the requirements established by section 3704.14 of the Revised Code.

(C) A person who has not received from the registrar notification regarding requirements established by section 3704.14 of the Revised Code and Chapter 3745-26 of the Administrative Code is not exempt from complying with the requirements therein.

(D) Failure to comply with section 3704.14 of the Revised Code, in a process as established by the registrar of motor vehicles, and regardless of registration expiration, the registrar shall refuse to issue or suspend the registration until such time that compliance is confirmed.

Last updated August 1, 2022 at 8:49 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4501.02, 4503.10
Amplifies: 4503.10
Five Year Review Date: 5/1/2027