Ohio Vehicle Registration FAQs

When a new car is purchased, is it permissible to put the old car tags on before the transfer of title is made?

Yes, however, the new title must be presented to the deputy registrar within thirty days to complete the transfer of registration.
[O.R.C. 4503.12 (C)]..

How is the vehicle registration expiration date determined?

The registration period for passenger vehicles is based on the owner's day and month of birth or other alternate date.

There are two ways to qualify for an alternate expiration date:

• Motor vehicle owners residing together at one address, as shown in the BMV records, may select the date of birth of any of the owners as the date to register any or all of the vehicles at that residence address;
• Any person who owns twenty or more vehicles may select any single date to register the vehicles.

How soon can a vehicle registration be renewed?

Vehicle registrations may be renewed up to 90 days prior to the expiration date.

Can a customer have both a disability plate and a placard?

Yes. Sometimes, but this is not always true.

Is a customer that moves from out-of-state required to obtain an out-of-state VIN inspection?

Yes, inspections are required in order to convert an out-of-state title to an Ohio title. Inspections may be performed by deputy registrars and most car dealers.

Who has to obtain EPA emissions testing before registering their vehicle

Vehicles up to 25 years old??? and up to 10,000 GVW in Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Warren, Clark Greene, Montgomery, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Portage, Summit, Lake and Lorain counties are subject to emissions testing every two years based on the model year of the vehicle. For more information, customers may contact E-Check at 1-800-CAR-TEST OR THE EPA AT 614-644-3059.

What do I need to bring with me when I register my vehicle (passenger or non-commercial) at a deputy registrar office?

The owner of the vehicle must be present. If the owner cannot be present, Power of Attorney (BMV form 5736) may be granted to another individual for the purpose of registering the motor vehicle.

1. You will need to know the license plate numbers in order to renew the registration.
2. Have the appropriate fees (cash or check).
3. Obtain an Ohio E-Check certificate if you live in a county that requires emission inspections.
   The following Ohio counties require emission inspections:
   • Cincinnati area: Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties;
   • Cleveland-Akron area: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties;
   • Dayton-Springfield area: Clark, Green, and Montgomery counties.