Ohio License Plate Lookup /License Plate Cost

How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in Ohio in 2025?

Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in Ohio

The cost of obtaining a license plate in Ohio is influenced by several factors, which include:

Type of Vehicle: Different vehicle types, such as passenger cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles, have varying registration fees.
Weight of Vehicle: Heavier vehicles may incur higher fees due to additional road wear and tear.
County of Registration: Some counties may impose additional local taxes or fees.
Type of License Plate: Standard, specialty, and personalized plates have different costs associated with them.
Duration of Registration: Ohio offers multi-year registration options, which can affect the total cost.

Specialty License Plates in Ohio

Ohio offers a wide variety of specialty license plates that cater to different interests, causes, and affiliations. These plates often come with additional fees:

Initial Issuance Fee: Typically ranges from $25 to $50, depending on the plate.
Annual Renewal Fee: An additional fee, usually between $10 and $25, is required each year.
Contribution to Cause: Many specialty plates include a contribution to a specific cause or organization, which is part of the total fee.

Examples of specialty plates include collegiate plates, military plates, and plates supporting various charities and organizations.

Personalized License Plates in Ohio

Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to create a unique combination of letters and numbers. The costs associated with personalized plates are as follows:

Initial Fee: $50 for the personalization.
Annual Renewal Fee: An additional $50 is required each year to maintain the personalization.
Availability Check: Before applying, individuals must check the availability of their desired combination through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website.

Ohio License Plate Renewal Fee

Renewing a license plate in Ohio involves several fees, which can vary based on the type of vehicle and plate:

Standard Renewal Fee: Typically ranges from $34.50 to $49.50 for passenger vehicles.
Additional County Fees: Some counties may charge extra fees, which can range from $5 to $20.
Late Renewal Penalty: A late fee of $10 is applied if the renewal is not completed by the expiration date.

Ohio License Plate Replacements Fee

In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be obtained for a fee:

Replacement Fee: $12 for a standard plate replacement.
Duplicate Registration Card: An additional $4.50 if a duplicate registration card is needed.
Proof of Loss: A police report or affidavit may be required if the plate was stolen.

How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in Ohio

When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, the following fees apply:

Transfer Fee: $4.50 for transferring a plate to a new vehicle.
Title Transfer Fee: $15 for transferring the vehicle title, which is often done simultaneously.
Sales Tax: Applicable sales tax based on the purchase price of the new vehicle.

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain exemptions and discounts are available for specific groups and situations:

Military Personnel: Active duty military members may be eligible for reduced fees or exemptions.
Senior Citizens: Some counties offer discounts for senior citizens on local fees.
Disability Plates: Individuals with disabilities may qualify for reduced fees or special plates at no additional cost.
Low-Income Assistance: Programs may be available to assist low-income individuals with registration fees.

These exemptions and discounts are subject to eligibility criteria and may require documentation to qualify.