How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Ohio From Out of State
Registering an out-of-state vehicle in Ohio requires adherence to state statutes governed by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Individuals establishing residency in Ohio must complete vehicle title transfer and registration procedures within 30 days of becoming residents, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4505 governing certificate of motor vehicle title law and Chapter 4503 addressing vehicle licensing requirements.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Costs associated with registering an out-of-state vehicle in Ohio encompass state-mandated registration fees, certificate of title charges, deputy registrar service fees, and permissive local taxes. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles maintains standardized fee schedules for all motor vehicle transactions processed through county clerk of courts title offices and deputy registrar agencies statewide.
Standard State Fees
Annual registration fees in Ohio are established according to vehicle classification and fuel type.
Annual Registration Fees by Vehicle Classification:
| Vehicle Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | $31.00 |
| House vehicles and mopeds | $21.00 |
| Motorcycles | $25.00 |
| Motor homes | $46.00 |
| Light non-commercial trucks (up to 3/4 ton capacity) | $46.00 |
| Heavy non-commercial trucks (over 3/4 to 1 ton capacity) | $81.00 |
| Commercial trailers (non-permanent) | $36.00 |
| Unconventional vehicles | $24.50 |
Additional Annual Fuel Type Fees for Passenger Vehicles:
| Fuel Type | Additional Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Hybrid vehicles | $100.00 |
| Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles | $150.00 |
| Battery electric vehicles | $200.00 |
Transaction Fees:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Plate/registration transfer | $9.00 |
| Duplicate registration | $9.00 |
| Replacement sticker | $9.00 |
| Replace/exchange plates (1 plate) | $15.00 |
| Replace/exchange plates (2 plates) | $16.25 |
| Retain stock plate number (additional) | $10.00 |
| Temporary tag | $23.00 |
Deputy Registrar Service Fees by Registration Duration:
| Registration Period | Deputy Registrar Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $5.00 |
| 2 years | $7.50 |
| 3 years | $10.00 |
| 4 years | $12.50 |
| 5 years | $15.00 |
Title Fees
Certificate of title fees apply to all motor vehicles and specific classifications of trailers and watercraft.
Certificate of Title Fees:
| Title Transaction | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $15.00 |
| Duplicate certificate of title | $15.00 |
| Lien notation on existing title | $15.00 |
| Salvage title (motor vehicle) | $4.00 |
| Archive fee (manufactured homes only) | $5.00 |
Permissive Tax
Ohio authorizes counties to levy a permissive motor vehicle license tax on vehicle registrations for road and bridge maintenance. The permissive tax represents an optional local assessment with a statutory maximum of $30.00 per registration annually. Counties implement this tax in $5.00 increments, and permissive tax amounts vary by jurisdiction. The tax may be prorated by 50% when registering for seven months or fewer.
Vehicle owners should contact their local county clerk of courts title office to determine the applicable permissive tax rate for their specific jurisdiction.
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Ohio imposes sales and use taxes on motor vehicle acquisitions. The Ohio Department of Taxation administers sales and use tax collection for vehicle registration transactions in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 4505.09 and 5739.13.
State Sales and Use Tax Rates:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| State sales tax | 5.75% |
| State use tax | 5.75% |
Local Sales Taxes
Counties and regional transit authorities may levy additional sales and use taxes beyond the state rate. Combined state and local sales tax rates vary by jurisdiction and can reach up to 8.00% in certain Ohio counties. Vehicle purchasers should utilize the Ohio Department of Taxation's rate lookup tool to determine applicable local tax rates for their specific address.
Out-of-State Vehicle Inspection
An out-of-state vehicle identification number inspection is required when transferring the title of a used vehicle that was previously titled in another state. The inspection fee is $8.00 and must be completed at a deputy registrar location or authorized inspection station.
Emissions Testing
The Ohio E-Check emissions testing program operates in designated counties under the authority of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Gasoline and diesel vehicles 6-25 years old and non-plug-in hybrid vehicles 7-25 years old with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less are subject to biennial emissions testing in program counties.
Emissions Testing Fees:
Motorists receive up to three tests at no charge within a 365-day period at self-service kiosks. After the third test, additional testing requires a full-service station inspection at a cost of $18.00 per test.
| Testing Service | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| First three tests (365-day period) | No charge |
| Fourth and subsequent tests | $18.00 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223
Phone: (844) 644-6268
Official Website: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, operating under the Ohio Department of Public Safety, administers motor vehicle titling, registration, and licensing programs statewide. The bureau establishes regulatory standards for all vehicle registration transactions processed through county clerk of courts title offices.
Ohio County Title Offices
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles coordinates vehicle title services through county clerk of courts title offices in all 88 Ohio counties. A comprehensive listing of title offices is accessible through the County Title Office Search on the Bureau's online services portal.
Franklin County Clerk of Courts - Title South
45 Great Southern Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43207
Phone: (614) 525-3090
Official Website: Franklin County Clerk of Courts
Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office - Auto Title Division
2079 East 9th Street, 3rd Floor, Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: (216) 443-8900
Official Website: Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office
Hamilton County Clerk of Courts - Auto Title Division
1001 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 946-4646
Official Website: Hamilton County Clerk of Courts
Montgomery County Clerk of Courts - Title Division
41 N. Perry Street, Room 106, Dayton, OH 45422
Phone: (937) 496-7623
Official Website: Montgomery County Clerk of Courts
Summit County Clerk of Courts - Auto Title Division
1030 East Tallmadge Avenue, Akron, OH 44310
Phone: (330) 630-7200
Official Website: Summit County Clerk of Courts
Lucas County Clerk of Courts - Auto Title Department
700 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604
Phone: (419) 213-4489
Official Website: Lucas County Clerk of Courts
Butler County Clerk of Courts - Title Division
315 High Street, 5th Floor, Hamilton, OH 45011
Phone: (513) 887-3091
Official Website: Butler County Clerk of Courts
Stark County Clerk of Courts - Title Division
110 Central Plaza South, Suite 160, Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 451-7801
Official Website: Stark County Clerk of Courts
Lorain County Clerk of Courts - Title Office
226 Middle Avenue, Elyria, OH 44035
Phone: (440) 329-5624
Official Website: Lorain County Clerk of Courts
Warren County Clerk of Courts - Title Division
500 Justice Drive, Lebanon, OH 45036
Phone: (513) 695-1175
Official Website: Warren County Clerk of Courts
