Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Ohio in 2025

Ohio law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4509, vehicle owners must maintain proof of financial responsibility continuously while operating a motor vehicle in the state. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance throughout Ohio.

Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage

Ohio Revised Code Section 4509.101 establishes that no person shall operate, or permit the operation of, a motor vehicle in Ohio unless proof of financial responsibility is maintained continuously. Motor vehicle liability insurance represents the primary method of demonstrating financial responsibility. The requirement applies to all motor vehicles operated on public roads, with limited statutory exceptions.

Vehicle owners must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period. Operating a vehicle without established financial responsibility constitutes a violation of Ohio law and may result in suspension of driving privileges, vehicle registration suspension, and reinstatement fees. Ohio law enforcement officers may request proof of insurance during traffic stops, accident scenes, and vehicle inspections, and failure to provide proof may result in citations and penalties.

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223
Phone: (614) 752-7500
Official Website: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements

Ohio Revised Code Section 4509.51 establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance. The Ohio Department of Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state. Ohio requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.

The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance only. Ohio law does not mandate collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or medical payments coverage, though lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage for financed vehicles.

Ohio Department of Insurance
50 West Town Street, Third Floor, Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 644-2658
Official Website: Ohio Department of Insurance

Proof of Insurance Documents

Ohio requires vehicle operators to carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. The following formats are accepted:

• Financial responsibility identification card issued by the insurance company showing policy number, coverage dates, and vehicle information
• Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device or other portable electronic device
• Policy of liability insurance or declaration page showing current coverage
• Insurance binder providing temporary proof of coverage while the permanent policy is processed
• Certificate of deposit or other approved proof of financial responsibility

Exceptions to Insurance Requirements

Proof of financial responsibility is required on all motor vehicles operated in Ohio with the following limited exceptions:

• Vehicles owned by the United States government, the state of Ohio, or any political subdivision of the state
• Self-insurers approved by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles who have deposited securities or obtained appropriate certification
• Vehicles covered by surety bonds filed with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in amounts meeting minimum liability coverage requirements
• Vehicles for which cash deposits have been made with the state treasurer in amounts meeting minimum liability coverage requirements

Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must sign a proof of financial responsibility statement when registering a vehicle for the first time in Ohio or when renewing an existing registration.

New Ohio residents must establish Ohio insurance coverage and transfer their out-of-state driver license and vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency. Out-of-state insurance policies do not satisfy Ohio registration requirements for residents. New residents must obtain Ohio insurance before completing vehicle registration.

Ohio motorists may renew vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person at deputy registrar offices. Registration renewals require active insurance coverage in the state verification system. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles confirms insurance status electronically before processing registration transactions.