How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Ohio in 2025

Ohio vehicle registration costs are determined by multiple factors including vehicle type, weight, fuel type, and local jurisdiction. The state operates through a combination of state fees, deputy registrar service charges, and local permissive taxes that vary significantly by county and municipality.

Base Registration Fees by Vehicle Type

The below registration fees do not include the Deputy Registrar fee or permissive (local) taxes which vary based on the taxing district of the customer.

Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees

Ohio charges a flat annual registration fee of $31 for passenger vehicles, regardless of weight or age. This base fee applies to standard gasoline and diesel-powered passenger cars.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fees

Ohio imposes additional annual fees for alternative fuel passenger vehicles:

These fees are assessed in addition to the standard $31 registration fee and are charged annually during each registration period.

Truck Registration Fees

Ohio categorizes trucks into different fee structures based on their intended use and weight capacity.

Non-Commercial Trucks

Commercial Truck Fees

Commercial trucks are charged based on their Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Commercial truck registration fees range from $75 for trucks weighing 1-2,000 pounds to $1,370 for the heaviest commercial vehicles (78,001-80,000 pounds).

The complete Ohio commercial truck fee schedule includes all weight categories and prorated monthly fees.

Farm Truck Registration

Farm trucks follow a separate fee structure based on unladen weight rather than gross vehicle weight. These specialized rates are available for trucks used exclusively for agricultural purposes by qualifying farmers.

Motorcycle and Other Vehicle Registration Fees

Bus Registration Fees

Trailer Registration Fees

Ohio also offers permanent registration options for certain trailers:

• Commercial Trailer: $317.25 (one-time fee)
• Non-Commercial Trailer: $152.50 plus weight-based fees (one-time fee)

Local and County Fees (Permissive Tax)

Ohio allows local jurisdictions to impose permissive motor vehicle license taxes that significantly impact total registration costs. These fees vary dramatically across the state's 88 counties and numerous municipalities.

Permissive Tax Structure

Local permissive taxes are assessed in $5 increments up to a maximum of $30 per vehicle, unless enacted for transportation improvement districts where higher limits may apply. Counties and municipalities can each impose separate permissive taxes.

No Permissive Tax: Many rural townships and smaller municipalities impose no permissive tax, meaning residents pay only state registration fees plus deputy registrar charges.

The Ohio Taxing District Code Book provides complete permissive tax rates for all jurisdictions statewide. Rates can be prorated by 50% if registering for seven months or less.

Mandatory Processing and Administrative Fees

Deputy Registrar Service Fees

Deputy registrars (private BMV agents) charge service fees for processing transactions. Current fees are:

Registration Transaction Fees

Late Fees

A $10 late fee applies to vehicle registrations renewed more than 30 days after expiration.

Special Requirements and Regional Variations

Specialty License Plates

Ohio offers numerous specialty plate options with additional annual fees:

Out-of-State Vehicle Inspections

Vehicles being registered from out-of-state may require inspection:

• Out-of-State Vehicle Inspection: $8

Title Fees

Ohio title fees are separate from registration costs:

Counties will have the option to charge an additional $5 title fee starting in 2026.

For current fee calculations and specific local tax rates, vehicle owners should verify local permissive tax rates through their local deputy registrar license agency or the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.