- State Of Ohio Drivers License Renewal Grace Period
- Ohio License Plate Renewal Grace Period 2018
- Ohio Tag Renewal Grace Period
Registration Renewal in Ohio
Ohio vehicle registrations can be renewed with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) in a number of ways. When your registration is going to expire, you can renew online, by phone, through the mail, or in person at the Deputy Registrar's Office. Below you will find information to help you along your way.
Registration Renewal Cycles in Ohio
When you register and renew your vehicle, you have several options for how long you'd like your registration cycle to be:
- 1 year registration.
- 2 year registration.
- Up to a 5 year registration. (Only available to vehicles outside the 7 counties that require an inspection.)
Your registration expires on your birthday, and it is by this date that you will be required to renew.
- If your license has already expired, the Ohio BMV gives you up to 6 months after it expires to renew it without having to re-start the entire driver's licensing process. If you're not sure if your driver's license is expired or would like to check the status of your license, you can always obtain a copy of your Ohio driving record.
- Grace period of 60 days granted after the expiration of license for purpose of renewal, and license is valid during this period. Renewal of license may occur from 60 days (effective August 1, 2016, 180 days) prior to expiration to 3 years after date; afterwards, applicant required to take and pass examination.
You have a grace period of thirty days after the license expires during which your license remains valid. The operative section from the Ohio Revised Code is 2923.126(A): 2923.126 Duties of licensed individual. (A) A license to carry a concealed handgun that is issued under.
You are NOT ELIGIBLE for a 2 year registration if your vehicle:
- Carries an apportioned license plate under the international registration plan.
- Is considered a special vehicle (e.g. off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc.).
- These registrations expire every 3 years on December 31
- Will require an inspection within the next succeeding registration year.
NOTE: The fees for a 2 year registration are simply double of what the standard 1 year registration fees (see “Registration Renewal Fees' below). However, you will also be responsible for an additional fees on a multi-year registration.
OH Registration Renewal Notice
The Ohio state motor vehicle registrar will send you a vehicle registration renewal notice 45 days before the expiration of your vehicle registration. When you get your notice, you will need to verify that all the personal and vehicular information is correct. The registration notice will let you know the method(s) that you may use to renew your registration (online, by phone, by mail, or in person).
If the renewal notice has any errors, you will need to correct all errors prior to completing the registration renewal.
Didn't Receive a Renewal Notice?
You will still be responsible for renewing your registration whether you receive your notice or not. If you do not renew your registration on time, you will be subject to late fees and/or traffic tickets for driving without a current registration.
Renewing a Vehicle Registration in Ohio
Your renewal notice will let you know what methods are available for you to renew your vehicle registration. Your choices are:
- Online.
- By phone.
- By mail.
- In person.
Once you know which way you will be renewing your registration, follow the steps listed below.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If your registration is expiring very soon, the OH BMV strongly suggests you renew in person at a Deputy Registrar's Office, so as to ensure you have an updated registration before your expiration occurs.
Renew Online
Even though your renewal notice says you may renew online, you still need to make sure you meet all the requirements before you renew your vehicle registration on the Ohio online renewal page.
Online renewal eligibility requirements:
- The vehicle must be currently registered with the Ohio BMV.
- You own the vehicle.
- All the personal and vehicular information on your registration renewal is correct.
- You do not need to submit any additional documents in order to complete your registration (i.e. receipt of tickets paid).
- You have a valid credit card (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express) or a checking account for payment.
- You know your license plate number.
- You have a valid Social Security number.
- The vehicle has a current emissions inspection, if you live in an E-Check county (see “Vehicle Inspections' below).
If you meet all of the above requirements and/or have made the necessary changes to the OH BMV information, visit the BMV's online plate service, Oplates.com, and:
- Submit the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Enter your license plate number.
- Pay your renewal fees (see “Registration Renewal Fees' below).
- A $10 late fee will be added if your registration has been expired for more than 30 days.
You will receive your new registration and/or license plates within 10 business days. You can check the status of your registration renewal by contacting the OH BMV.
Renew by Mail
If you choose to renew your Ohio vehicle registration by mail, you will need to allow 4 weeks for the registration renewal to be processed and the new plates and/or registration sent to you. Residents who are currently out of state should utilize this option.
To renew by mail, submit:
- A signed and dated registration renewal notice.
- If you are out-of-state, you will also need to submit the Application for Out-of-State Registration by Mail (BMV 4625).
- Leased vehicles will also need a Power of Attorney for Ohio Vehicle Registration form (BMV 5736), also known as a Power of Attorney form.
- The emissions inspection certificate, if required.
- Proof of insurance if required.
- Address change, if needed.
- Address changes may result in a difference in renewal fees based on local taxes. Call (844) 644-6268 to verify what you owe.
- If new plates are needed, be sure to check the box on the renewal notice requesting new plates.
- There will be additional fees for replacement license plates.
- A check or money order for all applicable renewal fees, license plate fees, and taxes, made payable to “Ohio State Treasurer' (see “Registration Renewal Fees' below).
Send all of the above to the address specified on the application form.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In-state residents will not be able to mail in your registration renewal if any information from the renewal notice has changed. You will need to visit the Deputy Registrar's Office in person to complete your registration renewal.
Renew In Person
If your renewal notice says you cannot use any of the other systems you can visit your Deputy Registrar's Office and renew your registration in person.
Provide the Deputy Registrar agent with:
- Your renewal notice, if you have it. You will need to sign and date the notice.
- If you do not have the renewal notice, they can still process your renewal. Not having your notice does not excuse you from renewing your registration.
- Proof of insurance, in case you are asked to verify your insurance protection.
- Your vehicle title, if you are making an address change.
- A Registration Information and Authorization to Register form (BMV 5736) for leased vehicles, also known as an Ohio BMV Power of Attorney form.
- Your leasing company may have an electronic power of attorney on file with the OH BMV.
- An E-Check certificate showing that you have completed the emissions testing, if required for your renewal (see “Vehicle Inspections' below).
- Payment for all renewal fees, license fees, and taxes (see “Registration Renewal Fees' below).
Registration Renewal Fees in Ohio
Ohio has standardized registration renewal fees for the most common vehicles, but taxes vary from county to county.
Renewal Fees
- Passenger vehicle: $34.50.
- Motorcycle: $28.50.
- Non-commercial trucks:
- Light (under 1,500 lbs.): $49.50.
- Heavy (1,500 lbs. to 1 ton): $84.50.
- Motor home: $49.50.
- Moped: $24.50.
- 1 year registration additional fee: $3.50.
- 2 year registration additional fee: $5.25.
- 3 year registration additional fee: $8.
- 4 to 5 year registration additional fee: $10.
Special Plate Fees
These fees are added to the regular registration renewal fee.
- Personalized plates: $50.
- Initial Reserve plates: $25.
Replacement Fees
- Registration sticker: $4.50.
- Replacement registration: $4.50.
- Replacement license plate or plates:
- 1 plate: $10.50.
- 2 plates: $11.75.
Taxes
Each county has different tax rates for registration renewal. Visit the county tax page to find your county and determine what taxes you may owe.
All other vehicle registration renewal prices not listed are based upon gross vehicle weight. You can go to the OH BMV registration fee page to find that information.
Military Members & Registration Renewal
In-State Military Residents
Ohio residents who are serving in the military while currently stationed or residing in Ohio should renew their vehicle registration the same way as civilians. Simply follow the methods described above in “ Renew an OH Vehicle Registration.'
Out-of-State Military Residents
If you are stationed somewhere other than Ohio, you will need an Application for Out-of-State Registration by Mail (BMV 4625) in order to renew your vehicle registration. See the “Renew by Mail' section above and follow the directions specified.
You will send all of the documents to the address listed on your application form.
You can also designate someone to act as power of attorney to take care of your registration renewal for you. Submit a Registration Information and Authorization to Register form (BMV 5736). Your military unit can also help you get this paperwork in order.
Vehicle Inspections in OH
Ohio requires emissions inspections in 7 counties around the Cleveland and Akron areas. If you live in one of these counties, you will need to have an E-Check emissions testing certificate in order to renew your registration.
- Cuyahoga.
- Geauga.
- Lake.
- Lorain.
- Medina
- Portage.
- Summit.
You can get more information on what is required for emissions testing, testing stations, and costs at the Smog & Emissions Checks in Ohio page.
Duplicate Registration or License Plates
The state of Ohio requires you to keep your registration certificate, stickers, and license plates on your car at all times. They must be legible and undamaged.
If you need a duplicate certificate or license plate(s) due to loss, theft, or damage:
- Complete an Application for Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates / Validation Sticker (BMV 4809).
- Submit the form to the Deputy Registrar's Office.
Visit our page on replacing a lost registration for more information.
Forms
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Renew Your Ohio Driver's License
If you need to operate your vehicle in Ohio, you'll be required to hold a valid OH driver's license. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is the agency that will process your driver's license renewals.
On this page you'll find complete details about renewing your driver's license in Ohio. If you need information about a different type of driver's license or permit, please refer to any the following links:
Ohio REAL ID Driver's License
The OH BMV issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to non-compliant licenses. As of October 1, 2020, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.
You have the choice to apply for a non-compliant license or upgrade to a REAL ID license—we'll walk you through the requirements below. For more detail, visit the BMV's guide to REAL IDs.
When to Renew Your OH Driver's License
NOTE: If you need to update your address with the OH BMV, you may want to handle this before you renew your driver's license. For more information, please see our Changing Your Address page.
You can renew your Ohio Class D (operator) driver's license any time before it expires. However, if you do so more than 90 days in advance, your OH driver's license will be valid for 3 years instead of the usual 4 years.
State Of Ohio Drivers License Renewal Grace Period
If you're younger than 21 years old, your Ohio driver's license will be valid until your 21st birthday, no matter when you initially received it. You may renew your driver's license within 30 days of turning 21 years old.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License
If you misplaced your OH driver's license and it is close to expiring, you may have the option of renewing it instead of applying for a replacement. To verify, contact your local OH driver's license office.
For more information about how to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license in Ohio, please read our page about Replacing a Lost License.
Expired License
If your license has already expired, the Ohio BMV gives you up to 6 months after it expires to renew it without having to re-start the entire driver's licensing process.
If you're not sure if your driver's license is expired or would like to check the status of your license, you can always obtain a copy of your Ohio driving record.
If your driver's license has been expired for more than 6 months, you will be required to re-apply for a new license. This means applying for an instruction permit and passing a road test.
Renew Your Ohio Driver's License
You must renew your OH driver's license inperson at any local Ohio DPS office.
The only exceptions are if you're a member of the military or a civilian temporarily living outside of Ohio (see “ Out-of-State OH Residents and Military' below).
You'll need to:
- Submit your current driver's license.
- If you have a non-compliant license and you wish to upgrade to a REAL ID license, bring all required REAL ID documents with you.
- If you're unable to provide your license, you'll need to re-submit all of your identity and residency documents.
- Pass a vision test.
- Submit payment for the $25.75 renewal fee.
- See “Fees to Renew Your Ohio Driver's License' below for accepted payment methods.
NOTE: If you have changed your name since you last renewed your driver's license, you will be required to bring additional documentation. Visit our Changing Your Name page for more details.
If you need to check the status of your license renewal, you can do so by contacting the OH BMV.
Out-of-State OH Residents & Military
Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany
If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.
If you're temporarily living outside the state, the Ohio BMV does offer mail renewals as a courtesy. You'll be sent a mail renewal packet, which you must complete and return. Call (844) 644-6268, email the BMV or request a Live Chat for more detailed instructions.
If you're an active-duty military member stationed out of state, visit the Ohio BMV website.
Ohio License Plate Renewal Grace Period 2018
Fees to Renew Your Ohio Driver's License
The fee to renew your OH driver's license is $25.75.
Ohio BMV offices accept payment by:
- Cash.
- Check.
- Money order.
- Credit card.
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Ohio Tag Renewal Grace Period
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