How to Renew a Car Registration in Ohio

Applying for a car registration renewal in Ohio is an important process that you must complete before your vehicle’s credentials expire, either annually, or every two to five years if you qualify for a multi-year registration period. Unless you qualify for a multi-year registration period or an alternate expiration date, your vehicle’s license plates will expire every year on your date of birth.

Typically, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will send you a reminder notice to renew your registration. If you change your address close to your registration’s expiration date, you may not receive the reminder notice. However, it is still your responsibility to renew it on time.

To apply for an OH DMV registration renewal, you can complete the process online, in person or by mail. If you choose to renew your registration credentials in person, you must visit a deputy registrar license agency near you. To learn more about each of these application methods, review the sections below.

Ohio Tag Renewal Requirements

Before applying for license plate renewal in OH, you may need to submit your vehicle for an emissions inspection if you reside in a county that participates in the state’s E-Check program. If you reside in a county, such as Cuyahoga, Medina or Summit, your vehicle must pass an emissions inspection every two years before you can renew your registration credentials with the BMV.

You must also sign a statement as proof of your compliance with the state’s financial responsibility law. If you operate a motor vehicle without acceptable proof of automobile insurance on you, you may receive a traffic ticket if a police officer pulls you over for any reason.

Download our free guide to review requirements and learns tips for registration renewals.

Performing Your Ohio Car Registration Check and Renewal

In Ohio, you can perform your car reg check and renewal in person at a Deputy Registrar License Agency, online or by mail, depending on your personal preference.

If you wish to check vehicle registration status online prior to applying for renewal, however, you must be able to provide several pieces of information, including:

• Your license plate number.
• Your Social Security number (SSN).
• Your date of birth.

To learn more about the renewal methods for a DMV car registration renewal in Ohio, continue reading the sections below.

Renewing Online

To renew registration online in OH, you must have internet access and be able to submit your request through the BMV’s official renewal website.

Additionally, you must be able to provide personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, driver’s license number and the last four digits of your SSN.

In Person

To apply for a BMV registration renewal in person rather than online, you must visit a deputy registrar license agency to submit your request. During your office visit, you must present your state-issued driver’s license or identification card and a leasing agreement, if applicable. You must also provide payment for the registration fee.

By Mail

If you wish to apply for BMV vehicle registration renewal by mail, you must contact the Bureau directly to obtain specific application information. If you received a renewal notice from the BMV, your reminder card may also provide you with specific instructions for renewing by mail.

Download our free guide for helpful tips and instructions on renewing car registration using one of the available methods.