If you’ve recently moved to the Buckeye State, chances are you need to complete an Ohio car registration with the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). If you don’t know how to register a car here, eTags is happy to help. We’ll show you how to register a vehicle in Ohio for the first time through the BMV and then follow up with other serviecs it using our convenient online platform.
Use eTags© to Quickly Complete Your DMV Service. Renewals, Title Transfers and More, All Online!
In this article, we’ll explore:
Why You Need to Complete an Ohio Car Registration
Documents You Need to Register a Car in Ohio
First-Time Ohio Car Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide
What to Do Once You Get Your Ohio Car Registration
Why You Need to Complete an Ohio Car Registration
Like every state, Ohio requires drivers to register their vehicles before operating them on public roads. Registering a car, truck, or SUV links the vehicle to the owner so Ohio law enforcement can track it.
In Ohio, car registration also requires vehicle owners to hold auto insurance that meets the state coverage minimums as well as to pass safety and emissions standards.
Additionally, the fees paid during registration are used to maintain roadways throughout the Buckeye State.
When moving to a new state, you will need to transfer your vehicle registration within 30 days of changing residence. So, if you’ve recently moved to Ohio, it’s a good idea to get your car registered locally ASAP.
Documents You Need to Register a Car in Ohio
Before starting the process to register a car in Ohio, you will need to gather the following documents and information:
1. Ohio photo ID or proof of Social Security number: To register your vehicle, you’ll need to present a form of identification from the following list of acceptable documents.
2. Secondary proof of your Ohio street address: In addition to a photo ID, you’ll also need to provide additional proof of address, such as a credit card statement, income tax filing, or pay stub.
3. Ohio Certificate of Title: To register a car in Ohio, you must first get the vehicle titled by the state. If you moved from another state, you’ll have to transfer your title to Ohio.
4. Memorandum of Title: If your vehicle currently has an active lien on it, you will need a Memorandum in place of the actual title
5. E-Check verification (county dependent): If you live in any of the following counties, you’ll need to pass an emissions check (E-check) before registering your vehicle:
- Cuyahoga
- Geauga
- Lake
- Lorain
- Medina
- Portage
- Summit
6. Proof of Insurance: You’ll need to obtain a policy that meets Ohio’s minimum insurance requirements of:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Once you’ve gathered all of these items, you are ready to register a car in Ohio!
First-Time Ohio Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide
You can complete your Ohio vehicle registration in person at the BMV by following these steps:
- Set an appointment with the BMV. This is not mandatory, but can help you save time.
- Bring all the required documents to the BMV office, and hand them to the clerk once your number is called.
- Pay your registration fees.
- Receive your plates, stickers, and documents from the BMV.
What to Do Once You Get Your Car Registered
After you receive your Ohio car registration, you’re almost ready to get behind the wheel. But before you do, remember to put your plates and stickers on the car. Place your validation sticker on the bottom right corner of the license plate and then affix the tag to the back bumper of your car.
Keep in mind that if you have a license plate frame, it should allow the word “Ohio” to be visible on your plate. Law enforcement could stop you if they are unable to read any portion of your license plate.
Transfer Your Ohio Title and Tags Online with eTags!
Once you’ve completed your initial Ohio car registration at the BMV, you’ll be fully compliant with all the titling and registration laws in the state. If, down the line, you sell your vehicle or plan to purchase one, head over to our convenient online platform to transfer your title and registration quickly and easily.
