Ohio Vehicle Registration Renewal

In the state of Ohio, as in other states as well, it is against the law to operate a vehicle with an expired registration. According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor vehicles, if you are the owner of a new or used vehicle, registration renewal in Ohio is either an annual or a biennial process.

Ohio Vehicle Registration Renewal
As per the Ohio Revised Code, there is a centralized system for registration renewal in Ohio. All vehicle owners can either get their auto registration renewed online, via mail, by telephone or in person at the office of the Deputy Registrar. The following points have to be kept in mind:

• Renewal Notice

You should get your renewal notice in the mail two months before your registration expires. If you don’t get yours then call and request the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles to send you one. This notice also indicates whether there are any emission levels that have to be checked for your particular vehicle with a “YES” in the E-Check box.

• Renewal Fees

The fees for your vehicle’s registration renewal will depend on your residential location and the duration of your existing registration. This is where the Ohio vehicle registration renewal notice comes in handy as it mentions the exact fees applicable in your case. Seven after your registration expiry, a late penalty of $20 has to be paid as well along with the standard fee. Another reason to get your registration renewed in time is to avoid paying a hefty fine in case you get a ticket while driving with an expired registration.

• Registration renewal process

For online renewal, you have to make sure you have fulfilled all the requirements, including those for emissions testing, before going ahead. All major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover can be used, as well as a checking account.

When renewing in person, credits cards are not acceptable and a valid form of identification is required such as a social security card. Renewing via mail however is only possible if your renewal card lists your name and the vehicle information, and a check or money order for the fees is attached with the signed card.

After completing the renewal process, it will take up to 10 days for you to receive the renewal stickers in your mail.