Ohio Vanity Plates: Availability, Fees & How to Apply
Ohio lets you look up a vanity plate before you order it: the BMV's availability tool shows in seconds whether your combination is already taken. Passenger plates take up to 7 characters (5 on motorcycles), cost $50 to order and $50 a year to renew, and you can order online through OPLATES. Everything below is the detail behind those answers.
Already have a plate in mind? Check it against the official Ohio availability tool.
Different state? See every state's availability checker.
Get Ohio plate ideas
Describe yourself — name, job, hobbies — and we'll suggest personalized plate ideas you can preview on an Ohio plate.
Stuck for an idea? Browse our plate lists for nurses, teachers, jeep owners, dog lovers and fishing, or all plate idea lists. Every idea fits Ohio's character limit or can be trimmed to it.
How to Get a Personalized Ohio Plate
- Check Plate Availability: Before applying, verify if your desired plate combination is available using the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)'s Personalized Plate Availability tool.
- Submit an Application:
- Online: Use the OPLATES.com portal to select your plate design, enter your desired combination, and complete the application process.
- By Mail: Complete the Application for Special Plates (Form BMV 4705) and submit it, along with the appropriate fees, to the address listed on the form.
- Await Approval: The BMV will review your application to ensure the requested plate combination adheres to state guidelines. Once approved, the personalized plate will be manufactured.
- Receive Your Plate: You will be notified when your personalized plate is ready for pickup at your local BMV office. Processing times may vary.
Important Notes for Ohio Residents
- Character Limits:
- Standard Plates: Up to 7 characters for passenger vehicles.
- Motorcycle Plates: Up to 5 characters.
- Prohibited Content: Plates must not contain offensive or inappropriate language. The BMV reserves the right to deny any combination deemed offensive to good taste and decency.
- No Punctuation: Punctuation marks or special characters are not permitted. Spaces are allowed and count as characters.
- Plate Ownership: Personalized plates are generally tied to the vehicle owner, not the vehicle itself. If you sell your vehicle, you may transfer the personalized plates to another vehicle registered in your name.
- Renewal: Personalized plates must be renewed annually, along with your vehicle registration.
Fees:
| State | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $50 | $50 |
These fees are in addition to standard vehicle registration fees.
Ohio BMV - Personalized Plates