What to do with old license plates Ohio? Your old OH license plates have seen rain, humidity, corrosive road salt, and, perhaps, snow, so it is time to retire according to Ohio BMV’s (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) directives.

You are mandated to return your old Ohio license plates but you may be able to keep them after notifying the BMV. Moreover, when you sell your vehicle, the old Ohio license plates remain with you and may be retained, destroyed, or transferred to another vehicle. You do not give your OH plates to another person.

Do I need to return license plates in OH?

You may need to return your OH license plates to the OH BMV. However, if you do not want to transfer the old OH plates to another vehicle, and your tags do not expire soon, you have to complete the ‘Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration’. This notifies the Ohio BMV that you no longer own the car or motorcycle, thus no longer liable for it.

However, if you have damaged, stolen or lost OH registration plates, you must replace them. If your Ohio plates are damaged, you surrender them to your local BMV.

If you decide to replace your current OH license plates with a new type of plate, the BMV may require you to surrender your current plates to your local licensing office.

Read also: Do you return an old Texas plate?

What to do with old license plates Ohio

In this section, you will discover the things you can do with your old OH license plates. Below is what to do with old license plates in Ohio:

1. Transfer OH plates to another car

You can transfer your old Ohio license plate to another vehicle registered in your name. However, if you do not transfer the OH license plates to a new car, you have to submit them using form BMV 4311 Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration. This form cancels your current vehicle registration.

Unfortunately, you cannot transfer your old Ohio license plates to another person, the plates remain with the owner (you). Generally, Ohio license plates do not change ownership with the sale of a vehicle.

You will transfer your tags whenever you title and register another vehicle in your name. The transfer fee is about $6, and you will also pay the title transfer fees and taxes.

2. Surrender it to OH BMV

As mentioned earlier, you may have to surrender your OH plates to the Ohio BMV according to state law. Ensure to remove them from the vehicle if you sell it to another person within or out of state.

If you move out of state, you must also return your OH license plates. You also have to submit a notarized Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration (Form BMV 4311) to the address on the form.

Alternatively, you can contact the Ohio BMV via (844) 644-6268 or the deputy registrar’s office for more information concerning your old OH license plates.

3. Retain your OH license plates

You may be able to retain your old OH license plates but this comes after completing the Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration and discussing with the BMV employee to determine if you or the plates are eligible.

If you are allowed to retain your old Ohio license plates, you can use them as:

• Souvenir
• Dispose of your Ohio plates in the state’s recycle bin
• Garage wall décor
• Gift them
• Sell them online via Craigslist, eBay, etc.
• Sell to an antique shop

Note: if you dispose of your old OH license plates, make sure you shred or cut them into pieces to prevent another person from using them.

Did you know: You can hide your Ohio license plates from camera

Submitting the Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration form

You can submit the Ohio Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration in two ways: by mail and in person.

By mail

First, print and complete the Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration form. Mail your completed form by selecting the correct mailing information for your location in this list.

You will include a money order or check payable to the Ohio Treasurer of State for applicable fees. Note that mailed applications are typically processed within 4 weeks.

In person

First, print and complete the Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration Form. You will submit this form to your local BMV field office, find the address closest to you.

It is also advisable to schedule an appointment ahead of time before heading out to your local OH BMV office branch, it saves your time in the queue. Follow this guide to schedule an appointment ahead of time.

FAQs

Final thoughts

When selling your car, never give the plates to the buyer, return them to the OH BMV. If the person violates traffic or records any crime with the license plates, you will be responsible for it.

By notifying the Ohio BMV to cancel your registration as indicated in this article, you are no longer liable for the license plate. Therefore, whatever happens to the license plate cannot be traced to you.