Ohio's Camper License Plate: Cost And Requirements

If you're planning to hit the road in an RV or motorhome in Ohio, you'll need to get it registered first. The good news is that the registration process for RVs and motorhomes is the same as for regular cars. However, the cost of registering your RV will depend on its weight, so be sure to have it weighed before heading to the deputy registrar's office. If you're bringing a custom-built vehicle to Ohio, you'll need to get it inspected before registering it. This inspection will verify the ownership of all parts of the vehicle and review the required documentation.

Camper license plate fees in Ohio

Firstly, it is important to note that in Ohio, a camper is classed as a recreational vehicle (RV) or motorhome. The process of registering a camper in Ohio is the same as registering a conventional vehicle. However, the cost of registration will differ depending on the weight of the camper. All travel trailers, including fold-down campers and truck campers that weigh over 4,000 lbs, must have a title in Ohio. These types of vehicles must be registered, too.

To register your camper, you will need a photo ID, title, any required inspections, and proof of insurance. You will also need to pay the registration fees, which vary depending on the weight of your camper.

If your camper was previously registered or titled in another state, you must have a physical inspection done before it can be titled and registered in Ohio.

In addition to the standard registration fee, you may also choose to purchase a vanity plate or a specialty plate. A vanity plate in Ohio will cost you $50, while specialty plates range from $35 to $50, depending on the organization you choose to support.

It is also worth noting that if you are registering your camper in one of the following counties, your vehicle will be required to undergo emissions testing every two years: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit. The fee for emissions testing in Ohio is $18 for most vehicles, but larger commercial vehicles may be subject to higher fees.

Registration requirements

The registration requirements for a camper license plate in Ohio depend on the type of camper or recreational vehicle (RV) you own. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) outlines the requirements for different types of vehicles.

For a motor home, house vehicle, or recreational vehicle, you will need the following:

• Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title
• Ohio driver's license, state ID, or proof of Social Security number
• Affidavit for Registration (form BMV 5712) if MH is not listed on the title
• Official Weight Slip (form BMV 5721)
• Tax ID if titled in a business name
• Sign financial responsibility forms
• Verbal declaration of weight and seating capacity
• If required to pay taxes, proof of HVUT payment
• Completed Safety Inspection Report (form HP127B) provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol upon inspection completion
• Registration Information and Authorization to Register (form BMV 5736)

If your RV weighs more than 4,000 lbs, you will need a title in Ohio. You will also need a photo ID, any required inspections, and you will need to pay the registration fees, which vary depending on the weight of your RV.

Custom-built vehicles require an inspection before registration. Visit your local Ohio BMV office and make an appointment with an inspection station. Once the inspection is complete, follow the standard registration process.

If you are registering a vehicle from out of state, you must have a physical inspection done before titling and registering it in Ohio.

To register an all-purpose vehicle (APV), off-highway motorcycle (OHM), or snowmobile, you will need a title and registration. The registration fee is $36.25, and the certificate is valid for three years, expiring on December 31 of the last year. If you are visiting Ohio and want to operate one of these vehicles, you will need to apply for a temporary permit at the Deputy Registrar's Office.

Temporary license plates

All registrants must visit a local deputy registrar license agency and sign a proof of Financial Responsibility Statement. You can learn more about Ohio’s financial responsibility requirements on the Mandatory Insurance page of the Ohio BMV website. All registrants must also provide the following (if applicable):

• If leased, a lease agreement and power of attorney documents
• If the vehicle is in an E-Check county, E-Check will be required
• The following documents based upon the vehicle type:

For a passenger car and motorcycle:

• Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title
• Ohio driver's license, state ID, or proof of Social Security number
• Tax ID number if titled in a business name

For a non-commercial truck:

• Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title
• Ohio driver's license, state ID, or proof of Social Security number
• Affidavit for Registration (form BMV 5712)

For a non-commercial trailer:

• Proof that the trailer weighs less than 10,000 lbs
• Ohio driver's license or state ID
• Proof of weight: Official Weight Slip (form BMV 5721), or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) / Statement of Origin (MSO), or if using previous owner’s Ohio registration, complete a notarized Affidavit of Original Weight (form BMV 5728) available at any local deputy registrar license agency
• Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title
• Ohio driver's license, state ID, or proof of Social Security number
• Notarized Affidavit for Registration of Livery Vehicles (form BMV 4632)
• Valid insurance certificate
• Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title
• Owner’s tax ID or proof of Social Security number
• Verbal declaration of weight

For a motor home, house vehicle, or recreational vehicle:

• Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title
• Ohio driver's license, state ID, or proof of Social Security number
• Affidavit for Registration (form BMV 5712) if MH is not listed on the title
• Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title
• Owner’s tax ID or proof of Social Security number
• Official Weight Slip (form BMV 5721)
• Tax ID if titled in a business name
• Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title
• Owner’s tax ID or proof of Social Security number
• Sign financial responsibility forms
• Verbal declaration of weight and seating capacity
• If required to pay taxes, proof of HVUT payment
• Completed Safety Inspection Report (form HP127B) provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol upon inspection completion
• Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title
• Registration Information and Authorization to Register (form BMV 5736)
• Owner’s tax ID or proof of Social Security number
• Sign financial responsibility forms
• Verbal declaration of weight and seating capacity
• Declaration of Knowledge (form PUC 3422)
• If required to pay taxes, proof of HVUT payment
• Completed School Bus Safety Inspection (form HP32C) provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol upon inspection completion

For an all-purpose vehicle (APV) or off-road motorcycle:

• Ohio certificate of title or memorandum of title
• Valid Ohio driver's license, state ID, or Social Security card
• 45-day temporary tag (for APV) or 30-day temporary tag (for off-road motorcycle)
• Ohio certificate of title or memorandum of title

For a moped or motorized bicycle:

Completed Motorized Bicycle - Moped Registration Application (form BMV 4510)

For a motor scooter:

• Motorcycle license or endorsement
• Motorcycle insurance
• Registration, title, and insurance

For a recreational vehicle (RV), including a motorhome:

• Photo ID
• Title
• Any required inspections
• Registration fees

Temporary tags are also available for out-of-state residents who wish to operate an all-purpose vehicle, off-highway motorcycle, or snowmobile in Ohio. These permits are valid for one year and can be obtained by applying at the Deputy Registrar's Office.

License plate replacement fees

In Ohio, license plate fees vary depending on the type of plate you choose. The standard license plate costs $46 and can be put on passenger cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, trailers, and motorcycles weighing less than 400 pounds.

If you need to replace your license plate in Ohio, the process is similar to renewing your license plate. You can use the state's online system, or you can apply in person or by mail. It usually takes about 10 business days to receive your replacement plates, but it may take longer if you request them by mail. The fee for replacing one plate is $10.50, and for two plates, it is $11.75.

To replace your license plates, you will need to submit the following documents to the Ohio BMV:

• Ohio driver's license or state ID card
• Vehicle registrations that match the license plates you are replacing
• A completed application for replacement plates (form BMV 4809)
• Payment for the replacement plates fee, which varies depending on the type of plate you are replacing

It is important to note that you are responsible for replacing license plates that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Ohio emissions testing

Ohio requires certain vehicles registered in qualified counties to pass a vehicle emissions test every two years. The Ohio DMV provides some residents with waivers and exemptions from testing. The test costs $18 for most vehicles, but some larger commercial vehicles may be subject to higher fees.

Requirements

In the seven counties listed below, cars are required to undergo emissions testing every two years. This includes passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, hybrids, and electric cars.

• Cuyahoga
• Geauga
• Lake
• Lorain
• Medina
• Portage
• Summit

The following vehicles must pass a smog check every two years:

• Gasoline vehicles weighing less than 10,000 lbs
• Diesel vehicles weighing less than 10,000 lbs
• Hybrids and flex-fuel vehicles (using gasoline or diesel)
• Motor vehicles 25 years or newer

Ohio-registered vehicles made in even-numbered model years must pass a smog check in even-numbered calendar years, and those made in odd-numbered model years must pass in odd-numbered calendar years.

Exemptions

Vehicles registered outside of the seven qualified Ohio counties do not need to pass a smog check to obtain an Ohio vehicle registration or registration renewal. The Ohio EPA offers three other types of exemption: temporary, permanent, and exemptions for vehicles permanently out of state.

Temporary Exemptions

If a vehicle owner falls under one of the following categories, they can apply for a temporary exemption:

• Military personnel and their dependents stationed out of state
• Ohio residents studying in out-of-state schools located in areas that do not have vehicle inspections
• The spouse of a recently deceased vehicle owner

Permanent Exemptions

If a vehicle falls under one of the following categories, the owner can apply for a permanent exemption provided the vehicle passes a visual inspection performed by an Ohio EPA field staff:

• Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) that use propane, natural gas, butane, or alcohol
• Vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs with a non-commercial registration

If a vehicle falls under one of the following categories, the owner can apply for a permanent exemption without a visual inspection:

• Vehicles more than 25 years old
• Vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs with a commercial registration
• Vehicles with historical and collector registrations
• Vehicles with parade and exhibition registrations
• Recreational vehicles (RVs)

Permanent Out-of-State Exemptions

If a vehicle registered in a required smog check county will be permanently located out of Ohio within a non-testing area, the vehicle owner may be eligible for an exemption. The vehicle owner must submit to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles:

• A filled-out Ohio E-Check Exemption/Extension Application (Form EPA 3451)
• Ohio registration or an Ohio vehicle title (send copies only)

Testing Procedure

To complete your Ohio vehicle emissions test, drive the vehicle to a vehicle testing location with the vehicle's title or registration. If the vehicle passes the test, the vehicle owner will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) from the test personnel. The VIR serves as proof of the test and is required to obtain an Ohio vehicle registration. The test results remain valid for one year.

Failed Smog Inspections

Ohio-registered vehicles that do not pass their smog inspections must undergo emissions-related repairs and be retested. Emissions test personnel will provide details of the failure. Vehicle owners can choose to get repairs done at the facility of their choice. If a vehicle fails at least one smog inspection, and the owner has made attempts to get emissions-related repairs completed, an Ohio E-check facility may provide a waiver. Vehicle owners may be eligible for either tailpipe test-only waivers or OBD II and tailpipe test waivers.

Low-Income Hardship Extension

Ohio registered drivers facing economic hardship and owning a vehicle that failed a vehicle emissions test can apply for a Hardship Extension. To qualify for the extension, the vehicle owner must submit the following:

• The vehicle's registration
• A copy of the vehicle's Ohio title, or the vehicle's notice of Application for Renewal Registration by Mail
• A vehicle repair estimate of $75.00 or more for emission-related repairs indicated as causing the vehicle's test failure
• A copy of the VIR from the vehicle's failed inspection

New Residents

New residents of Ohio who have moved to one of the counties that require smog checks must get their vehicle to pass a check when getting their vehicle registered for the first time in the state. The Ohio BMV provides the following options for new residents to comply with Ohio's emissions testing requirements:

• Get their vehicle's VIN inspected at a local Ohio BMV location prior to completing a smog check at an Ohio E-Check test facility
• Purchase a test voucher at a testing location to obtain their vehicle's registration first, and then complete an inspection. Once the vehicle completes a smog check, the Ohio BMV will reimburse the vehicle owner for the voucher fee of $18.
• Obtain their Ohio driver's license with their updated Ohio address, and then use the new license along with the vehicle's current registration to complete a vehicle inspection. Once the owner gets the vehicle to pass the vehicle inspection, they may obtain their Ohio vehicle registration.

Transferring Vehicle Title

When transferring a vehicle title from one owner to another in Ohio, the new owner must get a smog check before registering the vehicle in their name.

Frequently asked questions