Ever considered adding a personal touch to your vehicle's license plate in Ohio? Personalized plates are a great way to express your individuality while driving. But before you proceed, you might be wondering, "How much does it cost to get personalized plates in Ohio?" Let's dive into the details.
Ohio offers a variety of personalized plate options, each with its own cost. The base fee for personalized plates in Ohio is $35, which includes the initial issuance fee and the personalized plate design. This fee is in addition to the regular registration fees for your vehicle.
Standard Personalized Plates
For standard personalized plates, the $35 fee covers the issuance of your personalized plate. You can choose from a variety of standard plate designs, including the state's standard 'Ohio' plate design, or opt for a specialty plate that supports a specific cause or organization.
Standard personalized plates can have up to seven characters, including spaces and punctuation. This allows for a good amount of creativity in designing your personalized plate.
Specialty Plates
Ohio also offers a wide range of specialty plates, each supporting a different cause or organization. The cost of specialty plates is typically higher than standard plates due to the additional fee that goes towards the supported cause or organization.
For example, the 'In God We Trust' plate costs an additional $25 on top of the $35 personalized plate fee, while the 'Support Our Troops' plate costs an additional $30. The additional fee varies depending on the specialty plate you choose.
Personalized Disability Plates
Ohio also offers personalized disability plates for individuals with disabilities. The fee for these plates is the same as the standard personalized plate fee, which is $35. However, these plates require additional documentation to prove the need for the disability plate.
Personalized disability plates can have up to six characters, including spaces and punctuation. They are designed to help individuals with disabilities park more conveniently and safely.
Renewing Personalized Plates
When it's time to renew your personalized plates, the cost is typically lower than the initial issuance fee. The renewal fee for personalized plates in Ohio is $15, which is in addition to the regular vehicle registration fees.
If you choose to change your personalized plate design or message at the time of renewal, you will need to pay the initial issuance fee of $35 again, plus the $15 renewal fee.
Transferring Personalized Plates
If you sell your vehicle or decide to change your vehicle's license plate, you can transfer your personalized plates to another vehicle you own. The fee for transferring personalized plates in Ohio is $5.
However, if you want to change the message or design of your personalized plate when transferring it, you will need to pay the initial issuance fee of $35 again, plus the $5 transfer fee.
In conclusion, the cost of personalized plates in Ohio varies depending on the type of plate you choose and whether you're getting them for the first time or renewing them. While the initial issuance fee is $35, the renewal fee is lower at $15. Specialty plates and personalized disability plates may have additional fees. Always check with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information and to ensure you're following all the necessary steps to get your personalized plates.