Ohio Tags For Other Types Of Vehicles: RV, Custom, ATV, Scooter, Boats (2024)

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  • In Ohio, not every registered vehicle needs a title
  • Scooters, dirt bikes and other motorized bikes that aren’t mopeds are categorized as motorcycles in Ohio
  • Any vehicle last previously registered or titled in another state must have a physical inspection done before being titled in Ohio
  • The Ohio Division of Parks and Watercraft requires all recreational vehicles to be registered

Ohio has plenty of drivers on the road with a variety of vehicles thanks to all its wonderful seasons. From snowmobiles to ATVs, Ohio has it all. In fact, the Buckeye State is known for its best snowmobiling trails including West Branch State Park which has eight miles worth of trail and Mohican Memorial State Forest.

Use eTags© to Quickly Complete Your DMV Service. Renewals, Title Transfers and More, All Online!

Ohio Tags For Other Types Of Vehicles: RV, Custom, ATV, Scooter, Boats (1)

Ohio also has some great areas for off-road motorcycles or dirt bikes. Bear Creek Ranch and Pike State Forest are popular dirt biking trails in OH. Bear Creek Ranch has 26 miles of trails across 180 acres, just south of Canton near East Sparta. For the most part in Ohio, the process of titling and registering cars, minivans, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles is similar. But some types of vehicles have different and specific requirements. For example, APV’s, motorhomes, and scooters.

In Ohio, all-purpose vehicles don’t include golf carts or utility vehicles meant to transport materials or cargo

APV and ATV tags in Ohio
All-purpose vehicles (APV) or all-terrain vehicles (ATV) like trail bikes, mini-bikes, and off-highway motorcycles (OHM) need to be registered in Ohio. But only APV and OHM vehicles need a title (one you need before getting OH tags). If you bought an all-purpose vehicle directly from a dealership, the APV title has to be in your name. The dealer has 30 days to sign over the title to you.
SEE ALSO: HOW TO RENEW OHIO TAGS

If you bought this type of vehicle from a private seller, make sure the title is transferred to you at time of sale. The penalty for an unregistered APV, snowmobile or off-highway motorcycle is between $50 and $100. Registration certificates and decals for those are good for three years, and expire on December 31 of the last year.

Ohio Tags For Other Types Of Vehicles: RV, Custom, ATV, Scooter, Boats (2)

For those just visiting OH, to operate an APV, OMV, or snowmobile on Ohio you have to apply for a temporary permit at the Deputy Registrar’s Office if where you’re from doesn’t have tags requirements. That permit allows you to use an all-purpose vehicle for a year.

Custom-built cars in the Buckeye State
To get tags for a custom-built vehicle, the only difference with traditional registration in OH is the added inspection. There are OH state highway patrol inspection stations across Ohio, including in Brook Park, Columbus, and Troy. Before a self-assembled vehicle or a salvage vehicle can be titled in Ohio, an inspection of the vehicle must be completed. This inspectionis intended to verify the ownership of all parts of the custom-built vehicle plus review all the required documentation. This inspection is not meant for certifying the safety of the custom-built car.

Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are eligible for an alternative registration; smaller registration decalanddoesn’t require registration numbers to be painted on the side

OH mopeds and scooters
Yes, Ohio tags are needed for mopeds and scooters. The moped need a rear license plate, but not a title. A moped in OH is defined as having two or three wheels with a motor of no more than a 50 cc and 1 hp, that can travel over 20 mph. Scooters, dirt bikes and other motorized bikes that aren’t mopeds are categorized as motorcycles in Ohio.

On the other hand, to ride a scooter in the Buckeye need amotorcycle licenseorendorsem*nt,and are required to followall the traffic and safety laws that apply to motorcycles. A scooter has to be registered, titled, and insured.

Ohio Tags For Other Types Of Vehicles: RV, Custom, ATV, Scooter, Boats (3)

OH motorhomes, trailers, and such
For recreational vehicles (RVs) including motorhomes, the process to get tags is the same as a conventional registration. Depending on the size/weight of your RV, the OH registration cost will vary. All travel trailers, including fold down campers and truck campers (over 4,000 lbs.) have to have a title in Ohio. These types of vehicles must be registered too. You need a photo ID, title, any required inspections, and pay you registration fees. But boat trailers and utility commercial trailers less than 4,000 lbs. don’t need a title.

Anyvehiclelast previouslyregisteredor titled in another state must have a physical inspection done before being titled inOhio

Ohio Tags For Other Types Of Vehicles: RV, Custom, ATV, Scooter, Boats (4)

Boats, Canoes, and more watercrafts in Ohio
The Ohio Division of Parks and Watercraft requires all recreational vehicles to be registered. This includes boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats.But kiteboards, lifeboats, boats from other countries, paddle boats and documented commercial don’t need a registration. Boats registered in another state in Ohio waters for less than 60 days don’t need to be registered. All boats 14 ft and longer as well as outboard motors 10 hp or more must have a title.

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  • ohio
  • vehicle registration
Ohio Tags For Other Types Of Vehicles: RV, Custom, ATV, Scooter, Boats (2024)

FAQs

Can I get a license plate for my ATV in Ohio? ›

REGISTRATION AND LICENSING

The APV license plate must be displayed to be plainly visible. Snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles and APVs must be properly registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or Local Deputy Registrar. A $34.75 registration fee is collected for the issuance of a three-year registration.

Does my camper need a license plate in Ohio? ›

All travel trailers, including fold down campers and truck campers (over 4,000 lbs.) have to have a title in Ohio. These types of vehicles must be registered too. You need a photo ID, title, any required inspections, and pay you registration fees. But boat trailers and utility commercial trailers less than 4,000 lbs.

What do you need to register a UTV in Ohio? ›

For registration, the following must be presented:
  1. Ohio certificate of title or memorandum of title (APV and off-road motorcycle only)
  2. Valid Ohio driver license, state ID or Social Security card.
  3. Approved Document List.
  4. If APV is primarily for agriculture use, registration is not required.

What is an APV license plate in Ohio? ›

According to Ohio law, an “all-purpose vehicle” or APV is “any self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for cross-country travel on land and water, or on more than one type of terrain, and steered by wheels or caterpillar treads, or any combination thereof, including vehicles that operate on a cushion of air, vehicles ...

Do you need a title for a scooter in Ohio? ›

In Ohio, a motor scooter may not be legally operated on public roadways unless it is: titled, registered, insured, and operated by a licensed rider at least 16-years old.

Can you get plates for UTV in Ohio? ›

It is not possible to register a UTV in Ohio as street legal for reasons discussed below. However, it is possible to make a UTV street legal in Ohio by registering it in another state.

What size trailer requires a license plate in Ohio? ›

If the trailer is not a travel trailer and weights 4,001 pounds or more, you must provide proof of ownership and apply for an Ohio title at any of our county title offices.

How do I get a boat trailer plate in Ohio? ›

In order to get your Ohio boat trailer registration, you'll have to apply at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The process for registering a boat trailer is essentially the same as registering a regular car or truck, except that you'll need to supply a weight card.

What do I need to get a license plate for a trailer in Ohio? ›

In Ohio, the registration process for any homemade trailer under 4,000 lbs is pretty simple. It doesn't have to be inspected, but you do need a weight slip from a CERTIFIED scale. Go to your local BMV, get a weight slip (you have to use the actual BMV document), and ask them what scales in the area are certified.

Can you legally drive an ATV on the road in Ohio? ›

Ohio ATV Operating Laws and Regulations

According to Ohio law, the minimum age to operate an ATV is 16. There are a few exceptions that also allow drivers as young as 12 on private property in some cases. However, no Ohio ATV driver under the age of 16 can operate an ATV on public roadways.

What is an all-purpose vehicle in Ohio? ›

"All-purpose vehicle" means any vehicle that is designed primarily for cross-country travel on land, water, or land and water and that is steered by wheels, caterpillar treads, or a combination of wheels and caterpillar treads and includes vehicles that operate on a cushion of air, vehicles commonly known as all- ...

How do you make a four wheeler street legal in Ohio? ›

All-Purpose Vehicles cannot be made street legal in Ohio. The Motor Vehicles Ohio Revised Code specifically forbids UTV registration under any other classification. You can also contact local authorities (BMV) or Ohio Department of Natural Resources State Highway Patrol for more information.

What does a red letter license plate mean in Ohio? ›

While they are called “party plates” in jest, these bright license plates with red lettering signal to other motorists and the police that you have been convicted of a DUI. Prior to 2004, judges had discretion in requiring drivers to use these plates.

What are restricted Ohio plates? ›

One part of the sentence for an Ohio DUI / OVI conviction may be a requirement that you have yellow license plates on your vehicle. Although they are commonly referred to as “party plates”, Ohio law calls them “restricted license plates”.

Does Ohio have special license plates? ›

Trademark and Licensing Services

These specialty plates are available to all Ohio residents, and can be purchased at any Deputy Registrar in Ohio or online at www.oplates.com. The cost of an Ohio State specialty plate is $35 in addition to your annual registration fees, and $25 is tax deductible.

Can you make a 4 wheeler street legal in Ohio? ›

Various off highway vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs, are included in this category. All-Purpose Vehicles cannot be made street legal in Ohio. The Motor Vehicles Ohio Revised Code specifically forbids UTV registration under any other classification.

How much does it cost to register an ATV in Ohio? ›

Vehicle Registration Related Fees
Registration
Plate / Registration Transfer$6.00
Snowmobile/APV (3 years, Resident)$36.25
Snowmobile/APV (1 year, Non-resident)$16.25
Miscellaneous Transactions
63 more rows

Can you get a title for an ATV in Ohio? ›

Title an All-Purpose Vehicle (APV), Off-Highway Motorcycle, or Snowmobile. Under Ohio law: APVs and off-highway motorcycles are motor vehicles and are titled. Snowmobiles are not motor vehicles and are not titled.

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