An applicant who wishes to register a golf cart or other USV must proceed as described below.  A USV is a four-wheeled vehicle other than a truck that either is originally designed and constructed with a top attainable speed of 20 mph or less, or is not originally designed and constructed for operation on a street or highway.  Most golf carts are USVs.

1.

The sheriff or chief of police of the jurisdiction where the vehicle is to be used should  send a letter to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Deputy Registrar And Title Support section, P.O. Box 16520, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6520, certifying that he or she has a program of inspecting golf carts and other USVs.

2.

The sheriff or chief of police in the community (city, village, or township) provides the applicant a certificate of inspection regarding the inspection requirements of the Ohio Administrative Code (O.A.C.) Chapter 4501:2-1.

3.

Go to the Clerk of Courts Title Office in any county.  The clerk will verify that the inspection certificate accompanies the title evidence and the vehicle inspection requirements of O.A.C. 4501:2-1.  If verified and everything else is in order, the clerk will issue the title.

4.

Obtain insurance.

5.

Take the title to a deputy registrar in that county.  If all is in order, the deputy registrar will issue license plates.

6.

Operate the golf cart or other USV in accordance with O.R.C. Chapter 4511. and with the equipment required by O.R.C. Chapter 4513.

NOTE:

If USVs are operated only on private roads, the operational, equipment, and registration requirements would generally not apply.  All motor vehicles operated on public streets and highways are subject to inspection as required by O.A.C. 4501:2-1-01 through 4501:2-1-21.  The obligations of political subdivisions that undertake motor vehicle inspections are contained in part O.A.C. 4501:2-1-03.