How to Obtain Special Plates

Requests for special plates may be made at any Deputy Registrar's office, online at OPLates.com, through the mail, or by calling the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 1-800-589-TAGS (1-800-589-8247),  Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).

Download the Request for Special Plates application HERE

Deputy Registrars: Requests for special plates can be made at any Deputy Registrar's office. Many Special Interest, Disability, Amateur Radio, Military and Collegiate Plates are also available at the Deputy Registrar. All other special plates may be paid for at a Deputy Registrar's office and will then be mailed to the customer. If necessary, the deputy can give the customer a permit which will allow them to operate their vehicle while the plates are being manufactured.

By Mail: Request forms are available at any Deputy Registrar's office and on the BMV Web site. The customer may complete a form and send it with special documents to the address listed on the form. The customer's choice (if available) will be assigned and an application will be mailed within 5 days. The customer needs to mail the application, fees and any required document(s) to the address on the application. Special plates will be mailed to the customer to the address shown on the application.

By OPlates: Special plate requests can be processed on the OPlates.com Internet site. You may check availability, renew, upgrade, and replace your license plates at OPlates.com.  This option can only be used if your vehicle is already registered.  Vehicles that have never been plated by the new owner, must registered at a local Deputy Registrar's office.  For those out-of-state and buying a new vehicle, you may find instructions HERE.

By Telephone: Requests for special plates may be made by calling the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles at  1-800-589-TAGS (1-800-589-8247).