Obtaining historical plates in Ohio is an exciting step for any car enthusiast or collector who owns a vintage or classic vehicle. Ohio’s historical license plates are issued to vehicles that are at least 25 years old and are used for occasional transportation, exhibitions, or club activities. The process of applying for historical plates in Ohio is relatively straightforward but requires careful attention to the state’s requirements. If you are wondering "how to get historical plates in Ohio," this article will guide you through the steps, eligibility criteria, and important considerations to ensure your application is successful.
Best Steps to Get Historical Plates in Ohio
1. Confirm Your Vehicle's Eligibility
Before applying for historical plates, the first step is to confirm that your vehicle meets Ohio’s eligibility requirements. The vehicle must be at least 25 years old, which is the state’s threshold for vintage and classic cars. Additionally, the vehicle must be primarily used for exhibition, club activities, or occasional transportation, rather than daily driving. Cars that are registered as "historical vehicles" cannot be used for regular commuting or commercial purposes. Ensure that your vehicle meets these requirements to avoid any issues with your application.
2. Join an Automobile Club (If Required)
Ohio law requires that you be a member of an automobile club in some cases when applying for historical plates. The club must be recognized by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and must focus on the preservation and enjoyment of classic cars. Membership in a club is typically a requirement for vehicles over 25 years old but less than 30 years old. Being part of a recognized automobile club shows that your vehicle is well-maintained and used primarily for exhibitions or other activities. If you're applying for plates for a vehicle older than 30 years, this membership might not be necessary.
3. Prepare the Required Documentation
To apply for historical plates, you’ll need to gather the required documentation. First, you will need proof of ownership of the vehicle, such as a title or bill of sale. Second, you should have proof of insurance for the vehicle, as historical vehicles must still meet Ohio’s minimum insurance requirements, even if they aren’t used for everyday driving. If you are applying for the plates through an automobile club, you may need to provide evidence of your membership. Ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork to avoid delays in the application process.
4. Complete the Application Form
To apply for historical plates, you must complete the appropriate application form. The form, known as the "Historical Vehicle Registration Application," can be obtained from the Ohio BMV website or at a local BMV office. The application will ask for details about your vehicle, such as the make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Be sure to fill out all the required fields accurately to avoid any mistakes that could delay the processing of your application. Once completed, the form can be submitted either online or by mail, depending on your preference.
5. Submit the Application and Pay the Fees
Once your application form is completed, you will need to submit it to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), along with any necessary documents and payment for the fees. The historical plate fee in Ohio typically includes both an initial registration fee and an additional plate fee. The total cost can vary, but it usually ranges between $50 to $100, depending on the type of historical plates you are requesting. Be sure to verify the fee structure on the BMV website or at your local BMV office to ensure you have the correct amount.
6. Receive Your Historical Plates
After your application has been processed and approved, you will receive your historical license plates. In most cases, the BMV will mail the plates to you within a few weeks. If you applied in person at a local BMV office, you may be able to receive the plates on the same day. Once you have received the plates, affix them to your vehicle according to Ohio’s regulations. Remember that historical plates are for occasional use only, so ensure that your vehicle is in compliance with the state's rules for historical registration.
7. Maintain Insurance and Registration
Even though historical plates are issued to vehicles that are not regularly used, it’s important to maintain the proper insurance and registration for your vehicle. Ohio requires that you keep proof of insurance and that your vehicle is properly registered. If your vehicle is not driven regularly, you may qualify for reduced insurance rates or specialized insurance designed for classic cars. Make sure to keep track of when your registration needs to be renewed, as Ohio’s historical plates must be renewed every one to two years.
8. Comply with Usage Restrictions
Ohio’s historical plates come with certain restrictions, primarily related to how often you can drive the vehicle. Historical vehicles are not intended for daily transportation or business use, and they can only be driven for special purposes, such as exhibitions, parades, or club activities. Violating these restrictions can result in fines or the revocation of your historical plate registration. It’s essential to be aware of and adhere to these restrictions to maintain your vehicle’s eligibility for historical registration.
Other Ways to Get Historical Plates in Ohio
1. Apply for an Antique Vehicle Plate: If your vehicle is over 25 years old and used for exhibition purposes, you may also apply for an antique vehicle plate, which offers similar benefits as historical plates. The application process is similar to that for historical plates and includes proof of ownership, insurance, and eligibility.
2. Check for Special Plate Designs: Ohio offers a variety of historical license plate designs, including options for military vehicles, fire trucks, and other unique plates. You may want to explore these specialty designs when applying for historical plates to give your vehicle a distinctive look.
3. Consider Special Permits for Parade Use: If you plan to use your historical vehicle in parades or other public events, you may need to obtain additional permits or certifications from local municipalities. Check with your local city or town for specific requirements for using your vehicle in public exhibitions.
4. Request Historical Plates for Motorcycles: Historical plates are not limited to cars and trucks. If you own a motorcycle that is at least 25 years old, you can also apply for historical plates specifically designed for motorcycles in Ohio.
5. Apply Through a Licensed Dealer: Some licensed dealerships that specialize in classic cars can help you navigate the application process for historical plates. If you purchase a vintage or classic car through such a dealer, they may assist you in getting historical registration for your new vehicle.
Things to Consider
1. Vehicle Condition: While Ohio law does not require that a historical vehicle be in perfect condition to qualify for historical plates, it must be in good enough condition to be used for exhibition and occasional driving. Ohio does not want to see these vehicles used as daily drivers or in a state of disrepair. As a classic car owner, it’s important to regularly maintain your vehicle, ensuring that it is roadworthy and meets any state safety standards required for its use.
2. Usage Restrictions: Historical plates come with specific limitations on how and when the vehicle can be driven. In Ohio, vehicles with historical plates are only allowed on the road for events like parades, exhibitions, and club activities. This means that regular driving, commuting, or using the vehicle for business purposes is prohibited. Violating these restrictions could lead to fines or the loss of your historical registration. Be mindful of these limits to avoid running into any issues.
3. Insurance Requirements: Even though historical vehicles are not used regularly, they are still required to have valid insurance under Ohio law. It’s recommended to get specialized insurance for classic or historical vehicles. This type of insurance often provides more affordable premiums while ensuring you meet the minimum legal requirements. Keep in mind that the insurance policy must cover the vehicle for liability, even if it is used only for occasional events or exhibitions.
4. Ongoing Registration and Renewal: Like other types of license plates, historical plates in Ohio require renewal every one to two years. It’s important to stay on top of your vehicle’s registration renewal deadlines to avoid late fees or complications with your vehicle’s registration status. Ohio offers an easy online renewal process through the BMV’s website, so be sure to use this service for convenience.
5. Local Restrictions: While Ohio state law sets the basic rules for historical plates, local municipalities may have additional restrictions, especially regarding parades, exhibitions, or road usage for special events. Always check with your local authorities if you plan to use your historical vehicle in public events to ensure compliance with any local ordinances.
In Summary
Getting historical plates in Ohio is a straightforward process that allows classic car enthusiasts to legally drive their vintage vehicles for exhibitions, parades, and other special activities. By following the outlined steps, including confirming your vehicle's eligibility, joining a recognized automobile club, and submitting the necessary documentation, you can obtain historical plates for your car. Remember to maintain insurance, adhere to driving restrictions, and keep your registration current to ensure your vehicle remains in good standing with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Owning and driving a vehicle with historical plates is a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to comply with Ohio’s regulations to enjoy your vintage car to the fullest.
