Ohio Form BMV 5721 Official Weight Slip Guide – If you are registering a farm truck or noncommercial trailer in Ohio, you will likely need the Ohio Form BMV 5721 — Official Weight Slip. This official document from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), certifies the unladen weight of your vehicle as measured on a standard scale. Accurate weight determination is required under Ohio law for proper registration and fee calculation.
This guide covers everything U.S. residents (especially Ohio vehicle owners) need to know about Form BMV 5721, including when it is required, how to complete it, where to find public scales, and how to download the official form.
What Is Ohio Form BMV 5721?
Form BMV 5721 is the Official Weight Slip issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It is completed by a certified weight master at an approved scale location. The form certifies that the weight shown (punched on the margin of the slip) is the correct weight of the vehicle fully equipped.
According to the form itself and Ohio BMV guidance, completion is required by Ohio Revised Code 4503.041. The weight of all farm trucks and noncommercial trailers must be determined on a standard scale while the vehicle is fully equipped.
The current version of the form (noted as BMV 5721 7/25) is available as an official PDF from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
When Is the Official Weight Slip Required?
You must submit Form BMV 5721 (or an acceptable alternative) for first-time registration in these cases:
- Farm trucks — Required for registration of farm trucks. Fees are based on unladen weight. See the official BMV first-issuance requirements for farm trucks.
- Noncommercial trailers — Required when the maximum weight is less than 10,000 lbs. Acceptable proof of weight includes the Official Weight Slip (BMV 5721), a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Statement of Origin (MSO), or (in some cases) a notarized Affidavit of Original Weight (BMV 5728) if using a previous owner’s Ohio registration.
Official details are listed on the Ohio BMV First-Time Issuance page. Title is generally not issued for trailers under 4,000 lbs. Fees for noncommercial trailers and farm trucks are calculated based on unladen weight.
Commercial trucks and trailers typically use verbal declarations of weight rather than this specific form.
Key Information Included on Form BMV 5721
The Official Weight Slip contains these main sections (to be completed accurately):
- Date
- Vehicle Owner name, street address, city, state, and phone number
- Vehicle Make, Body Type, and Serial Number
- Certification statement signed by the Weight Master
- Owner of Scales
- Location of Scales (address)
- Make of Scales
- Date Scales Were Last Tested
The weight is indicated by figures punched on the margin of the slip. The weight master certifies that this is the correct weight of the fully equipped vehicle.
Important note on the form: The slip must be completely filled out by a weight master and must accompany every new application for registration of a farm truck or noncommercial trailer when required.
How to Complete and Obtain the Official Weight Slip?
Follow these steps:
- Locate an approved public use scale. The Ohio Department of Agriculture Division of Weights and Measures maintains lists of public scales suitable for utility/boat trailers and similar vehicles.
- Take your fully equipped vehicle (farm truck or noncommercial trailer) to the scale.
- Have a certified weight master weigh the vehicle and complete Form BMV 5721, including punching the weight figures and signing the certification.
- Ensure all fields (owner information, vehicle details, scale details, and last test date of the scales) are filled in completely.
- Submit the completed original weight slip with your registration application at a local deputy registrar license agency, along with other required documents (title, proof of identity, Affidavit for Registration BMV 5712 if applicable, etc.).
For scale locations, visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures page and look for Public Use Scales or Device Permits resources. The form itself directs users to https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/weights-and-measures and the Public Use Scales section.
Definitions Relevant to Form BMV 5721
The form and Ohio law provide these key definitions:
- Farm truck — A truck used in the transportation from the farm of products of the farm (including livestock and its products, poultry and its products, floricultural and horticultural products) and in the transportation to the farm of supplies for the farm. It does not include operation of trucks by commercial processors. A farm truck must generally be rated one ton or more by the manufacturer.
- Noncommercial trailer — Any trailer (except a travel trailer) having a gross weight of no more than 10,000 pounds and used exclusively for purposes other than engaging in business for a profit.
These definitions help determine eligibility for the registration categories that require the weight slip.
Download the Official Ohio Form BMV 5721
Download the current official PDF directly from the Ohio Department of Public Safety:
Download Ohio Form BMV 5721 — Official Weight Slip (PDF)
You can also find the form listed under Vehicle Registration on the Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page.
Always use the official government version. Third-party fillable versions may exist, but the BMV accepts the official form completed by a weight master.
Additional Tips for Ohio Vehicle Registration
- Registration can be completed in person at a local deputy registrar license agency, online at OPLATES.com (where eligible), or by mail in some cases.
- All registrants must sign a proof of Financial Responsibility Statement.
- Keep the original completed weight slip with your registration documents.
- Fees for farm trucks and noncommercial trailers are based on unladen weight. Check the current fee schedules on the official BMV site.
- For questions about scales or device permits, contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture Division of Weights and Measures.
Official Sources and Further Reading
- Ohio BMV First-Time Vehicle Registration Requirements
- Ohio BMV Forms List (includes BMV 5721)
- Ohio Department of Agriculture — Weights and Measures (Public Use Scales)
- Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4503 — Licensing of Motor Vehicles
Using the correct Official Weight Slip helps ensure smooth registration and compliance with Ohio vehicle laws. Always verify the latest requirements directly with the Ohio BMV or your local deputy registrar, as forms and procedures can be updated.