Ohio BMV 4175: Cancel School Bus ID Number – School bus operators, school districts, and private transportation providers in Ohio must properly cancel a school bus identification number when a vehicle is sold, retired, or no longer used for student transportation. The official form for this process is Ohio Form BMV 4175, issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) under the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
This guide explains what Form BMV 4175 is used for, when you need it, how to complete it, where to submit it, and the related legal requirements under the Ohio Revised Code. All information is based on official Ohio BMV and Ohio State Highway Patrol resources.
What Is Ohio Form BMV 4175?
Form BMV 4175 is the official “Request for Cancellation of School Bus Identification Number.” It allows the registered owner of a school bus to notify the Ohio BMV that a specific bus identification number should be cancelled because the vehicle is no longer in service as a school bus.
School buses in Ohio receive a unique identification number under Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.764. This number is displayed on the front and rear of the bus in black lettering at least six inches high. When the bus is sold or permanently removed from school transportation service, the identification number must be cancelled through Form BMV 4175.
You can download the current official PDF version of the form here:
Download Ohio Form BMV 4175 (PDF)
The form is also available in Word format and listed on the official Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page.
When Do You Need to File Form BMV 4175?
According to the Ohio School Bus Inspection Manual and Ohio Revised Code, you must cancel the school bus identification number when:
- The school bus is sold or transferred to a new owner.
- The vehicle is permanently removed from service as a school bus.
- The bus will no longer be used for the transportation of school children and will be converted to another purpose.
Failing to cancel the identification number and properly de-identify the bus can result in violations of Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.762, which governs former school buses that are no longer used to transport children.
How to Complete Ohio Form BMV 4175?
Form BMV 4175 is a short, single-page document. Accurate information is essential for timely processing. Required fields include:
- Name of Owner – Full legal name of the school, district, company, or individual listed as the registered owner.
- Telephone Number – A current contact number for questions.
- Tax ID Number – The owner’s federal tax identification number (also used for titling).
- County – The Ohio county where the owner is located.
- Date – The date the form is completed.
- Bus Identification Number – The official school bus ID number assigned by the BMV.
- Vehicle Year and Make – Model year and manufacturer of the bus.
- Serial Number / VIN – The complete Vehicle Identification Number.
- Reason for Removal – Brief explanation (e.g., “Sold,” “Retired from service,” “Converted to other use”).
- Signature of Owner Requesting Cancellation – Signature of an authorized representative.
Double-check the Bus I.D. number and VIN against your records and the original registration documents before signing.
Where to Submit Form BMV 4175?
Mail the completed and signed form to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Information Services / Registration Support Services
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6521
You may also fax the form to (614) 995-4739.
For questions about the form or status of a cancellation request, call the BMV Special Plates / Vehicle Information Services unit at (614) 752-7518.
Allow reasonable processing time after mailing or faxing. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
Additional Steps When Removing a School Bus from Service
Submitting Form BMV 4175 is only one part of the process. Ohio regulations also require physical preparation of the bus before it is sold or used for non-school purposes. Per the School Bus Inspection Manual and Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.762, you must:
- Remove the assigned identification numbers from the front and rear of the bus.
- Remove the owner’s name from both sides of the bus.
- Remove or cover the inspection decals from both sides of the bus.
- Paint the bus a color different from national school bus yellow (unless it qualifies as a church bus under limited exceptions).
- Obliterate the words “STOP” and “SCHOOL BUS.”
- Cover or remove the flashing red and amber lights required for school buses.
These steps help ensure the vehicle is no longer identifiable as an active school bus and reduce the risk of legal issues for the former owner and the new operator.
Official Resources and Related Forms
For the most current version of Form BMV 4175 and other vehicle registration documents, visit the official Ohio BMV forms library:
Ohio BMV Documents & Fees – Official Forms Page
Related Ohio resources include:
- Ohio Revised Code § 4511.764 – School buses must be registered and have identifying number
- Ohio Revised Code § 4511.762 – School bus no longer used for transporting school children
- Ohio School Bus Inspection Manual (issued by the Ohio State Highway Patrol / Ohio Department of Education)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to cancel a school bus identification number?
No fee is associated with filing Form BMV 4175.
Can I submit the form online?
Currently, Form BMV 4175 must be mailed or faxed. Check the official BMV website for any future electronic options.
What if I no longer have the original registration?
Provide the Bus I.D. number, year, make, and full VIN as accurately as possible. Contact the BMV at (614) 752-7518 if you need assistance locating the number.
Does cancelling the ID number also cancel the vehicle title or regular registration?
No. Form BMV 4175 only cancels the special school bus identification number. Title transfers and standard vehicle registration cancellations follow separate BMV procedures.
Conclusion
Properly cancelling a school bus identification number with Ohio Form BMV 4175 protects school districts, private operators, and subsequent vehicle owners from compliance issues. Download the official form, complete it accurately, submit it to the Ohio BMV, and complete the required physical de-identification steps under Ohio law.
Always verify the latest instructions and form version on the official Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website before filing.