Ohio BMV 4625 Form: Registration by Mail Guide

Ohio BMV 4625 Form: Registration by Mail Guide – Ohio vehicle owners who prefer not to visit a Deputy Registrar license agency can use Form BMV 4625, the official Application for Registration by Mail. This form, issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety – Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), allows residents to apply for new vehicle registration or renew existing registration entirely by mail. It is especially useful for Ohio residents temporarily living out of state, active-duty military members and their dependents, and anyone seeking a convenient alternative to in-person or online processing.

The current version of the form is BMV 4625 (12/25). Always download the latest official PDF to ensure accuracy.

Download Official Ohio BMV 4625 Form

Download the official, fillable Application for Registration by Mail (BMV 4625) directly from the Ohio Department of Public Safety:

Download Ohio BMV 4625 PDF

You can also find the form listed on the official BMV Documents & Fees page at www.bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx.

What Is Ohio Form BMV 4625 Used For?

Form BMV 4625 may be used for:

  • New vehicle registration (plate issuance)
  • Registration renewal
  • Certain transfers, duplicates, replacements, or exchanges of plates/stickers

It is not for Collector, Historical, or Replica license plates. For those, use BMV 4803 (Collector) or BMV 4806 (Historical/Replica), available at local Deputy Registrars or online at www.bmv.ohio.gov.

Allow approximately four weeks for processing and mailing of license plates or validation stickers. Incomplete applications or missing documents will delay processing or result in the application being returned unprocessed.

Who Should Use Form BMV 4625?

This form is ideal for:

  • Ohio residents who want to register or renew by mail
  • Ohio residents temporarily living out of state
  • Active-duty military personnel and dependents stationed elsewhere who wish to maintain Ohio registration
  • Situations where online renewal via OPLATES is not available or preferred

Most Ohio vehicle owners can renew online at OPLATES.com or in person at a Deputy Registrar. Mail-in registration remains a reliable option when those methods are not suitable.

Required Documents for BMV 4625 Submission

Include the following with your completed and signed Form BMV 4625:

  1. Completed and signed BMV 4625 — Required for new registration and most other actions. The form includes a financial responsibility affirmation that must be signed.
  2. Original Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum Title — Required for new vehicle registration. Titles are issued by your Ohio County Clerk of Courts office.
  3. Leased vehicles — Power of Attorney form plus a copy of the lease agreement signed by the lease company (photocopies accepted; originals not returned). Electronic Power of Attorney may be available for certain leasing companies.
  4. Payment — Check or money order payable to “Ohio Treasurer of State.” Do not send cash. Returned unpaid checks result in cancellation of registration and a $15 penalty.
  5. BMV 5712 — Required if registering a vehicle that is not a passenger car or motorcycle for the first time.
  6. E-Check certificate — Required for qualifying vehicles in E-Check counties during multi-year registration periods (details below).

Proof of financial responsibility (insurance) is affirmed on the form. Ohio law requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 for two or more persons, and $25,000 property damage. Driving without coverage can result in license suspension and other penalties.

E-Check (Emissions Testing) Requirements

E-Check is required for qualifying vehicles owned by residents of these counties: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit.

Testing applies to vehicles up to 25 years old. Gasoline vehicles six years old or newer and hybrid vehicles seven years old or newer are generally exempt. Even-model-year vehicles are tested in even years; odd-model-year vehicles in odd years. For questions, call (800) CAR-TEST or visit www.ohioecheck.org.

E-Check is required during multi-year registration periods for eligible vehicles.

How to Complete Form BMV 4625?

Type or print clearly. Key sections include:

  • Registration Information — Ohio license plate number and expiration date (from current registration card, if applicable).
  • Vehicle Information — From the Ohio Certificate/Memorandum of Title: make, year, vehicle serial number (VIN), certificate of title number, date of purchase, vehicle color, and type.
  • Owner Information — Name, address, Social Security Number/Tax ID/Ohio DL or ID number, date of birth, phone, and email. Include joint owner or lessee details if applicable. For leased vehicles, provide the lessor’s address.
  • Registration Action — Select New, Renew, Transfer, Duplicate Registration, Exchange, or Replacement. Indicate number of registration years desired (1–5 where eligible; permanent available for certain non-commercial trailers) and number of plates.
  • Mailing Address — Provide if different from the owner address. Note temporary mailing dates if applicable.
  • Optional Donation — Non-refundable contribution to the children’s Save Our Sight fund.
  • Special Plates — Separate section for logo, personalized, or initial reserve plates (additional fees and documentation may apply).
  • Signature and Affirmation — Sign and date the financial responsibility statement. False information is subject to prosecution under Ohio Revised Code 2921.13.

For fee assistance, call (614) 752-7518 or review current fees at www.bmv.ohio.gov/doc-fees.aspx.

Fees and Payment Information

Fees vary by vehicle type, registration term, local permissive taxes (up to $30), mailing costs, and any special plate or fuel-type charges. Hybrid/plug-in hybrid/electric vehicles (model year 2009 or newer) incur additional annual fees of $100 / $150 / $200 respectively under R.C. 4503.10(C).

Base annual registration fees (excluding Deputy Registrar fees and permissive taxes) include approximately $36 for passenger cars, $30 for motorcycles, and higher amounts for trucks, motor homes, and other classes. Multi-year options multiply the annual fees. A $10 late fee may apply for certain renewals more than 30 days past expiration.

Always confirm exact amounts by calling (614) 752-7518 before mailing payment.

Where to Mail Form BMV 4625?

Mail the completed application, all required documents, and payment to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Information Services
Registration Support Services
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6521

Processing typically takes up to four weeks. Plates and stickers are mailed separately in some cases.

Additional Tips for Successful Submission

  • Double-check all information against your title and current registration.
  • Include the exact payment amount; underpayment delays processing.
  • Keep copies of everything you mail.
  • For personalized or specialty plates, review availability and extra requirements at www.bmv.ohio.gov or OPLATES.
  • Military members and out-of-state Ohio residents should include any required supporting documentation for continued Ohio registration.
  • Online renewal at OPLATES.com is often faster when eligible and may allow temporary registration download while stickers are in transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use BMV 4625 for multi-year registration?
Yes, eligible vehicle types (passenger cars, non-commercial trucks/trailers, motor homes, motorcycles, mopeds) can select multi-year terms where available. E-Check rules still apply in designated counties.

What if my vehicle is leased?
Submit a Power of Attorney and a signed copy of the lease agreement in addition to the completed form.

Is proof of insurance required with the mail-in application?
You must affirm financial responsibility on the form. Keep current proof available, as it is required at traffic stops, inspections, and other situations.

How long does processing take?
Allow four weeks for processing and mailing of plates or stickers.

Where can I get help with fees?
Call the BMV at (614) 752-7518.

Official Resources

Using Form BMV 4625 correctly helps Ohio vehicle owners complete registration or renewal conveniently by mail while staying compliant with state requirements. Always use the most current official form and verify fees and documentation before mailing to avoid delays.

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