Ohio BMV 4740 Fuel Type Affidavit Guide

Ohio BMV 4740 Fuel Type Affidavit Guide – Ohio vehicle owners registering or renewing certain vehicles may need Form BMV 4740, the Unknown Vehicle Fuel Type Affidavit for Registration. This official Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) form allows you to self-declare your vehicle’s fuel type when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) VIN decoding program cannot determine it. Accurate declaration is required because Ohio charges additional annual registration fees for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles under Ohio Revised Code section 4503.10(C).

This guide explains what the form is, when you need it, how to complete it, related fees, and where to submit it. Information is based on official Ohio BMV resources and is current as of the latest available guidance.

What Is Ohio Form BMV 4740?

Form BMV 4740 is the official “Unknown Vehicle Fuel Type Affidavit for Registration” issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Its purpose is to declare a vehicle’s fuel type for registration purposes when NHTSA’s VIN Decoding Program returns an “unknown” result.

The Ohio BMV uses the NHTSA program to identify fuel type based on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and model year. Fuel-type fees apply to vehicles with a model year of 2009 or newer. When the system cannot determine the fuel type, the owner must complete BMV 4740 to self-declare it so the correct registration fees can be calculated.

Official download link: Download Ohio Form BMV 4740 (PDF).

When Do You Need Form BMV 4740?

You typically need Form BMV 4740 in these situations:

During a registration renewal at a local Deputy Registrar license agency if the NHTSA VIN decoder shows the fuel type as “unknown.”
When you receive a “Fuel Type Required for Vehicle Registration Renewal” letter (BMV 4641) and must self-declare the fuel type.
At the time of initial registration or renewal if the system cannot classify the vehicle’s propulsion system.

You can also self-declare online at OPLATES.com in some cases, but the paper affidavit is required for in-person transactions at a Deputy Registrar when the fuel type is unknown. If the fuel type is determined incorrectly by NHTSA, you must still pay the fee at registration and then file Form BMV 4741 (Dispute of Vehicle Fuel Type for Registration) with supporting documentation for a possible refund.

Source: Ohio BMV Vehicle Registration page.

Ohio Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, and Electric Vehicle Registration Fees

Under Ohio Revised Code 4503.10(C), additional annual registration fees apply to certain alternatively fueled passenger cars (model year 2009 or newer):

Hybrid — $100 per registration year
Plug-in Hybrid — $150 per registration year
Electric (battery electric) — $200 per registration year

These fees are in addition to standard registration fees, the deputy registrar service fee, and any local permissive taxes. Fees are prorated based on the number of months of registration when the period is not a full year. Multi-year registrations are charged the fuel-type fee for each year covered.

Definitions used on Form BMV 4740 and by the BMV:

Hybrid — A passenger car powered by an internal propulsion system consisting of both a combustion engine and a battery cell energy system that cannot be recharged via an external source of electricity but can be recharged by other vehicle mechanisms that capture and store electric energy.
Plug-in Hybrid — A passenger car powered in part by a battery cell energy system that can be recharged via an external source of electricity.
Electric — A passenger car powered wholly by a battery cell energy system that can be recharged via an external source of electricity.
Gasoline / Diesel / Other Fuel Type — No additional fuel-type fee.

These fees help offset reduced motor fuel tax revenue from vehicles that use little or no gasoline or diesel. Always verify the latest amounts on the official Ohio BMV website, as legislation can change fees.

How to Complete Form BMV 4740?

The form is straightforward. Provide accurate information; falsifying the application is punishable by fine and imprisonment under R.C. 2913.42.

Owner Information section:

Owner’s SSN / Tax ID / Ohio Driver License / Ohio ID
Last name, first name, middle initial
Address, city, state, ZIP code
Phone (optional) and email (optional)

Vehicle Information section:

Year, make, model
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Fuel Type Declaration:

You must acknowledge that NHTSA was unable to determine the fuel type and that the type may be updated in the future (which could create a future fee obligation). Then select and affirm the correct fuel type:

Gasoline / Diesel / Other Fuel Type
Hybrid (with the definition provided on the form)
Plug-in Hybrid
Electric

Sign and date the affidavit. The completed form is typically submitted in person at a local Deputy Registrar license agency during the registration or renewal transaction.

Download the official form here: BMV 4740 PDF.

Where to Submit Form BMV 4740 and Get Help?

Submit the completed and signed Form BMV 4740 at a local Ohio Deputy Registrar license agency when processing your registration or renewal. You may also be able to self-declare online via OPLATES.com when prompted.

For questions about the Unknown Vehicle Fuel Type Affidavit for Registration, contact:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Information Services
P.O. Box 16520
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6520
Phone: (844) 644-6268

Find a local Deputy Registrar office through the official locator on the Ohio Department of Public Safety website.

Related form for disputes: BMV 4741 – Dispute of Vehicle Fuel Type for Registration (must be mailed with supporting documentation after paying the fee).

Tips for Ohio Vehicle Owners

Have your VIN ready and confirm the exact make, model, and year before filling out the form.
Review the official definitions of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric carefully so you select the correct category.
Keep a copy of the completed affidavit for your records.
If you believe NHTSA’s classification is wrong after registration, pay the fee first, then file BMV 4741 with evidence (such as manufacturer specifications or window sticker information) for a potential refund review.
Fuel-type fees apply only to passenger cars meeting the definitions; other vehicle types may have different rules.
Check OPLATES.com or visit a Deputy Registrar for the most current process, as online self-declaration options continue to expand.

Official Sources and Additional Resources

Always rely on the official Ohio BMV website and forms for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements. Fees, processes, and form versions can change with new legislation or administrative updates. Completing Form BMV 4740 correctly helps ensure smooth vehicle registration and proper calculation of any applicable fuel-type fees for Ohio residents and vehicle owners.