Ohio BMV 4816 Form: Senior, Farm & Camp Bus Plates Guide – Ohio Form BMV 4816 is the official application used by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for special license plates on certain buses. This form covers three specific categories: Seniors Bus plates, Temporary Farm Bus plates, and Camp Bus plates. These plates are governed by Ohio Revised Code sections 4503.04 and 4503.17 and are available only to qualifying vehicle owners in Ohio.
Whether you operate a bus that primarily transports seniors, need short-term registration for a farm bus, or want to use a contracted school bus for summer camp transportation, Form BMV 4816 is the required document. This guide explains eligibility, fees, required documentation, and the application process using the latest official information from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and BMV.
Download the current Form BMV 4816 (April 2025 version): Ohio BMV 4816 PDF
What Is Ohio Form BMV 4816?
Form BMV 4816, officially titled “Application for Senior, Temporary Farm and Camp Bus License Plates,” is issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Applicants must check one of the three plate types on the form. Incomplete or incorrectly marked applications cannot be processed.
The form collects vehicle registration information, title details, owner information, proof of financial responsibility, and a notarized affidavit specific to the plate type requested. Applications can be submitted by mail to the BMV or in person at any deputy registrar license agency.
Official forms and related documents are available on the Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page.
Eligibility Requirements for Each Plate Type
Eligibility is strictly defined in the Ohio Revised Code. Only buses that meet the specific use criteria qualify.
Seniors Bus License Plates (R.C. 4503.04)
These plates are available to the owner of a bus used principally for the transportation of persons 65 years of age or older. The bus must have a seating capacity of 10 or more passengers. An affidavit on the form must be completed and notarized confirming the principal use of the vehicle.
Temporary Farm Bus License Plates (R.C. 4503.04)
Temporary Farm Bus plates may be issued for a period of 310 days from the date of issuance for a fee of $10. Plates cannot be issued for more than one such period in any calendar year.
The bus must be used solely for the transportation of agricultural employees and only for those employees necessary in the operation of the farm. Commercial processors of agricultural products do not qualify. A completed and signed affidavit by the owner(s) or lessee(s) is required.
According to the Ohio BMV specialty plate information, the Farm Bus plate carries a $10 BMV fee with no additional contribution, and Form BMV 4816 is mandatory.
Camp Bus License Plates (R.C. 4503.17)
Camp Bus plates apply to the owner of a school bus (other than a board of education) that is under contract with a board of education during the school year. The owner may use the bus during summer vacation periods to transport children and their authorized supervisors to and from any camping function sponsored by a nonprofit, tax-exempt, charitable, or philanthropic organization.
Required supporting documents include:
- A completed statement and notarized affidavit on Form BMV 4816
- A certificate from the Ohio State Highway Patrol confirming the bus is safe for operation
The license fee for this registration is $25.
Full statutory language is available in the Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.17 and Section 4503.04.
How to Complete and Submit Form BMV 4816?
Follow these steps for a complete application:
- Download the current Form BMV 4816 from the official link above.
- Check the correct plate type (Seniors Bus, Temporary Farm Bus, or Camp Bus).
- Complete all vehicle and owner information sections using details from your Ohio registration card and Certificate of Title or Memorandum Title.
- Complete the appropriate affidavit and/or statement on the reverse side. Affidavits must be notarized.
- Sign the proof of financial responsibility section. Ohio law requires continuous insurance or other proof of financial responsibility.
- Gather supporting documents (current registration card or original title, lease agreement if applicable, Highway Patrol certificate for Camp Bus, etc.).
- Calculate fees and prepare payment by check or money order payable to “Ohio Treasurer of State, BMV.” Add any applicable county permissive tax. For replacement plates on a currently registered vehicle (or registered within the last 12 months), add $7.50 for two plates or $6.25 for one plate under R.C. 4503.19.
- Optional: Donate $1 to the children’s Save Our Sight (SOS) Program by checking the box and adding $1 to the total.
Mail the complete package to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Registration Support Services
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, OH 43216
Alternatively, take the documents to any local deputy registrar agency. The deputy will verify the vehicle information for a service fee. Processing typically takes up to four weeks for mailed applications; plates are mailed to the address provided.
Note: Vehicles manufactured to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) or with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 10,000 pounds require annual inspection by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Required Documents Checklist
- Completed and signed Form BMV 4816
- Current Ohio vehicle registration card (temporary tags or cards expired more than 11 months are not accepted)
- If no registration card is available: original Certificate of Title or Memorandum Title
- Completed and notarized affidavit/statement for the selected plate type
- Copy of lease agreement (if the vehicle is leased)
- Ohio State Highway Patrol safety certificate (Camp Bus only)
- Payment for fees plus any permissive tax and optional SOS donation
Fees Overview
- Temporary Farm Bus: $10 for the 310-day period
- Camp Bus: $25 license fee
- Seniors Bus: Standard registration fees based on the vehicle classification under R.C. 4503.04 (specific reduced rates may apply for qualifying buses)
- Replacement plate surcharge (if applicable): $7.50 (two plates) or $6.25 (one plate)
- Deputy registrar service fee when filing in person
- Optional $1 SOS donation
Always verify current fees with the BMV or your local deputy registrar, as local permissive taxes vary by county.
Important Warnings and Additional Requirements
Ohio requires proof of financial responsibility at all times. Driving without insurance can result in license suspension, reinstatement fees, and SR-22 requirements. False information on the application is subject to prosecution under R.C. 2913.42.
Applications must be signed by the owner(s) exactly as named on the Certificate of Title. Failure to follow instructions will delay issuance of plates.
For the most current forms, specialty plate information, and agency locations, visit the official Ohio BMV website or the Specialty License Plates page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply online?
No. Form BMV 4816 and the associated affidavits require original signatures and notarization in most cases. Submission is by mail or in person at a deputy registrar.
How long are Temporary Farm Bus plates valid?
Exactly 310 days from the date of issue, and only one such period is allowed per calendar year.
Do Seniors Bus plates require the bus to be used exclusively for seniors?
The bus must be used principally for the transportation of persons 65 or older and must seat 10 or more.
Is a Highway Patrol inspection required for all three plate types?
A specific safety certificate is required for Camp Bus plates. Larger buses (over 15 passengers or 10,000 lbs GVW) generally require annual Highway Patrol inspection regardless of plate type.
For personalized assistance, contact the Ohio BMV at 1-844-644-6268 or use the chat service available on the official website during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).