Ohio Form BMV 4813 Company Logo Application Guide – Ohio Form BMV 4813 is the official Company Logo Application used by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for businesses seeking custom company logo license plates on International Registration Plan (IRP) apportioned vehicles. This program allows eligible companies with large commercial fleets to display their branded logo on specialized Ohio license plates, enhancing brand visibility while meeting state registration requirements.
Authorized under Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.83, the company logo plate program is specifically designed for owners or lessees of apportioned vehicle fleets. Whether you operate a trucking company, logistics firm, or other commercial carrier based in Ohio, understanding Form BMV 4813 is essential for a successful application.
What Is Ohio Form BMV 4813?
Form BMV 4813, officially titled “Company Logo Application,” serves as both the instruction packet and application form for new IRP apportioned company logo license plates. Issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the current version (BMV 4813 7/23) guides companies through the process of submitting artwork, vehicle lists, and authorization statements.
Unlike standard specialty plates available to individual motorists, company logo plates are restricted to commercial fleets registered under the International Registration Plan. These plates feature the company’s approved logo in addition to standard registration characters and are issued only after BMV review and approval of the design.
You can download the official form directly from the Ohio BMV:
Download Ohio Form BMV 4813 (PDF)
Who Is Eligible for Company Logo License Plates?
Eligibility is limited and clearly defined by Ohio law and BMV policy:
- The applicant must be the owner or lessee of a fleet of apportioned (IRP) vehicles registered in Ohio.
- The initial application requires a minimum of 50 eligible vehicles.
- Vehicles must qualify for IRP registration (typically power units over 26,000 pounds GVW, three or more axles, or combinations exceeding 26,000 pounds used for property or passenger transport for hire).
- The company’s IRP account must be in good standing.
Once the 50-plate threshold is met within the first year of availability, additional logo plates may be ordered as needed. Company logo plates are not available for personalization and are limited to one-year registrations due to IRP fee calculation requirements.
For official details, refer to the Ohio BMV IRP General Information page.
Key Requirements for Form BMV 4813
To initiate participation in the company logo license plate program, applicants must submit a complete package. Incomplete submissions may delay processing or result in the application being returned.
Required items include:
- Completed Form BMV 4813 (Company Logo Application).
- A list of the initial 50 vehicles, including Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), current license plate number (if assigned), and a signed affidavit.
- A statement from an authorized company agent granting the Ohio BMV permission to print the business logo on Ohio license plates.
- Electronic artwork of the company logo submitted in vector art format (such as .ai or .eps files).
Artwork specifications are strict:
- File must be saved as vector art.
- Include Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors and numbers.
- Include fonts if text is not converted to paths.
- Provide both text and logo as vector art plus a color sample.
- Logo size may not exceed 2.5 inches wide by 3.25 inches high.
Artwork may be emailed to [email protected] (include the company name in the subject line) or mailed with the rest of the package.
How to Complete and Submit Form BMV 4813?
Follow these steps for a smooth application process:
- Download the form — Obtain the latest BMV 4813 PDF from the official Ohio BMV website or the direct link provided above.
- Prepare vehicle list and affidavit — Compile the required details for at least 50 vehicles and ensure the affidavit is properly signed.
- Obtain authorization statement — Have an authorized agent complete and sign the permission statement included in the form packet.
- Create compliant artwork — Work with a graphic designer experienced in vector formats and PMS color systems to meet BMV specifications.
- Complete the application sections — Fill in company name, Federal Tax ID, business address, authorized agent contact information, and the vehicle schedule (VIN, current plate, expiration date).
- Sign and date — The authorized agent must sign the authorization and application sections.
- Submit the package — Mail completed documents and artwork to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Vehicle Information Services
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6521
Or email artwork to the address noted above.
After submission and initial approval, the BMV will manufacture a sample license plate and send it for your review. You must respond with approval or requested changes within 14 business days of receiving the sample.
Fees and Processing Timeline
There is an additional BMV fee of $6.00 for each new, exchange, or replacement company logo plate. This fee is in addition to standard IRP registration fees, any applicable local taxes, and other required charges. The $6 fee compensates the BMV for the extra services involved in producing custom logo plates and is deposited into the public safety – highway purposes fund.
Key timelines based on current Ohio BMV information:
- Logo plate approval process: approximately 45 days from initial application.
- Once approved and paid, plates are typically received within 7–15 business days.
- Sample plate response required within 14 business days.
Note that company logo plates cannot be personalized and are not eligible for multi-year, staggered, or permanent registration options.
Important Limitations and Additional Information
Company logo plates may be transferred or exchanged under standard IRP rules. A logo plate can be exchanged for a standard apportioned plate for $6.50 plus applicable registration fees. If an owner-operator lease ends, the company should attempt to recover the logo plate following normal IRP procedures, which may include filing a police report or submitting Form BMV 4886 for replacement.
The program has been available since January 1, 2014, for IRP customers with accounts in good standing. Applications and inquiries can also be directed through the Ohio Commercial Online Registration System (OHCORS) or by contacting the Vehicle Information Services / IRP unit.
For questions, contact:
- IRP Processing Center: (800) 477-0007
- Vehicle Information Services: (614) 752-2055
Always verify the most current requirements on the official Ohio BMV website or the BMV Forms page, as forms and procedures may be updated.
Why Apply for Company Logo Plates?
For Ohio-based commercial fleets operating under the IRP, company logo plates offer a professional branding opportunity across multiple jurisdictions. Displaying a consistent company logo on license plates can strengthen brand recognition among customers, partners, and the public while remaining fully compliant with Ohio motor vehicle registration laws.
By carefully following the instructions on Form BMV 4813, preparing high-quality vector artwork, and meeting the 50-vehicle minimum, eligible businesses can successfully join the Ohio company logo license plate program.
Ready to get started? Download Form BMV 4813 today and begin assembling your application package:
Official Ohio Form BMV 4813 — Company Logo Application (PDF Download)