Ohio BMV 4523: Volunteer Rescue Vehicle Fee Exemption

Ohio BMV 4523: Volunteer Rescue Vehicle Fee Exemption – Volunteer rescue services across Ohio provide critical emergency medical response in communities that rely on unpaid or minimally compensated responders. To support these organizations, Ohio law allows eligible volunteer rescue service vehicles to be registered without paying standard registration fees, service fees, or local motor vehicle taxes. The key document required for this exemption is Ohio Form BMV 4523, the official Affidavit to Exempt Motor Vehicles of Volunteer Rescue Services from Registration Fees.

This guide explains who qualifies, how to complete the form, supporting documentation needed, and how to submit it to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). All information is based on the current Ohio Revised Code and official BMV materials.

What Is Ohio Form BMV 4523?

Form BMV 4523 is an affidavit prescribed by the Ohio Registrar of Motor Vehicles. It allows a motor vehicle titled in the name of a qualified volunteer rescue service organization to receive gratis (free) permanent license plates when the vehicle is used solely for the organization’s official business.

The form is issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and is commonly used together with Form BMV 4501 (Registration Application of Public Owned Vehicle) when requesting Volunteer Rescue plates.

Download the official form here: Ohio Form BMV 4523 (PDF)

Legal Authority: Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.172

The exemption is established under Ohio Revised Code § 4503.172. Key points include:

  • A “volunteer rescue service organization” means any organization of volunteers organized to perform as an emergency medical service organization as defined in Ohio Revised Code § 4765.01.
  • The vehicle must be titled in the name of the volunteer rescue service organization.
  • The vehicle must be used solely in the transaction of the business of the organization.
  • The organization must present satisfactory evidence of certification by the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
  • Upon approval, the BMV issues permanent license plates at no cost for registration fees, service fees, or applicable county/municipal taxes under Chapter 4504.

This permanent-plate benefit remains in effect as long as the vehicle continues to meet the statutory requirements.

Who Qualifies for the Exemption?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that meet all of the following criteria:

  • The organization consists of volunteers (persons who provide services for no compensation or only for reimbursement of actual expenses).
  • It operates as an emergency medical service organization under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4765.
  • Personnel include certified emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs, or paramedics.
  • The organization has been certified by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
  • The specific vehicle is titled to the organization and used exclusively for official rescue-service business (not for private, for-profit, or commercial purposes).

Gratis plates may not be displayed on any vehicle used for private or commercial activities.

Information Required on Form BMV 4523

The affidavit requires the following details:

  • County of the notary acknowledgment
  • Owner (organization) name
  • Street address, city, and ZIP code
  • Vehicle year, make, model
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Title number
  • Statement that the vehicle will be used solely in volunteer rescue service as defined in R.C. 4765.01(E)
  • Confirmation that proper personnel have been certified by the Department of Public Safety
  • Statement that the applicant is authorized to act on behalf of the rescue service organization and has provided a list of all certified emergency medical personnel (with certification numbers) to the Executive Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of EMS
  • Applicant’s signature and date
  • Notary public acknowledgment (signature, seal, and commission expiration date)

A section for BMV/EMS use only records official approval of the organization’s certification status.

How to Complete and Submit Form BMV 4523?

  1. Download the current official PDF from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
  2. Complete all vehicle and organization information accurately. Type or print clearly.
  3. Have an authorized representative sign the affidavit under oath.
  4. Have the signature notarized by a notary public.
  5. Attach the completed BMV 4523 to the Registration Application of Public Owned Vehicle (BMV 4501) if requesting new, transfer, replacement, or duplicate Volunteer Rescue plates.
  6. Include the original certificate of title (or other required ownership documents) and any evidence of EMS certification requested by the BMV.
  7. Mail the package to:
    Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
    Attn: Registration Support Services
    P.O. Box 16521
    Columbus, Ohio 43216-6521

Processing typically takes 7–10 business days. Plates and registration documents are mailed separately. For questions, contact Registration Support Services at (614) 752-7518.

Supporting Documents and Certification Requirements

In addition to the notarized affidavit, the organization must demonstrate that it has submitted a complete list of its certified emergency medical personnel (EMRs, EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics) and their certification numbers to the Division of EMS for review. The BMV and EMS offices verify this certification before approving the exemption.

Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records. If the organization’s certification status changes or the vehicle is no longer used exclusively for rescue service, the plates must be surrendered and regular registration obtained.

Important Restrictions and Compliance Notes

  • Gratis permanent plates are valid only while the vehicle remains titled to the qualified organization and is used solely for official business.
  • Display of these plates on a vehicle used for private, for-profit, or commercial purposes is prohibited.
  • The exemption covers registration fees under R.C. 4503.02 and 4503.10 and local taxes under Chapter 4504; other fees (such as title fees) may still apply.
  • Organizations should monitor any updates to Ohio BMV forms or EMS certification requirements on the official websites.

Official Resources and Further Assistance

Volunteer rescue services play an essential role in Ohio’s emergency response system. Completing Form BMV 4523 correctly ensures these organizations can obtain the fee exemption intended by state law while remaining fully compliant with BMV and EMS requirements. Always use the most recent official version of the form and contact Registration Support Services if you have questions about your specific situation.

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