Ohio BMV 4635 Gold Star Family Plates Guide – Ohio honors the sacrifice of military families through its Gold Star Family license plates. These distinctive plates feature a gold star and the words “Gold Star Family.” They are available at no cost to qualifying immediate family members of service members who died in a combat zone while serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
What Is Ohio Form BMV 4635?
Form BMV 4635 is the required affidavit issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Applicants must complete it to confirm their relationship to a deceased service member who died in a combat zone.
The form collects the applicant’s personal information, details about the deceased service member (name, branch of service, combat zone, and date of death), and a certification of the qualifying relationship. It must be signed by the applicant and notarized.
Falsifying the affidavit is a criminal offense punishable by fine and imprisonment under Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.42.
Official download link: Download Ohio Form BMV 4635 (PDF)
Who Qualifies for Gold Star Family License Plates in Ohio?
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.546, any member of the immediate family of a person who died in a combat zone while serving as a member of any branch of the armed forces of the United States may apply.
Immediate family members include:
- Spouse
- Parent, stepparent, or other person who acted in loco parentis
- Grandparent
- Sibling (whole blood, half-blood, or by adoption)
- Child (including by adoption or stepchild)
The plates may be issued for a passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, motor home, or other vehicle of a class approved by the Registrar that the family member owns or leases.
Benefits of Gold Star Family License Plates
Qualifying applicants receive significant benefits:
- No registration taxes or fees under sections 4503.038, 4503.04, 4503.10, 4503.102, and 4503.103 of the Revised Code
- No local motor vehicle tax under Chapter 4504
- No fee charged under section 4503.19
- Plates issued at no charge (listed as $0.00 on BMV Form 4705)
The plates display a gold star and the words “Gold Star Family” along with standard lettering, numbering, and county identification stickers.
How to Apply for Gold Star Family License Plates?
Follow these steps to obtain the plates:
- Download and complete Form BMV 4635. Fill in all required fields accurately, including the deceased service member’s details and your relationship. Sign the form in the presence of a notary public.
- Gather supporting documents. Bring proof of vehicle ownership or lease (Ohio title or registration), a valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID, and proof of insurance. The BMV may request additional documentation verifying the service member’s death in a combat zone.
- Complete BMV Form 4705 if needed. Use the Request for Specialty License Plates form when requesting the Gold Star Family plates (especially if combining with a reserved or personalized format).
- Visit a Deputy Registrar license agency. Most transactions occur in person at a local Ohio BMV deputy registrar office. Online options may be limited for this specialty plate due to the required affidavit.
- Submit the completed, notarized BMV 4635 along with other required documents. Allow time for processing; plates are typically manufactured and mailed or issued according to current BMV timelines.
You can find forms and office locations on the official Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page.
Required Information on Form BMV 4635
The affidavit requires the following:
- Applicant’s last name, first name, middle initial, street address, city, state, and ZIP code
- Name of the deceased service member
- Branch of military service
- Combat zone
- Date of death
- Relationship to the service member (check one box only)
- Applicant’s signature and date
- Notary public acknowledgment, including date, county, state, notary signature, seal, and commission expiration
The form explicitly references Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.546 and includes a clear warning against falsification.
Combining with Personalized or Reserved Plates
The application for Gold Star Family plates may be combined with a request for a special reserved license plate under Ohio Revised Code Sections 4503.40 or 4503.42. Additional fees may apply for personalized or reserved formatting, but the Gold Star Family designation itself remains free for eligible applicants.
Important Legal Notes
Ohio law strictly prohibits anyone who is not a qualifying immediate family member from willfully and falsely representing themselves as such to obtain these plates (ORC 4503.546(C)). Violations can result in criminal penalties.
Eligibility is limited to deaths occurring in a combat zone while the service member was serving honorably in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Non-combat deaths generally do not qualify under the current statute for these specific plates.
Additional Resources for Ohio Residents
- Official BMV 4635 Affidavit (PDF)
- Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.546 – Full Statute
- Ohio BMV Forms Library
- BMV 4705 – Request for Specialty License Plates
Gold Star Family license plates serve as a visible and lasting tribute to the ultimate sacrifice made by service members and the enduring strength of their families. Completing Form BMV 4635 correctly is the essential first step for eligible Ohio residents to obtain these honorary plates at no cost.
For the most current information, always verify details directly with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles or a local deputy registrar, as procedures and documentation requirements can be updated.