Ohio BMV 4806 Form: Historical or Replica Plates

Ohio BMV 4806 Form: Historical or Replica Plates – Ohio vehicle owners who collect classic cars or own carefully built replica vehicles can take advantage of special registration options through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Form BMV 4806, officially titled the Application and Affidavit for Historical or Replica License Plate, is the required document to obtain these plates.

This guide covers eligibility, required documentation, fees, usage restrictions, and the step-by-step application process for U.S. residents, primarily those in Ohio. All information is based on current Ohio Revised Code sections and official BMV guidance.

What Is Ohio Form BMV 4806?

Form BMV 4806 is the official Ohio Department of Public Safety / Bureau of Motor Vehicles application used to request historical or replica license plates. It includes both the application section and a notarized affidavit confirming the vehicle’s eligibility and intended limited use.

The current version of the form (BMV 4806 12/25) is available for free download from the official Ohio BMV assets site: Download Ohio Form BMV 4806 (PDF).

You can also find the form listed on the official BMV forms page at bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx.

Eligibility for Historical License Plates

Under Ohio Revised Code § 4503.181, a historical motor vehicle must meet these criteria:

  • The vehicle is more than 25 years old.
  • It is owned solely as a collector’s item.
  • It is used only for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and similar events.
  • It is not used for general transportation.

The vehicle may be driven on public roads solely to and from a location where maintenance is performed.

According to the official Ohio BMV specialty plates page, historical plates are available for virtually any vehicle type that meets the age and use requirements.

Eligibility for Replica License Plates

Replica motor vehicles are governed by Ohio Revised Code § 4503.183 (effective December 27, 2025, via House Bill 54). A replica motor vehicle is one that has been constructed, assembled, or modified to replicate the make, model, and model year of a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old.

Key requirements include:

  • The Certificate of Title (or Memorandum of Title) must display the word “REPLICA.”
  • The vehicle cannot be used for general transportation.
  • Allowed uses are limited to club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and similar events, plus travel to and from maintenance locations.

Owners who title a vehicle as a replica under Ohio law must obtain replica plates and comply with the restricted-use rules. Vehicles that are replica-style but not titled as such remain subject to standard registration and equipment requirements.

Required Documents and How to Complete Form BMV 4806

To successfully apply, gather the following:

  1. Completed and notarized Form BMV 4806 — Fill out all sections clearly (type or print). Select either “Historical” or “Replica” plate type. The affidavit portion must be signed and notarized.
  2. For Historical plates: Current Ohio vehicle registration card (if the vehicle already displays Ohio plates) or the original Certificate of Title / Memorandum of Title (if it does not currently display Ohio plates).
  3. For Replica plates: Original Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title that displays the word “REPLICA.” Note that any customer issued an Ohio title stamped “REPLICA” must obtain replica license plates.

If applying by mail and you prefer not to send the original title, you may have it verified at a local Deputy Registrar’s office for a fee of $8.00.

Proof of insurance is generally required for registration, and the vehicle must be inspected and found safe to operate on public roads (as stated in the affidavit).

Fees for Historical and Replica Plates

Both historical and replica plates carry a one-time license fee of $10.00 in lieu of the regular annual license tax. This is in addition to standard registration fees and any plate production or replacement fees that may apply.

Personalized or Initial Reserve versions of these plates (if available and requested) are subject to annual fees. Refunds are not issued for fees previously paid to obtain regular registration or plates.

Official fee details appear on the Ohio BMV specialty plates information page: bmv.ohio.gov/vr-sp-geninfo.aspx.

How to Submit the Application?

You may apply in either of these ways:

  • In person at any local Deputy Registrar license agency. Use the official locator to find the nearest office: Ohio Deputy Registrar locations.
  • By mail following the instructions on the form (include required documents and payment made payable as directed).

Some registration services are also available online through OPLATES.com, though the notarized affidavit and title documents typically require in-person or mail handling for historical/replica plates.

Usage Restrictions and Plate Validity

Historical and replica plates are valid without annual renewal for the life of the vehicle, with these important exceptions:

  • Change of ownership — the plate must be surrendered to the Registrar of the Ohio BMV (or properly transferred to another qualifying vehicle owned by the same person).
  • Personalized or Initial Reserve plates — annual fees apply.

The plates may not be used for everyday commuting, errands, or general transportation. Violations can result in fines and possible revocation of the special registration. The registration certificate and plate must be kept with the vehicle whenever it is operated on public roads.

Owners of historical vehicles may later display authentic Ohio model-year plates (instead of the standard historical plate) by completing a separate form, BMV 4853.

Model-Year Historical Plates Option

Once a vehicle has valid historical registration, the owner may choose to display a legible, serviceable original Ohio license plate from the vehicle’s model year. This requires Form BMV 4853 (Historical “Model-Year” Plate Information and License Plate Affidavit). Only one plate needs to be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

Official Sources and Additional Resources

Always verify the most current requirements directly with the Ohio BMV, as forms and procedures can be updated:

For questions, contact Registration Support Services or visit your local Deputy Registrar. Having the correct documents and a properly notarized Form BMV 4806 will help ensure a smooth application process for your historical or replica vehicle in Ohio.

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