Ohio BMV 4810 Form: Special License Plate Affidavit Guide – Ohio Form BMV 4810 is the official affidavit used by organizations, colleges, and universities seeking to participate in the state’s Organizational and Collegiate Specialty License Plate Program. Issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), this form is essential for creating specialty license plates that feature an organization’s logo or a college’s emblem. These plates allow Ohio motorists to support causes or show school pride while generating contributions for the sponsoring group.
This guide provides current, accurate information for U.S. residents, particularly those in Ohio, based on official BMV resources and Ohio Revised Code provisions. Whether you represent a nonprofit, alumni association, or higher education institution, understanding BMV 4810 is the first step toward launching or maintaining a specialty plate program.
What Is Ohio Form BMV 4810?
Form BMV 4810, titled “Affidavit for Participation in Organizational / Collegiate Specialty License Plate Program,” serves as both an application and a legal affidavit. It confirms that the organization or institution grants the Ohio BMV permission to use its artwork and caption on specialty plates at no cost to the state. The form also includes indemnification language protecting the BMV against copyright or trademark claims.
The current version is dated October 2021 (BMV 4810 10/21). It is incorporated by reference in the Ohio Administrative Code (Rule 4501:1-7-15) and remains the required document for new program participation.
You can download the official form here: Download Ohio BMV 4810 PDF.
Who Needs to Complete Form BMV 4810?
Two primary groups use this form:
- Organizations — Nonprofits, clubs, charities, and other groups that want specialty plates featuring their logo. These groups must first secure legislative approval through a state legislator who sponsors a bill in the Ohio General Assembly.
- Colleges and Universities — Institutions that hold a certificate of authorization from the Ohio Department of Higher Education under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1713. These schools can participate under Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.51 without needing new legislation.
Individual vehicle owners do not complete BMV 4810. They simply request an already-approved specialty plate using Form BMV 4705 or through online services.
Key Requirements for Participation
To successfully submit Form BMV 4810 and establish a specialty plate, organizations and colleges must provide the following:
- A completed and notarized BMV 4810 affidavit.
- A statement from an authorized agent granting the BMV permission to use the logo and caption.
- An electronic logo file in vector art format. Requirements include:
- Pantone (PMS) color numbers and fonts (if text is not converted to paths).
- Logo dimensions no larger than 2.5 inches wide by 3.25 inches high.
- Text (displayed between the bolt holes) no larger than 5.5 inches wide by 0.75 inches high.
- A color sample.
- A petition with at least 150 original signatures from people who intend to purchase the plate. Form BMV 4820 (Petition to Establish Organizational License Plate) may be used, or a custom petition containing the same required information.
- For colleges: A copy of the certificate of authorization issued by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Organizations must also obtain passage of enabling legislation before the BMV will proceed.
How to Complete and Submit Form BMV 4810?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the official form from the Ohio BMV: BMV 4810 PDF.
- Fill in the organization or college name, Federal Tax ID number, full address, authorized agent name and title, phone, fax, and email.
- Select the appropriate copyright/trademark statement (either the organization holds the rights or no one does).
- Have the authorized agent sign the form in the presence of a notary public. The notary section must be completed with the date, commission expiration, and seal.
- Gather the supporting documents listed above, including the vector logo file and 150-signature petition.
- Mail the complete package to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Information Services
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6521
For questions, contact the BMV at (614) 752-2055. After review, the BMV will manufacture a sample plate and send it for the organization’s approval.
Fees Associated with Organizational and Collegiate Plates
Once a plate is approved and available to the public:
- Most collegiate plates require a $25 contribution to the institution plus a $10 BMV administrative fee (in addition to standard registration taxes).
- Organizational plates typically include a contribution ranging from $0 to $50 (depending on the enabling legislation) plus the $10 BMV fee.
- These fees apply at initial issuance and at each renewal.
Contributions are deposited for the benefit of the sponsoring organization or college, often supporting scholarships, programs, or charitable activities.
Annual Contact Information Verification
Participating organizations and colleges must notify the BMV to verify their contact information by December 31 each year. Failure to do so authorizes the BMV to redistribute unclaimed organizational funds to the state’s General Revenue Fund. Maintain accurate mailing and email addresses with the BMV to protect your contribution stream.
Related Forms and Resources
Useful companion documents include:
- BMV 4820 – Petition to Establish Organizational License Plate
- BMV 4705 – Request for Specialty License Plates (for individual applicants)
- Official list of available specialty plates and general program information on the Ohio BMV website
Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4501:1-7-12 outlines the specific process for collegiate plates, while Section 4503.51 of the Ohio Revised Code governs collegiate license plate issuance.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Ensure logo artwork meets exact size and format specifications to avoid rejection.
- Collect more than 150 signatures to account for any that may be invalid.
- Work closely with a state legislator early in the process if you represent a non-collegiate organization.
- Keep copies of all submitted materials and correspondence with the BMV.
- Verify the most current form version on the official BMV Documents & Fees page before submitting.
Conclusion
Ohio Form BMV 4810 is the foundational document for any organization or college wishing to create specialty license plates that build awareness and generate funding. By carefully completing the affidavit, providing compliant artwork, gathering the required petition signatures, and following the legislative or statutory path, groups can successfully join Ohio’s popular specialty plate program.
Download the form today and begin the process: Official Ohio BMV 4810 Affidavit PDF. For the latest updates, always consult the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website or contact Vehicle Information Services directly.