Ohio BMV 4814 Form: Radio/TV & Org License Plates

Ohio BMV 4814 Form: Radio/TV & Org License Plates – Ohio drivers and organizations seeking specialty license plates for commercial radio or television stations, Voiture units, or certain veterans service organizations use Form BMV 4814. Issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), this official application supports specialized plates authorized under Ohio Revised Code sections 4503.14 and 4503.18.

This guide explains eligibility, required documents, fees, and the application process for U.S. residents, primarily Ohio vehicle owners and eligible organizations. Always verify the latest details on the official Ohio BMV website, as forms and requirements can update.

Download the current Form BMV 4814 (PDF): Ohio BMV 4814 Application PDF

What Is Ohio Form BMV 4814?

Form BMV 4814 is the official application used to request three specific types of specialty license plates in Ohio:

  • Commercial Radio / TV plates — Feature the broadcasting company’s official call letters.
  • Voiture plates — Issued for specially equipped vehicles used by United States service organizations chartered by Congress (often associated with American Legion Voiture units) for parade and exhibition purposes.
  • Organizational plates — Honorary plates designating affiliation with a United States veterans service organization chartered by Congress or recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Applicants must clearly check the type of plate requested on the form. Incomplete selections result in processing delays or rejection.

Eligibility Requirements by Plate Type

Commercial Radio and Television Plates (R.C. 4503.14)

These plates are available to owners or lessees of motor vehicles who are Ohio residents and hold a valid, unrevoked commercial radio or television broadcasting station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

  • Plates may be issued only to vehicles owned by the broadcasting company.
  • The plate number displays the station’s official call letters assigned by the FCC.
  • A copy of the broadcasting company’s current FCC license showing the call sign must accompany the application.

Eligible vehicle classes typically include passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, recreational vehicles, and house vehicles (fees depend on body type listed on the title or registration).

Voiture License Plates (R.C. 4503.18)

Any United States service organization chartered by Congress may apply for Voiture plates. These plates are issued for specially equipped motor vehicles used exclusively for parade and exhibition purposes. The plate displays the appropriate voiture or post number.

Organizational License Plates (R.C. 4503.18)

Only the President, Commander, or Adjutant of a United States veterans service organization (chartered by Congress or recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) may apply.

  • The vehicle must be titled in the name of the United States veterans service organization.
  • The vehicle may be used solely for participation in organizational activities, exhibitions, parades, and similar purposes.
  • These vehicles may qualify for registration without payment of certain registration taxes and service fees under R.C. 4503.02 and 4503.10, and without local motor vehicle taxes under Chapter 4504.
  • A current valid Ohio vehicle registration card must be submitted. The original registration card and plates must remain in the vehicle and be presented upon request by law enforcement.
  • If plates were previously issued to another officer, a release must be completed by the prior officer, and the physical plates transferred.

Source: Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.18 and Section 4503.14.

How to Complete and Submit Form BMV 4814?

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Download the official form from the Ohio BMV or the direct link provided above (current revision noted as BMV 4814 4/25).
  2. Check the plate type (Commercial Radio, Commercial TV, Voiture, or Organizational).
  3. Complete all sections using information from your current Ohio registration card and Certificate/Memorandum of Title:
    • Ohio license plate number and expiration date
    • Vehicle year, make, type, serial number (VIN), title number, and color
    • Owner name, address, daytime phone, and identifying number (SSN, Tax ID, or Driver License)
    • Ownership status (single, joint, leased, or company)
    • County of residence
  4. Sign the required affirmations, including the financial responsibility (insurance) statement and, for Voiture/Organizational plates, the statement that the vehicle will be used solely for organizational activities, exhibitions, and parades.
  5. Gather supporting documents (detailed below).
  6. Calculate and include all fees.
  7. Submit by mail or take the completed package to a deputy registrar agency for verification (a service fee applies).

Mailing address for BMV processing:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Registration Support Services
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, OH 43216-6521

Processing and mailing of new plates typically takes up to four weeks. Incomplete applications delay issuance.

Required Supporting Documents

  • Completed and signed Form BMV 4814
  • Current Ohio vehicle registration card (required for Organizational plates; original title or Memorandum of Title if registration is unavailable)
  • Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title (original documents preferred for mail submissions)
  • For Commercial Radio/TV: Copy of the current FCC license showing call letters
  • For Voiture/Organizational: Evidence of the organization’s status as a United States veterans service organization, plus the use affidavit
  • Proof of financial responsibility (insurance) covering the vehicle
  • EPA certificate or exemption if required in your county
  • Payment of all applicable fees (check or money order payable to “Ohio Treasurer of State”)

Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles incur additional annual fees of $100, $150, or $200 respectively under R.C. 4503.10(C).

Fees and Additional Costs

Exact fees vary by vehicle type, county (permissive/local taxes), and plate category. Common components include:

  • Regular registration fees based on vehicle class
  • BMV administrative fee (commonly $10 for many specialty plates, including commercial radio/TV)
  • Deputy registrar service fee
  • Postage/mailing fee
  • Replacement plate fee if applicable: $7.50 for two plates or $6.25 for one plate under R.C. 4503.19(A) when the vehicle is currently registered or was registered within the last 12 months
  • Permissive (local) taxes, which vary by taxing district
  • Optional donation to the Save Our Sight (SOS) fund

For Organizational plates under R.C. 4503.18(C), an annual fee of $5 applies in some cases for the honorary designation. Always confirm current fees with the BMV or a deputy registrar, as rates can change. Official fee information is available on the Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page.

Important Notes and Common Pitfalls

  • You must check the plate type or the application cannot be processed.
  • Vehicles with Organizational or Voiture plates have restricted use — general transportation or commercial use is not permitted.
  • Proof of insurance is mandatory. Driving without financial responsibility can result in license suspension and significant reinstatement fees.
  • Original documents are often required for mail-in applications. Deputy registrars can verify information for a fee if needed.
  • Keep the original registration card and plates in the vehicle at all times for Organizational plates.
  • Forms are updated periodically (current version referenced as 4/25). Always download the latest version from official sources.

Where to Get Help and Official Resources?

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website or contact a local deputy registrar license agency. Requirements and fees are subject to change based on legislative updates and BMV policy.

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