Ohio BMV 4853 Form: Historical Model-Year Plate Guide – Ohio vehicle collectors who already hold historical license plates can enhance the authentic look of their classic cars by displaying an original model-year plate. Form BMV 4853, issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety Bureau of Motor Vehicles, is the official affidavit required for this privilege. This guide explains eligibility, how to complete the form, required documents, fees, and legal obligations under Ohio Revised Code § 4503.181 for drivers across the United States who own or register historical vehicles in Ohio.
What Is Ohio Form BMV 4853?
Form BMV 4853 is the “Historical ‘Model-Year’ Plate Information and License Plate Affidavit.” It allows owners of vehicles already registered with Ohio historical plates to display a single authentic Ohio-issued license plate that matches the vehicle’s model year of manufacture. The form combines instructional information on the front and a notarized affidavit on the back.
The official PDF (revised 9/25) is available for free download directly from the Ohio Department of Public Safety:
Download Official Ohio Form BMV 4853 (PDF)
You can also locate the form on the Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page.
Legal Authority and Eligibility Requirements
Authority comes from Ohio Revised Code § 4503.181. Key rules include:
- The vehicle must already be registered with regular Ohio historical license plates (or the owner must apply for them simultaneously using Form BMV 4806).
- The model-year plate must be an original plate issued by the State of Ohio, legible, serviceable, and inscribed with the year matching the vehicle’s manufacture year.
- Only one model-year plate is required and must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
- Dealer plates are not permitted.
- If the plate is painted, colors must match the original color combination for that year.
- No new plates were manufactured in 1943 or 1952; 1942 and 1951 plates are accepted for those years.
- Although Ohio stopped issuing dated plates after 1974, any vehicle with a valid historical registration may use an authentic model-year plate that meets the requirements for its year.
Historical vehicles themselves must be more than 25 years old and used solely as collector’s items for club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and similar purposes—not for general transportation. Limited operation on public roads to and from maintenance locations is allowed.
How to Complete Form BMV 4853?
The affidavit side requires the following information:
- Owner’s full name, daytime phone number, county, address, city, state (Ohio), and ZIP code
- Current historical plate number (leave blank if plates are being issued at the same time)
- Date vehicle purchased, Certificate of Title number, vehicle serial number (VIN), year, make, and vehicle type
- Model-year license plate number, plate color, and letter/number color
- Certification that the plate was originally issued by Ohio and is serviceable and legible
The owner must sign the affidavit stating that the vehicle has been or will be registered with Ohio historical plates and that the model-year plate number is being requested for that vehicle. The owner also affirms that valid financial responsibility (insurance) coverage is in force and that the vehicle will not be operated without it or used commercially unless properly registered.
The affidavit must be notarized. The notary completes the jurat with date, county, signature, seal, and commission expiration.
Required Supporting Documents
When submitting Form BMV 4853, include:
- A clear copy of the model-year license plate
- A copy of the current historical license registration card (or simultaneous historical registration application)
- Proof of financial responsibility (insurance identification card, policy, bond, or other acceptable coverage)
If the vehicle does not yet have historical plates, submit the Application and Affidavit for Historical License Plates (BMV 4806) at the same time. Model-year registration services are free when submitted with an initial historical registration.
Fees and Submission Process
There is no additional fee for the model-year plate itself beyond standard registration costs. The registration fee for the model-year plate is $8.00 if obtained at a BMV office, plus current postage if mailed. Historical plates carry a one-time $10 license fee under ORC § 4503.181(B) plus applicable registration fees.
Submit the completed, notarized form and supporting documents to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Registration Support Services
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6521
Telephone: (614) 752-7518
You may also process the request at a local Deputy Registrar license agency. Once the BMV issues the model-year registration, you may display the plate. The original historical plates and registration card must remain in the vehicle and be available for inspection by law enforcement at all times.
Important Restrictions and Compliance Notes
Validation and county stickers are not required on model-year plates. If a sticker is displayed, the BMV does not record it. Military vehicles may display the historical plate number painted on the vehicle in accordance with size and style specifications in ORC § 4503.22.
Ohio law requires continuous financial responsibility coverage. Driving without insurance can result in license suspension, reinstatement fees, and SR-22 requirements. False statements on the affidavit are subject to prosecution under ORC § 2913.42.
Always verify the most current version of the form and any procedural updates on the official Ohio BMV website, as rules and fees can change.
Benefits for Classic Car Owners
Displaying a genuine model-year plate preserves the period-correct appearance of a historical vehicle while remaining fully compliant with Ohio registration laws. Collectors across the United States who maintain Ohio-titled classics appreciate this option for shows, tours, and parades. Combined with the low one-time historical registration fee and exemption from annual renewals (except in cases of ownership change or personalized plates), Form BMV 4853 supports authentic vehicle presentation under clear legal guidelines.
For the latest official instructions and to download the current fillable or printable version, use the direct link provided by the Ohio Department of Public Safety:
Official Download – Ohio Form BMV 4853 PDF
Questions about historical or model-year plates can be directed to Ohio BMV Registration Support Services at (614) 752-7518 or through the contact options listed on the official BMV contact page.