Ohio Form BMV 4817 – Military Sacrifice License Plates

Ohio Form BMV 4817 – Military Sacrifice License Plates – Ohio honors the families of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving outside a combat zone through the Military Sacrifice license plate program. The key document required to obtain these special plates is Ohio Form BMV 4817, the official Affidavit for Military Sacrifice License Plates issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

This guide explains who qualifies, how to complete Form BMV 4817, the application process, fees, and where to download the current form. Information is based on the Ohio Revised Code and official BMV resources.

What Are Military Sacrifice License Plates?

Military Sacrifice license plates are specialty plates authorized under Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.549. They feature a distinctive emblem and the words “military sacrifice.” The plates may be issued for passenger cars, noncommercial motor vehicles, motor homes, and other vehicle classes approved by the registrar.

These plates recognize immediate family members of a service member who died outside a combat zone while serving honorably (and not as a result of willful misconduct) in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces (active or reserve), the National Guard under federal or state control, or the United States Coast Guard.

Note the distinction from Gold Star Family plates, which are available for deaths that occurred in a combat zone and require a different form (BMV 4635).

Who Is Eligible for Military Sacrifice Plates?

Eligibility is limited to members of the immediate family of the deceased service member, as defined in R.C. 4503.549(D):

  • Spouse
  • Parent (including stepparent or a person who acted in loco parentis)
  • Grandparent
  • Sibling (whole-blood, half-blood, or by adoption)
  • Child (including those by adoption or a stepchild)

The applicant must certify on Form BMV 4817 that the service member died outside a combat zone while serving honorably and not of willful misconduct, as defined in 38 C.F.R. 3.1(n). Falsifying the affidavit is a criminal offense punishable by fine and imprisonment under R.C. 2913.42.

The vehicle must be owned or leased by the qualifying family member. The qualifying military member does not need to be listed on the title (unlike many other military plates).

What Is Form BMV 4817?

Form BMV 4817 is a one-page notarized affidavit. It collects the applicant’s personal information, details about the deceased service member (name, branch of service, and date of death), and the applicant’s relationship to the service member. The form must be signed by the applicant and notarized.

Official current version: BMV 4817 (revised 5/18).

Download the official Form BMV 4817 here:
https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/publicsafety.ohio.gov/bmv4817.pdf

You can also find it listed on the Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page under Vehicle Registration forms.

How to Complete Ohio Form BMV 4817?

  1. Download and print the current PDF of Form BMV 4817.
  2. Fill in the applicant’s full name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
  3. Enter the full name of the deceased service member, branch of military service, and date of death.
  4. Check the single box that correctly identifies your relationship to the service member (spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, or child).
  5. Read the certification statement carefully, then sign and date the affidavit in the presence of a notary public.
  6. Have the notary complete the notarial section, including the date, county, state, signature, and commission expiration date, and apply the notary seal.

Keep a copy of the completed, notarized form for your records.

How to Apply for Military Sacrifice License Plates in Ohio?

Military Sacrifice plates are requested using Form BMV 4705 (Request for Specialty License Plates) together with the completed and notarized BMV 4817. According to official BMV guidance on specialty plates:

  • Bring the completed BMV 4817, BMV 4705 (if required by the deputy registrar), proof of Ohio vehicle insurance, identification, and any other standard registration documents to a local Ohio Deputy Registrar license agency.
  • Most military and specialty plates that require documentation cannot be ordered fully online; an in-person visit is typically necessary so the eligibility documents can be reviewed.
  • Pay the regular license tax (and any applicable local or county tax). There is no additional fee for the Military Sacrifice plate itself.
  • The plates are manufactured by the state and mailed to the registrant.

Applicants may also combine the request with a special reserved (personalized) plate under R.C. 4503.40 or 4503.42, subject to the usual additional fees for personalization.

For the most current process and office locations, visit the official Ohio BMV website or contact your local deputy registrar.

Fees for Military Sacrifice License Plates

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.549(B) and current BMV specialty plate information:

  • No additional fee is charged for the Military Sacrifice plate design itself ($0.00 specialty fee).
  • Standard registration (license tax) fees still apply, along with any applicable county or municipal motor vehicle tax under Chapter 4504 of the Revised Code.
  • If you request a personalized/reserved number combination, the usual personalization fees apply.

This makes the Military Sacrifice plate one of the no-cost specialty options available to qualifying families.

Important Distinctions and Related Plates

Do not confuse Military Sacrifice plates with:

  • Gold Star Family plates — Available for immediate family of a service member who died in a combat zone. Requires Form BMV 4635 and is also issued at no additional plate fee.
  • Other military and veteran plates (branch of service, Purple Heart, Former Prisoner of War, Veterans with Disabilities, etc.), which have their own eligibility rules and documentation requirements (often a DD-214 or VA letter).

Full lists of available military plates and required documentation are maintained on the Ohio BMV military/veteran license plates and specialty plates pages.

Official Resources and Contact Information

For questions about your specific situation, contact a local deputy registrar license agency or the Ohio BMV customer service lines listed on the official website.

Final Notes for Applicants

Form BMV 4817 is a simple but important legal affidavit. Complete it accurately, have it properly notarized, and submit it with your registration documents at a deputy registrar. Because plate designs and administrative processes can be updated, always verify the current form version and procedures on official Ohio government websites before applying.

Ohio’s Military Sacrifice license plate program is a meaningful way for the state to recognize the loss experienced by families of service members who died while serving honorably outside combat zones. Completing Form BMV 4817 is the essential first step for eligible family members.

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