Ohio allows authorized car dealers to issue temporary license plates. Or if you need to get a temporary license plate in Ohio for a car you already own, you can order one online and print out the temporary tag through OPLATES.com.
To drive legally in Ohio, you need to have Ohio license plates, also referred to as tags, on your vehicle. But in certain scenarios—like if you purchase a new car or if your plate is lost, damaged, or stolen—you may need to use a temporary license plate.
To help you better understand how to get a temporary Ohio license plate and when you need one, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. Let’s get started.
Does Ohio issue temporary plates?
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) allows car dealers to issue temporary license plates as long as they are registered as web-enabled (WE) dealers via the state-run Dealer Licensing Online Services.
If you need a temporary tag due to your license plate being lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, car owners in Ohio can place an order for one by visiting OPLATES.com or the BMV’s website. The cost for an Ohio temporary license plate is $20.
Can you purchase a temporary license plate in Ohio for any type of vehicle?
No—the state of Ohio will not permit you to purchase a temporary license plate for a salvage vehicle or an unregistered vehicle.
How to get a temporary license plate in Ohio
If you’ve purchased a new car and need a temporary plate to drive it off the lot, the licensed dealer will arrange the issuing of the temporary paper tag. By using a web-enabled service, dealers can print tags on demand for customers. These temporary license plates are available for immediate use and the inventory is automatically tracked within the digital database.
Licensed dealers are able to purchase a temporary license plate in Ohio for $15 while unlicensed dealers in need of a temporary plate are charged $20. By law, customers may not be charged more than $20 for the paper tag.
If you need to replace your license plate due to car theft, misplaced plates, or damaged or faded plates that are no longer legible, Ohio offers a print-at-home service via the OPLATES website.
You’ll need to plug in your license plate number and the last four digits of your Social Security number (or 0000 if you don’t have one) and pay the $20 fee before you’re able to print out the temporary tag.
Ohio state law permits you to drive with a temporary license plate for no longer than 45 days.
Can I drive a car without plates if I just bought it in Ohio?
While you can drive a newly purchased car with temporary plates in Ohio, you must register the new vehicle within 30 days of buying it. After you’ve applied to receive new license plates, you should receive them through the mail within 10 days of your request.
Mary Cahill is an insurance writer specializing in general automotive knowledge and insurance and finance topics. Mary produces informative and useful content to help car owners make smart choices when buying cars and car insurance. She has written over 700 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from state driving laws to EV supercharger locations across the states. Before joining Jerry, Mary authored two novels while working as a case manager at the United Way.
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit. Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
