If you have a lost car registration in Ohio, you must obtain a replacement as soon as possible. Driving without your registration documents can result in serious consequences, so you must always keep your registration document in your registered vehicle so that you can present it to law enforcement if it is ever requested. Because of this, it is important that you replace car registration if your certificate is lost, stolen or damaged to the point where it is no longer legible.

To get a copy of vehicle registration, you have three options that you can choose between. You can either request a replacement online, in person or send in an application by mail. To complete the process, you must pay the replacement vehicle registration fee and you must provide all necessary information. After you have submitted everything to the BMV through the method of your choice, you will receive your new registration. To learn more about replacing your lost car registration papers, continue reading through the sections below.

When do you need to get a copy of your vehicle registration in Ohio?

If you are a vehicle owner with registration documents for that car, it is very important that you keep that current registration in a safe place in your vehicle. Therefore, if you have a stolen car registration or a lost registration, it is your responsibility to replace it as soon as possible.

Also, if your registration documents are badly damaged and you cannot see all of the information included, you will need to get a duplicate as well.

How to Obtain a Replacement Vehicle Registration in Ohio

The Ohio BMV provides three different options for getting a lost car registration replacement in Ohio. You can choose between getting a copy of vehicle registration online, in person or through the mail. To discover which method is best for your situation, read the sections listed below.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration Online

You can get your duplicate vehicle registration online as long as you are able to access the internet and you can provide the necessary information. Also, you will be required to pay the fee with an approved credit or debit card. This online option can be very convenient because it can be completed easily from anywhere that you have access to a computer and the internet.

There are a few steps involved in completing an online request. To process a BMV replacement request online, you must do the following:

1. Visit the BMV renewal site
2. Provide one of the following:
   1. Plate information, such as your plate number and last four digits of Social Security number or Tax ID number
   2. Driver license information, such as a license/state ID number or key number, date of birth, first letter of your last name and last four digits of Social Security number
   3. Person information, such as your full name, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number
3. Confirm that information is correct
4. Pay the applicable registration renewal fee

Once you have completed all of those steps, the BMV will process your request. Allow up to 10 business plates for your new registration items to arrive through the mail. If you do not receive your new items after 10 days, inquire about your application status by contacting the Ohio BMV Registration Support Services at 614-752-7518.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration by Mail

If you would prefer to not enter a request online, you can also request a BMV lost registration replacement through the mail instead. To complete this application by mail, you must provide the following:

• Complete the Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates/Validation Sticker Application form
• A check or money order for the replacement fee payable to the Ohio Treasurer of State.
• A Power of Attorney form signed by the leasing company (if it is a leased vehicle)

Send the above-mentioned items into the following address:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attention: Registration Support Services
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6521

Ensure that you complete the BMV registration replacement application fully by following the instructions and submitting the proper fees. Any errors made on the application will result in a delay in the processing of your application and may even result in your application not being processed.

As long as the application is completed properly, it will be processed within approximately four weeks. If you have any questions regarding this application, call the BMV Registration Support Service.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Person

There is another option that you can use to get a BMV duplicate registration; you may visit a BMV office and process the request in person. To do so, you must do the following:

1. Visit your local BMV office
2. Present a completed Duplicate Registration Card, Transfer, Replacement Plates/Validation Sticker Application form
3. Provide proof of insurance or financial responsibility – if requested
4. Pay the applicable replacement fee

Ohio Stolen Car Registration Requirements

If you have reason to believe that your car registration is stolen in Ohio, you may file a police report with the law enforcement in Ohio. However, although filing a report can be beneficial, it is not a requirement.

Ohio DMV Sticker Replacement

You must obtain a BMV sticker replacement if your registration sticker has been lost, stolen or badly damaged. To get a new sticker, you must indicate on the application form that you wish to receive a validation sticker with your duplicate registration by checking the appropriate box. Or, if you are applying in person, you must tell the BMV staff that you want a sticker when you request your registration.

Ohio Vehicle Registration Replacement Fees

In order to replace your lost vehicle registration card, you must pay the applicable fee. This fee is applicable regardless of the application method you choose. In Ohio, there is a fee of $4.50 that you must pay to the BMV before you are able to obtain duplicate car registration.

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