In Ohio, the cost to get a new license plate (often called "tags") for your car is primarily determined by a base registration fee and additional county-specific taxes. For a standard passenger vehicle, you can expect to pay a minimum of approximately $70 to $100 for the first-time registration, but the final cost can vary significantly based on your vehicle's value and your county of residence. The core fee is a fixed rate, while the additional charges are variable.
The mandatory base fee for most cars is $34.50. However, this is just the starting point. You will also be required to pay a local tax, which is calculated by your county's tax authority. This tax is often the largest portion of the cost. Furthermore, if your vehicle is new to you (a new purchase or newly brought into Ohio), you will likely owe title fees ($15.00) and potentially sales tax.
The table below breaks down the typical fees for a new registration of a passenger car valued at $20,000 in different Ohio counties, illustrating the cost variation.
| Fee Component | Franklin County (Columbus) | Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) | Hamilton County (Cincinnati) | Statewide Base Fee |
|---|
| State Registration Fee | $34.50 | $34.50 | $34.50 | $34.50 |
| County Tax (Approx.) | ~$60.00 | ~$55.00 | ~$50.00 | Varies by County |
| Title Fee | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Permissive Tax (if applicable) | $10.00 | $10.00 | $5.00 | Varies by County |
| Estimated Total | ~$119.50 | ~$114.50 | ~$104.50 | Varies |
The best way to get an exact amount is to use the online fee calculator on the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and the purchase price or current value. Remember, these fees are typically due upon initial registration and then annually for renewal, which is cheaper as it usually only includes the registration and county permissive tax.
