Does a Seller Remove License Plates in Ohio
When selling a vehicle in Ohio, the process for handling the license plates is straightforward. Ohio law requires the seller to remove the license plates from the vehicle before completing the sale. The plates stay with the seller, not the car.
Here’s what you should do with your license plates after selling the vehicle:
1. Transfer to a New Vehicle
If you're buying another vehicle, you can transfer your old plates to your new car. This can be done through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Learn more about plate transfer here.
2. Return to the BMV
If you’re not planning to use the plates on a new vehicle, you can return them to a local Ohio BMV office. Alternatively, some sellers prefer to destroy them to ensure they are not used illegally. Locate your nearest BMV office here.
3. Disposal
If you do not plan on reusing the plates and do not want to return them to the BMV, you should destroy them properly by cutting them up, especially the registration stickers, to prevent misuse.
For more detailed guidance on vehicle sales and title transfers in Ohio, visit the Ohio BMV’s official guide.
