License Plate Roundup: Ohio

Ohio: History and Interesting Facts

Before we discuss Ohio's license plates, let's examine the state's colorful history. This section details Ohio's history, fun facts, and standout features.

When Was Ohio Established as a State?

Whereas most states celebrate statehood on the day they were sworn into the Union, Ohio does things differently. While an act of Congress legally made Ohio the 17th state on February 19, 1803, Ohio's statehood is celebrated on March 1, symbolizing the first meeting of Ohio's legislature. 

Before achieving statehood, Ohio was a portion of the NorthWest territory, which consisted of all the land West of Pennsylvania and East of the Mississippi River, between the Great Lakes and the Ohio River. Virginia, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts originally had claims to the land—however, they ceded it to the Federal government in the late 1700s.

What Is Ohio Most Known For?

Ohio holds claim to several iconic landmarks, monuments, and historical events. 

As the birthplace of Orville and Wilbur Wright, better known as the Wright brothers, Ohio holds the title of the birthplace of Aviation. The two brothers successfully engineered, built, and flew the first aircraft on December 17, 1903. 

Speaking of flight, how about space flight? Ohio is also the birthplace of Neil Armstrong, the American Astronaut who was the first man to walk on the Moon. 

In addition to famous persons from the state, Ohio houses monuments such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Professional Football Hall of Fame, and the great cities of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. 

Agriculturally, Ohio is known for its country-leading corn production. As the United State's seventh largest corn producer, Ohio harvests nearly 700 million bushels annually.

What Is Ohio's Nickname?

Ohio's official nickname is "The Buckeye State," hailing from the countless Ohio Buckeye trees that once covered the state's rolling hills and widespread plains. The name stems from the Native American word "hetuck," which roughly translates to "the eye of the buck" due to the markings on the tree's nuts, which resemble a deer's eyes. 

The nickname didn't catch on until it was used as a campaign gimmick during President William Henry Harrison's presidential bid. Critics of Harrison dubbed the rural Ohio native "The Log Cabin Candidate," though his supporters quickly repurposed the intended insult into a campaign slogan. Harrison's campaign logo became a log cabin fashioned from Buckeye timbers. The name caught on, Harrison won his bid for the presidency, and the rest is history.

Ohio's License Plate Designs

Now that we've uncovered some Ohio history, it's time to get into the Buckeye State's top license plate designs. This section covers Ohio's license plate program and our top ten designs.

Custom, Special, and Other License Plates

While acquiring an Ohio license plate is relatively straightforward, pricing and requirements vary depending on the design, plate type, and level of customization.

Regular Passenger, Commercial, and Motorcycle Plates

In Ohio, regular license plates are provided at the time of registration. Aside from standard registration fees, no other payments are required to receive standard-issued plates. Plate numbers are pre-manufactured and system-assigned.

Unlike most other states, Ohio law only requires drivers to display one distinctive license plate on the rear of that vehicle. Front plates are optional—however, the front plate must match the rear plate.

Personalized and Special Interest License Plates

Ohio also allows personalized license plates between four and eight characters. A one-time 50-dollar fee is required at the time of purchase, as well as annual payments to retain the personalized plate. 

Special Interest plates follow similar rules, often requiring a one-time donation at the time of purchase and annual renewal fees, which vary depending on the plate design.

RealTruck Favorites

While Ohio offers fewer variances between its special interest license plate designs than other states, it still provides several unique collegiate, charitable, and military designs. Check out RealTruck's ten favorites below.

Bald Eagle

Show your patriotism with the Ohio Bald Eagle license plate. It features a proud bald eagle before a waving American flag. At the lower edge of the plate, the text reads "Support Wildlife." 

The purchase of an Ohio Bald Eagle license plate requires a one-time 15-dollar contribution to the cause and a 10-dollar payment to the Ohio BMV.

Support Our Troops

Show support for the proud men and women protecting and serving our country. The Ohio Support Our Troops plate features the silhouette of a soldier before a waving American flag. At the lower edge of the plate, the text reads "Support Our Troops."

The purchase of an Ohio Support Our Troops license plate requires a one-time 25-dollar contribution to the cause and a 10-dollar payment to the Ohio BMV.

Smokey Bear

As Summer heats up, wildfires are a massive threat to natural ecosystems and rural communities. Donate to the cause and spread awareness with the Ohio Smokey Bear plate, featuring the iconic Smokey the Bear mascot and the lower text reading, "More Trees, Healthy Forests." 

The purchase of an Ohio Smokey Bear license plate requires a one-time 15-dollar contribution to the cause and a 10-dollar payment to the Ohio BMV.

Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness

Each day, researchers discover more and more about the causes, impacts, and treatments of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—an illness plaguing countless soldiers, domestic violence victims, and more. Spread awareness and support ongoing efforts with the Ohio Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness plate, featuring a green PTS ribbon before a green state silhouette. 

The purchase of an Ohio Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness license plate requires a one-time 40-dollar contribution to the cause and a 10-dollar payment to the Ohio BMV.

Ohio State University

Go Buckeyes! Students, parents, and football fanatics can support Ohio State University with the five unique varieties of the school's official license plate—all of which feature "Ohio State University" at the plate's lower edge. 

The purchase of an Ohio State University plate requires a one-time 25-dollar contribution to the school and a 10-dollar payment to the Ohio BMV.

Case Western Reserve

As one of the leading research universities in Ohio, Case Western Reserve is an institution to celebrate. Commemorate your student, parent, or alumni status with the Case Western Reserve Plate, featuring the state logo and "Case Western Reserve University" text at the plate's lower edge. 

Purchasing a Case Western Reserve University plate requires a one-time 25-dollar contribution to the school and a 10-dollar payment to the Ohio BMV.

Historical Plate

If you own a collector's vehicle that's 25 years or older, consider applying for a Historical license plate. These plates are valid (without renewal) for the vehicle's life and your ownership. 

Historical vehicles, as defined by the Ohio BMV, are not and may not be used for general transportation. However, they may be driven to and from repair and maintenance shops.

Standard Issue 2012

The 2012-release standard-issue Ohio license plates are extremely unique and stylish. They feature a modern white and red background with faint, reflective text reading out the state's greatest accomplishments and exports, including steel, rock and roll, inventors, aviation, and more. 

This plate was standard issue from 2012 to 2020.

Standard Issue 2004

Next on the list is another standard-issue plate—the 2004 "Birthplace of Aviation" license plate. This stylish design pays homage to the Wright brothers and their accomplishments, with a sunny background and "Birthplace of Aviation" text at the top. 

The "Birthplace of Aviation" plate was standard issue from 2004–2012. 

Standard Issue 2021—Current

The current-generation standard-issue license plate rounds off the list, once again paying homage to the Wright brothers' first flight. This extravagant design features a colorful field and blue sky, above which the Wright brothers' plane can be seen touting a banner reading, "Birthplace of Aviation."

This plate has been standard issue since 2021.

License Plate Products and Accessories

The Buckeye State offers countless unique and stylish license plate designs. If you're an Ohio resident, display your ride's license plate using our selection of frames, holders, brackets, and relocation solutions. 

Stay tuned for our next License Plate Roundup feature, where we tackle another state's top license plate artwork. And as always, contact the experts for all product inquiries and order assistance.