University of Toledo

Got Your Plates?: Frequently Asked Questions

How may I purchase UToledo specialty (collegiate) license plates?

For your convenience, you may order your UToledo specialty plates in person or online:

  • Visit any BMV agency and request a UToledo specialty license plate.
  • Go online. (Note: This option is not available for leased renewals; if you want UToledo specialty plates for a leased vehicle, you must visit an Ohio BMV agency).

Do I have a choice of UT specialty plate designs?

Yes, there are now two designs: the UToledo shield logo plates or Rocket icon plates. 

 The University of Toledo license plate  The University of Toledo Rockets license plate

Once I order my UToledo specialty plates, how long does it take to receive my new plates?

According to the BMV, you should receive your UToledo specialty plates through the United States Postal Service within approximately three weeks after placing your order.

Can UToledo specialty plates be used on any type of vehicle?

Ohio specialty plates are available for passenger vehicles, non-commercial trucks and leased vehicles.

How much do UToledo specialty plates cost?

In addition to your annual license registration fees, UToledo specialty plates cost $35 annually, with $25 being returned by the BMV to the University to fund student scholarships.

Why should I consider purchasing UToledo specialty plates?

Displaying UToledo specialty plates is another great way to show your Rocket pride, in addition to flying a UToledo flag at your home and wearing Midnight Blue and Gold on game days! Wherever you drive, your UToledo plates will further raise the public’s awareness of The University of Toledo.

Additionally, $25 of the $35 specialty plate fee helps to fund student scholarships, which are critically important in helping our students to obtain their UToledo degree. In fact, 85 percent of our   students request – and receive – financial assistance. By purchasing UToledo license plates, you enable UToledo to continue awarding financial aid to students in need.

May I personalize my UT specialty plates so they are vanity plates? If so, what is the cost?

Yes, you may order customized UToledo specialty plates. In addition to your annual license registration fees, a personalized (“vanity”) plate costs $50 annually, in addition to the annual $35 fee for UToledo specialty plates (with $25 of the $35 fee helping to fund UToledo student scholarships). Please select those options when completing the BMV form.

What if the particular Ohio BMV agency I visit says it has no information about UToledo specialty plates, or that they are unavailable or discontinued?

Ohio BMV agencies are independently operated; therefore, if you are told at a particular BMV agency that the UToledo specialty plates you would like to order are unavailable, please ask to speak with the manager (who may call the Ohio BMV office if any further assistance is needed). You also may contact The University of Toledo at utplates@utoledo.edu or call 419.530.2441. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you, if needed!

May I purchase UToledo specialty plates for my vehicle if I reside outside the state of Ohio?

Unfortunately, no. You must be an Ohio resident.

Do I need to be a current student or UToledo alumni to purchase Ohio UToledo specialty plates?

No, any Ohio resident with a valid driver’s license may purchase UToledo specialty plates, so no proof of UToledo enrollment or other association with the University is needed. Therefore, please encourage your family members and friends to purchase UToledo specialty plates so they, too, may show their Rocket pride and support student scholarships!

If I purchase UToledo specialty plates from an Ohio BMV and move to another state, may I continue using these plates?

Please check with the state you’re moving to in order to ensure you meet their specific BMV requirements.

If I want to purchase my UToledo specialty plates now instead of waiting until my birthday (i.e., until my annual license renewal date), are fees pro-rated?

Fees include both the registration fees as well as the specialty plate fee. Registration fees are pro-rated based on when your vehicle is registered. If you are within 90 days of your birthday, the $35 specialty plate fee applies once. If you are outside 90 days of your birthday, there is a second charge for the upcoming year.

If I want to be formally acknowledged for my support of UToledo student scholarships (e.g., so I might be able to include this as a tax deduction), what should I do?

When you complete the BMV form to purchase your UT specialty license plates, be sure to give your permission to the BMV to release your name and address to The University of Toledo. This authorization will allow the BMV to let the University know of your gift.

Should I affix my annual Ohio license renewal sticker directly onto my UToledo specialty plates?

Yes. In accordance with Ohio law, be sure to place your annual registration renewal sticker on the lower right-hand corner of your vehicle’s back UToledo specialty plate.

Are there other University products that I also may purchase to show my Rocket pride?

Yes! The University has many other products available, including a complete line of Rocket gear, UToledo flag for your home or business, backpacks, license plate frames and much more. Please visit our UToledo merchandise page online, or stop by Rocky’s Locker in Savage Arena and Barnes and Noble (the University’s bookstore) at 1430 Secor Road in Toledo. View a PDF list of UToledo-licensed retail locations for more UToledo licensed merchandise.

If I have a question about UToledo specialty license plates that is not answered on this webpage, how may I receive more details?

Please call the Ohio BMV at 800.589.TAGS (800.589.8247), stop by an Ohio BMV agency or visit www.oplates.com. If the BMV cannot answer your question, please contact the University at utplates@utoledo.edu or 419.530.2441. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you and are grateful for your ongoing support of UT and our students. Thank you and Go Rockets!

Last Updated: 6/27/22