A new standard design known as "Beautiful Ohio" became Ohio's basic plate in 2010. It features an image of the sun rising over urban and farm settings, with an old-style airplane visible in the sky. Blue, green and gold are the predominant colors of this design.
Through Nov. 30, 2010, Ohio drivers had the option to select the previous standard plate, known as the "Sunburst" design. This plate features a red, white and blue color scheme with a muted, blue sunrise in the background.
Ohio residents can show their support of several universities by selecting one of the state's collegiate license plates. This category featured 26 options as of April 2010, including Cleveland State University, Heidelberg College, The Ohio State University, Xavier University and Youngstown State University.
Those drivers with an enthusiasm for sports teams can show their support on the back of their vehicles. The state's selection of sports plates features the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns football teams, the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds baseball teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball franchise and the Columbus Bluejackets hockey team.
Ohio recognizes members of the military with more than 30 different license plates. These include plates honoring service in Grenada, Korea, Lebanon, Panama, the Persian Gulf and World Wars I and II. There are also plates for those who received recognition such as a Purple Heart or Silver Star. Veterans and active military members must present documentation to apply for armed forces plates.
A wide variety of other plates are available for motorists to choose from. These include plates proclaiming their support of cats, dogs, horses, zoos and bald eagles. Those who want to show their affinity for a particular organization can select plates for various fraternities, Ducks Unlimited, the Eagle Scouts, Rotary International, Future Farmers of America and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Those who enjoy the outdoors may select the scenic rivers, cardinal, Smokey Bear or nature preserve options.
