FLYING WV in OHIO
Our chapter is working to bring the Flying WV to Ohio License Plates - Take a look below at the progress and the next steps to make this happen.
There are numerous steps to make this happen, but hoping this can be accomplished sometime in 2025!!!
Follow the Progress of Getting THE FLYING WV on OHIO LICENSE
Petition Overview and Process
We are working with the other Ohio Alumni Chapters and will be coordinating with the National Alumni Association to assist us in gathering signatures. We need original signature unfortunately vs digital - so unfortunately, we are unable to collect via a form.
Petition language as follows:
We the undersigned do intend to support the production of specialty license plates designated to the West Virginia University by purchasing the West Virginia University Specialty License Plates from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. We understand there will be an additional cost to the standard license plate fee and also understand a portion of the proceeds will go to the designated fund. ***Please do not sign this petition unless it is your present intention to purchase this plate if and when it is issued.***
Designated Fund
License plates purchased in Ohio with come with an additional fee - part of the fee goes to the State of Ohio and the designated portion will go to provide scholarships to students that attend WVU and reside in Ohio. Specific details will be determined in the future.
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Our plate would be considered an Organizational plate vs a Collegiate Plate - only Ohio Schools fall into the College category.
https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/vr-sp-geninfo.aspx .
Click on Organization to see available plates - Alabama and Notre Dame are the only non-Ohio Scholls available currently.
Organization Plate (1 and 2 are being handled simultaneously)
Establishing an organizational license plate requires:
- 150 original signatures from people who intend to purchase the new plate. Signatures must be submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) on the Petition to Establish Organizational License Plate (form BMV 4820) or on a self-created petition that includes all information listed on the form.
- Passage of a bill by a state legislator.
Once the bill passes, and in addition to the signatures, the following items must be submitted to the BMV:
- A completed Affidavit for Participation in Organizational / Collegiate Special License Plate Program (form BMV 4810).
- An electronic file of the logo and name (must be vector art)
- Include Pantone colors and fonts (if text is not paths)
- Logo size may be no more than 2.5” wide and 3.25” high
- Text size may be no more than 5.5” wide and .75” high
Key Dates and Conversations
October 3rd, 2024
Response from Senator Wilson's office:
Thanks for sending over these changes. I have forwarded your request over to the attorney at the Legislative Service Commission who drafted this language for us (LSC is the nonpartisan legislative agency that actually writes the legislation on behalf of legislative members).
As soon as we get the language back, I will be sure to send it your way for verification. And by that time, hopefully we will be close to finding out which bill will be the “omnibus license plate bill.”
Thanks again,
October 1st, 2024
Dialogue continues with Senator Wilson's office
Per our conversation, please find attached the bill language that our office had drafted. You will notice that the bill draft is 43 pages. This is because it includes most of, if not all, other specialty license plates that are already in the Ohio Revised Code. The section pertaining to WVU, which we are aiming to amend into a larger bill by the end of this year, can be found on Page 21 from Line 589 to Line 597, and also on Pages 41-42 from Line 1192 to Line 1239.
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There were some issues that we requested to be corrected as they wrote the language focused on the WVU Alumni Greater Cincinnati | Dayton Chapter vs West Virginia University - Corrections were forwarded to the Legislative Aide
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Additional Detail:
Spoke with the Legislative Aide and was informed that the legislation and the signature requirements can occur in any order and the 150 signatures are not required in advance of the legislation. This differs from the BMV website - but is purposely being done to fast track some of these items and not waste legislative time.
September 20-21, 2023
Response #2 from Senator Wilson's Office (September 20th:
Thank you for your phone call earlier. I spoke with Senator Kunze’s staff (Chair of Transportation) and got some clarity on the license plate process. Since this would not be stand-alone legislation, Senator Wilson would introduce an amendment to the Omnibus Bill, which includes road naming’s and license plates at the end of the 135th General Assembly, which will be the end of 2024. You will need to gather petitions, but it is too early as of now. I would recommend that you reach out to our office in August of 2024.
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you!
Response #1 from Senator Wilson's Office:
Good morning, Neil,
Thank you for reaching out to Senator Wilson’s office. Our office has taken note of your license plate request, but we will need to wait for the transportation budget to submit an amendment. This will take place next year.
Please let me know if you have any other questions regarding legislation or state agencies. Thanks again!
September 4th, 2023
Initial email to Senator Steve Wilson:
I am writing to you as a citizen of your district and a proud member of the West Virginia University (WVU) Alumni Cincinnati Dayton Chapter. I am reaching out to respectfully request your support for legislation that would allow for the creation of a West Virginia University license plate in our state. As an active member of the WVU Alumni Cincinnati Dayton Chapter, I have witnessed the enthusiasm and pride with which fellow alumni and supporters of our beloved university display their affiliation. The introduction of a WVU license plate in West Virginia would provide an excellent opportunity for residents to proudly display their support for our alma mater while contributing to a sense of community among Mountaineer fans across the state. These license plates not only serve as a source of pride but also as a means of generating additional revenue for the state. Funds raised from the sale of these specialized plates could be allocated towards scholarships, educational programs, or other initiatives that benefit both West Virginia University and our local communities. Both Marshall University and the University of Alabama recently received approval to allow for license plates and our organization would be elated if you took up this cause for us as well. I kindly ask for your support in advocating for this legislation, as it would not only enhance the sense of unity among WVU supporters but also contribute to the betterment of our state and the future success of our students. Thank you for your time and consideration of this request. I am hopeful that you will champion this cause and work towards making the WVU license plate a reality in our state. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me at <redacted> or XXX-XXX-XXX. I am more than willing to provide any assistance necessary to move this initiative forward. Sincerely, Neil Armstrong President, WVU Alumni Cincinnati|Dayton