We studied the effect of transition metal oxides on hydrogen production from bio-alcohols on a series of Pt catalysts supported on activated carbon, ZrO2, TiO2 and CeO2 nanoparticles. These catalysts were synthesized with incipient wetness impregnation method and were characterized with CO pulse chemisorption, TPR, TPD, TPO, and synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption techniques. The activity of the catalysts for bio-alcohol reforming with steam/carbon ratio of 3/2 was tested using a fixed bed flow reactor system. Transition metal oxide supports affect the hydrogen production activity and selectivity significantly. The results indicate that the active sites for hydrogen production from reforming bio-alcohols are the sites where there exists strong synergistic interaction between Pt and oxygen vacancies in transition metal oxide nanoparticles. This interaction affects the electronic and structural properties of Pt and transition metal oxide nanoparticles. The higher activity and better stability with less coke formation are seen over the catalyst that has stronger Pt and oxygen vacancy interaction and weaker surface acidity. This work provides us insight to prepare a better catalytic system for bio-alcohol reforming process. Published by Elsevier B.V.