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    How to Title

    Ohio titles are issued by Clerk of Courts title offices, the BMV does not issue titles.

    County Title Office Search 

    New Motor Vehicle

    Purchasing a New Motor Vehicle from an Ohio Dealer

    When you buy a new motor vehicle from an Ohio dealership, the dealer will handle the vehicle title paperwork for you.

    Purchasing a New Motor Vehicle from an Out-of-State Dealer

    The Clerk of Courts title office will need:

    Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

    Ohio Revised Code: 2921.13 4505.06

    Used Motor Vehicle

    The seller must complete the “assignment of ownership” portion on the back of the title and have their signature(s) notarized. Then present it to the buyer to finalize the transfer.

    What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

    • Original title assigned to the buyer
    • Acceptable identification (please contact your County Clerk of Courts Title Office for details)
    • For out-of-state titles only, an out-of-state vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection; inspections can be obtained at any (current fees) or any licensed Ohio motor vehicle dealership (call ahead for fee)
    • Sales tax on the purchase price (sales tax rates by county)
    • Payment for title fees, including a lien holder notation (if applicable)

    Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

    Ohio Revised Code: 2921.13

    Transferring Ownership of a Motor Vehicle with an Electronic Title to a Resident of Ohio or Company Located in Ohio

    Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale (form BMV 3770):

    The BMV 3770 CANNOT be used by dealerships or insurance companies. Also, the BMV 3770 CANNOT be used for the following properties because a physical title is required per O.R.C. 4519.521 and 1548.032:

    • All-purpose vehicles
    • Off-highway motorcycle (off-road, dirt bike, etc.)
    • Watercraft
    • Outboard motors
    • Unconventional vehicles

    Ohio Revised Code 4505.032 allows the use of the Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale (form BMV 3770), which serves the same purpose as the back of a physical title when a physical title has not been issued. This form can only be used when the title is held electronically. It permits the seller to assign ownership to an Ohio resident without the need to obtain a physical title. The new owner can request a physical title by checking the print title “yes” box on the form. ATPS automatically defaults to a physical title.

    Seller – Completes page 1 of the BMV 3770 in its entirety and has their signature(s) notarized. All owners must complete the assignment. When completed, they will give both pages of the BMV 3770 to the buyer to have the title transferred into their name at a Clerk of Courts title office.

    Buyer – Completes page 2 of the BMV 3770 in its entirety and has their signature(s) notarized. All owners must complete the assignment.

    Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

    Important Information to Remember

    • The buyer will pay sales and use tax on the purchase price of the vehicle.
    • Title transfers must take place within 30 days of the date of sale, otherwise a late fee will be assessed.
    • Dual ownership requires both parties to be present unless a notarized power of attorney is provided. Social Security numbers for all parties are required. Photocopies of title are not accepted.
    • If you choose to have a 45-day temporary tag issued, it must be obtained before you transfer the vehicle title into your name. Once an Ohio title is established, you will only be able to purchase permanent Ohio license plates.
    • If you have a lien holder, it must be noted on the assignment portion of the title (current fees).

    Ohio Revised Code: 2921.13

    In order to register a vehicle and obtain license plates in Ohio, an out-of-state title must be converted to an Ohio title.

    What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

    • Out-of-state title certificate
    • Bill of Sale if purchased from an Out-of-State dealer
    • Acceptable identification (please contact your County Clerk of Courts Title Office for details) and payment for title fees
    • An out-of-state vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection
    • For lease transactions only, two original powers of attorney from lessor (one to obtain an Ohio title and one to obtain vehicle registration and license plates)
    • Payment for title fees
    • Sales tax on the purchase price (sales tax rates by county)

    Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

    Important Information to Remember

    • For dual ownership, both parties must be present, unless a power of attorney is provided
    • Social Security numbers are required for all parties
    • Photocopies of a title are not accepted
    • If your lienholder has your title, you must complete a transfer request form and send it to your lienholder. Please contact a County Clerk of Courts Title Office to obtain the form
    • For out-of-state leasing dealers, a leasing permit number and a valid Ohio use tax account number (99-XXXXXX) are required

    Ohio Revised Code: 2921.13

    Title an All-Purpose Vehicle (APV), Off-Highway Motorcycle, or Snowmobile

    Under Ohio law:

    • APVs and off-highway motorcycles are motor vehicles and are titled.
    • Snowmobiles are not motor vehicles and are not titled.

    See vehicle registration requirements for more information.

    What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

    The following evidence is required at the time of titling and is subject to the discretion of the issuing County Clerk of Courts title office:

    • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), an Ohio certificate of title assigned to the applicant’s name, or an out-of-state title in the applicant’s name
    • Payment for title fees, including a lienholder notation (if applicable), and sales tax on the purchase price (see sales tax rates by county) are required at the time of titling.

    Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

    Ohio Revised Code: 4519.01

    Title a Mini-Truck, Under-Speed Vehicle (USV), or Utility Vehicle (UTV)

    Under Ohio law, mini-trucks, USV, and UTV are not motor vehicles and are titled for ownership purposes upon the owner’s request. A certificate of title is not required when only being used on private property.

    Road Use Requirements

    If you are using the vehicle for limited on-road use, you must obtain a title and registration.

    Please contact local law enforcement in the city, township, village, or applicable jurisdiction for the ordinances and/or laws.

    See vehicle registration requirements for more information.

    What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

    The following evidence is required at the time of titling and is subject to the discretion of the issuing county Clerk of Courts title office:

    Payment for title fees, including a lienholder notation (if applicable), and sales tax on the purchase price (see sales tax rates by county) are required at the time of titling.

    Ohio Revised Code: 4501.01 4511.214 4511.215

    Ohio Administrative Code: 4501-30

    Title a Motor Scooter

    In Ohio, a motor scooter must be compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and considered roadworthy before it is titled.

    Motor scooters should be equipped with a motor with a piston displacement between 50 and 100 cubic centimeters piston displacement that produces not more than 5 brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on a level surface.

    Please Note: Mopeds are not titled in Ohio.

    What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

    Payment for title fees, including a lienholder notation (if applicable), and sales tax on the purchase price (see sales tax rates by county) are required at the time of titling.

    Ohio Revised Code: 4501.01 4511.01 4513.04 4513.05 4513.261 4513.071 4513.21 4513.23

    Title a Repossessed Vehicle

    To receive a repossession title, the secured party (financial institution or individual) must surrender the Ohio title assigned in the name of the lienholder and pay a title fee.

    What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

    • Ohio title assigned in the name of the lienholder
    • Certified copy of the security agreement that includes:
      • the name and address of the debtor and secured party
      • the terms of the contract
      • a description of the secured collateral – year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN)
      • signature of debtor
    • Applicant affidavit to establish mileage (if applicable)
    • Acceptable identification (please contact your County Clerk of Courts Title Office for details)
    • Payment for title fees is required at the time of titling.

    Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

    Title a Salvage or Self-Assembled Vehicle

    To have your Ohio Title changed to a Salvage Title, the Clerk of Courts title office will need the application on the back of the title completed by the owner with the Application Type – Salvage marked. The owner will need to have their signature notarized and pay the title fees for a Salvage Title.

    Before a self-assembled vehicle or a rebuilt salvage vehicle can be titled in Ohio, an inspection must be completed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The inspection is to:

    • verify ownership of all parts
    • review all required documentation

    See the Ohio State Highway Patrol Vehicle Inspection Gateway for more information or to schedule an inspection.

    Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

    Duplicate Title – Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Ohio Title

    There are two options for obtaining your title, in person or through the mail. To apply in person, you will need to visit any Ohio County Clerk of Courts title office with your valid photo ID and payment of title fees. The title will be printed on the spot.

    In order to get a paper title through the mail, you would need to send the following documents to your County Clerk of Courts title office:

    1. Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (form BMV 3774)
      • Enter your name and current mailing address
      • Mark Duplicate Certificate of Title and state that the title was lost, stolen, or destroyed
        • If you are in need of your title number, you may enter your VIN number into the VIN search tool on the BMV website to locate that number.
        • Note: The search tool can also verify the lien release. Be sure a date is listed in the field labeled: Lien 1 Cancel Date. If this field is blank, you will also need to send the lien release letter to the county title office.
      • Complete the fields at the bottom that identify the vehicle: Year, VIN, Model, Body Type and Make
      • Have your signature notarized
    2. Payment of title fees
    3. Self-addressed, return-stamped envelope

    Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

    Replacement Title

    Any County Clerk of Courts Title Office can issue a replacement title when information on the previously issued title needs to be changed. If your title is electronic and you would like a paper title, you will apply for a Replacement Title.

    If there is a lien on the vehicle, you must contact the lienholder to make changes to the existing title record.

    There are two options for obtaining your title, in person or through the mail. To apply in person, you will need to visit any Ohio County Clerk of Courts Title Office with your valid photo ID and payment of title fees. The title will be printed on the spot.

    In order to get a paper title through the mail, you would need to send the following documents to your County Clerk of Courts Title Office:

    1. Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (form BMV 3774)
      • Enter your name and current mailing address
      • Mark Replacement Certificate of Title
        • If you are in need of your title number, you may enter your VIN number into the VIN search tool on the BMV website to locate that number.
        • Note: The search tool can also verify the lien release. Be sure a date is listed in the field labeled: Lien 1 Cancel Date. If this field is blank, you will also need to send the lien release letter to the county title office.
      • Complete the fields at the bottom that identify the vehicle: Year, VIN, Model, Body Type and Make
      • Have your signature notarized
    2. Payment of title fees
    3. Self-addressed, return-stamped envelope

    Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

     

    Contact Information

    Chat or please call us at (614) 752-7671 or email Ask Titles

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