Vehicle Titles

Title-Related Processes

Liens on a Title

When you pay off a vehicle loan, the lender will send you the title showing the lien as satisfied. You have two options:

1. Exchange the title at any County Clerk of Courts Title Office for a clear (paid-in-full) title (click here for current fee).

2. Keep the title that shows the lien as satisfied. However, you must be sure that the lien release is noted in Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) records, and if the title is lost or destroyed, you will have to obtain a lien release letter from the lender.

Releasing the Lien Electronically

If your lender participates in Ohio's Electronic Lien and Title Program, it will electronically release the lien and BMV records will no longer show a lien on the vehicle. You will need to apply for a paper title with the County Clerk of Courts Title Office and pay a title fee. When all requirements are satisfied, you will be issued a new (paper) title.

Releasing the Lien Manually

If your lender does not participate in Ohio's Electronic Lien program, the lender will mark that the lien was discharged and mail the paper title to you. However, you must remove the lien from BMV records by bringing the title to any County Clerk of Courts Title Office and apply for a title (click HERE for current fee). The County Clerk of Courts Title Office will issue you a new (paper) title.

What is the Electronic Lien and Title Program?

The Electronic Lien and Title Program (ELT) is a method by which the Ohio BMV and lending institutions (lienholders) can exchange vehicle and title information electronically.