How to transfer a car title in Ohio
For private sellers and buyers in Ohio. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Ohio, the seller fills in the assignment on the back of the title, signs it in front of a notary and hands the original title to the buyer. The buyer takes it to a County Clerk of Courts title office within thirty days and pays the sales tax and title fee there.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Ohio?
Seller
- Fill in the assignment of ownership on the back of the title.
- Sign it in front of a notary. Every owner on the title signs.
- Give the original title to the buyer. Photocopies are not accepted.
Buyer
- Take the original assigned title and your ID to a County Clerk of Courts title office.
- Transfer the title within 30 days of the sale, or a late fee applies.
- Pay the sales tax on the purchase price and the title fees there.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles before you go: bmv.ohio.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Ohio?
Step 1 · Seller
Fill in the assignment on the back of the title.
Write in the buyer, the price and the date. Erasures and changes void the assignment.
Step 2 · Seller
Sign in front of a notary.
Every owner listed on the title signs, and each signature is notarized.
Step 3 · Seller
Give the buyer the original title.
Photocopies are not accepted. If the title is electronic, use BMV 3770 instead.
We have not confirmed whether Ohio requires a bill of sale. Check with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles before you sell.
Ohio bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Ohio?
Step 1 · Buyer
Take the title to a title office.
Bring the original assigned title and your ID to any County Clerk of Courts title office.
Step 2 · Buyer
Pay the sales tax and title fee.
Sales tax is charged on the purchase price, at the rate for your county.
Step 3 · Buyer
Do it within 30 days of the sale.
After that, a late fee is added.
After BMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Ohio guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Ohio?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee ($23 in some counties) | $18 | Buyer | bmv.ohio.gov Checked |
| Sales and use tax | Charged on the purchase price, at the title office, at your county's rate | Buyer | bmv.ohio.gov Checked |
| Late fee after 30 days (if it applies) | $5 | Buyer | dam.assets.ohio.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $18 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Ohio Department of Taxation.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Ohio are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (BMV 3774).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
The title is electronic
No paper title? The seller and buyer use the Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale (BMV 3770) instead, and both have their signatures notarized. bmv.ohio.gov checked
Common questions
Does the seller need a notary in Ohio?
Yes. The seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized, and every owner on the title signs.
bmv.ohio.gov checked
How much is the title fee in Ohio?
$18 in most counties. Some counties charge more if local officials approve it.
bmv.ohio.gov checked
What happens if the buyer waits more than thirty days?
A late fee of $5 is added when the title is finally applied for.
bmv.ohio.gov checked dam.assets.ohio.gov checked
What if the title is electronic?
Then there is no paper title to sign. The seller and buyer each fill in their part of BMV form 3770 and have their signatures notarized.
bmv.ohio.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Ohio sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.