In a time of grief, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and your county Clerks of Court want you to know that we understand and can relate to your feelings. We want to assist you toward an easy and efficient transfer of ownership of vehicle(s) owned by a deceased family member.

How do I transfer ownership of the deceased's vehicle?

Here is how to transfer an Ohio Certificate of Title:

STEP 1
The surviving spouse should present the original Ohio title document, certified copy of the death certificate and a Surviving Spouse Affidavit indicating that the automobile is not otherwise disposed of by a Will. This affidavit form can be obtained from your county Clerk of Courts either by by mail or in person. Ask for the affidavit pertaining to the Ohio Revised Code Section 2106.18. This affidavit requires:

1. the approximate value of the automobile

2. the year

3. the manufacturer's serial number

4. the make

5. body type

6. model

7. Ohio Certificate of Title number

Take these documents (original title, death certificate and affidavit) to your local county Clerk of Courts Title Office.

STEP 2
The transfer of title will proceed through application for title by the surviving spouse at the county Clerk of Courts Title Office (This transfer does not affect any liens upon the automobile).

If there are vehicles listed in "joint ownership with the right of survivorship," the survivor will present the original Ohio title document and a certified copy of the death certificate. Some counties may also require a tax release from the county auditor. Application for title is presented to the county Clerk of Courts Title Office and transfer of ownership is then completed.

The Title fee is $5.00 plus any notary fees, taxes or lien notations that apply.

When there's a will and/or an estate

STEP 1
When there is an estate involved and a Will is probated through the Courts, the Executor appointed will act for the transfer of ownership of the vehicle (s).

STEP 2
The Executor will have a copy of the court executed document showing appointment as the Executor. He/she will give the properly assigned Ohio title document to the heir or the buyer. The heir or the buyer can then take the Ohio title and the copy of the appointment paper, or other documents as may be required by the county, to the county Clerk of Courts Title Office. Please check with your county Clerk of Courts Title Office on requirements.

When there is no will

STEP 1
When there is no Will, an heir should go to the Probate Court to get a form called "RELEASE FROM ADMINISTRATION WITH AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER."

STEP 2
The heir should take this release form (noting complete description of the vehicle and transferee name) and the original Ohio Certificate of Title document to the county Clerk of Courts Title Office for transfer of ownership of the vehicle.

How do I call the county Clerk of Courts title office?

In all instances for title transfer, the surviving spouse or Executor or Administrator should be in contact with the county Clerk of Courts title office for information or assistance.

The Clerk of Courts title office  telephone numbers are listed in the government section of your telephone book (white pages). Sometimes it is listed under the county section as "Auto Title Department." In some locations, the title office will be in the courthouse. If the telephone book only lists a courthouse number, call the courthouse and tell the operator you need the Clerk of Courts title office .

What about the registration?

STEP 1
After the title is transferred to the surviving spouse's name, the surviving spouse should take the new title to a Deputy Registrar.

STEP 2
At the Deputy Registrar license agency, the application for registration should be accompanied by a service fee of $3.50, a transfer fee of $1.00, and the newly transferred Certificate of Title.

STEP 3
Upon the proper filing, the Deputy Registrar will issue a certificate of registration in the name of the surviving spouse.

STEP 4
With the title and registration now in the surviving spouse's name, the plates remain on the vehicle and are the responsibility of the surviving spouse. If there is no surviving spouse, the new owner will be issued a new set of regular plates and registration at a Deputy Registrar license agency.

STEP 5
When the owner is deceased and the vehicle is still in the estate and not yet probated and the registration is expiring, an Executor or Administrator of an estate can perform a one-time renewal registration for the deceased at a Deputy Registrar license agency.

The title has not yet been transferred to the surviving spouse. The renewal registration remains in the deceased's name. The Executor or Administrator must use his/her own social security number and sign the application and financial responsibility statement. The next renewal must be titled in the new owner's name.

In summary

As you prepare to settle your family member's or friend's estate, you can feel confident in knowing that the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles' employees and the Clerk of Courts title office  employees stand poised and ready to assist you in any way possible.

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1970 West Broad Street
P.O. Box 16520
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6520
(614) 752-7500