Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Masthead Image

Vehicle Titling
Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Any evidence submitted to the BMV for titling purposes is solely for review purposes.  Receipt of said evidence by the BMV does not implicitly or explicitly guarantee that the evidence will be accepted or an Ohio title will be granted.


Q1:

How do I get a duplicate certificate of title?

A1:

Application is made in person at any county title office. There is a $6.00 fee. Please take your picture ID, registration or any other documents that verify the vehicle identification number.


Q2:

I just moved to Ohio.  How do I get an Ohio title for my vehicle?

A2:

If you have your jurisdictions title in your name, take that and a completed Out of State Inspection form (can be obtained at any Deputy Registrar's office or almost all new or used car dealers in Ohio) to the Clerk of Courts Title office in any county. You are applying for a conversion title from your state to Ohio. If you do not have your title and it is being held by the lien holder or leasing company, please get in contact with them to see how they want to handle the conversion.


Q3:

My title does not reflect the correct vehicle identification number. How do I correct it?

A3:

Contact the closest Highway Patrol Inspection station and ask to come in and have a trooper do a vehicle verification check on the car. Mail a copy of the HP106 form, a copy of the front and back of the title, and a brief notarized statement (include your phone number) as to the issue, to the Ohio BMV, Deputy Registrar And Title Support Services (D.R.A.T.S.S.), Title Administration and Customer Service Unit (TACS), PO Box 16520, Columbus, Ohio, 43216-6520. We will research the issue and provide you with a correction letter so that you can proceed to your county clerk's title office for a replacement title.


Q4:

My vehicle has had the vehicle identification plate removed/stolen. How do I get a new one?

A4:

Contact the Title Administration and Customer Service Unit (TACS) at 614-752-7671 and ask for a replacement VIN letter to be sent to your address. This letter will explain how to apply through the Highway Patrol office ($50 inspection fee) which can result in either the Patrol making a Department of Public Safety VIN replacement plate or applying directly through the manufacturer. The time frame is 6-8 weeks for a manufacturer's plate.  After completion, you may have title replaced at any county title office.


Q5:

My insurance company has salvaged my vehicle, but I am keeping it and repairing it for my use.  What steps do I need to follow?

A5:

First apply for a salvage title in your name changing the status of your title from regular to salvage. (NOTE: The vehicle cannot be operated on the highway while evidenced on a salvage title.) Upon completion of the repairs contact the closest Highway Patrol Inspection Station and make an appointment to have a salvage inspection done. ($50 fee) Take any receipts for repairs and new parts with you to the inspection. After the vehicle has successfully completed the inspection, take Form HP106 and your salvage title, and proceed to any title office and apply for a "rebuilt salvage" title. After all of these steps have been completed, the vehicle is now operable for highway use.


Q6:

How do I transfer ownership of my vehicle to another person?

A6:

On the back of your current title, at the top, complete the new buyers name and address, plus the purchase price. Complete the odometer certification area stating the mileage as it appears on the odometer. Right under the mileage area is the seller’s notary section. This area must be completed and notarized. Next, the buyer must acknowledge the mileage as stated by the seller by filling in his signature and then printing his name.  Please note that you are attesting to the actual mileage of the vehicle.  The seller should make a copy of the front and back of the assigned title and remove the plates from the vehicle.


Q7:

How do I transfer an assigned title into my name?

A7:

After receiving an assigned title, the new buyer can proceed to any Deputy Registrars Office with the assigned title and purchase a 30 day tag. Within 30 days, proceed to the Clerk of Courts title office (in order to avoid a $5.00 late charge) in any county and apply for title in your name. You will also have to pay sales & use tax on the purchase price of the vehicle. The rate varies from county to county so phone ahead for your rate. If you have a lien holder, it must be noted on the assignment portion of the title.  


Q8:

How do I record a lien on a motor vehicle?

A8:

The Clerk of Courts title office in any county will require an application for title to record a lien.  Once the application is filled out and the lien information added, plus the surrender of the owner's title, a new title will be issued to the lienholder.  The fee is currently $10.00.  The title owner should receive a memorandum title for registration and plating that is an additional $5.00 fee.  The BMV 3774 application for title is available online in the forms download area.


Q9:

I need to get a title history done on a vehicle.  How is this done?

A9:

Visit your nearest County title office, or download the BMV 1173 Title Request form from our website OhioBMV.com under download forms.  You may also fax in your request for a form at 614-752-8929. or write in to the Ohio BMV, Deputy Registrar And Title Support Services (D.R.A.T.S.S.), Title Administration and Customer Service Unit (TACS), PO Box 16520, Columbus, Ohio, 43216-6520 and request the form.  You will need to supply the vehicle identification number, the year and make of the vehicle.  There is a $2.00 charge for each individual title history. This history will reveal all previous owner information if you meet the requirements according to the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).  Otherwise, you will only receive vehicle information.


Q10:

There is an abandoned vehicle on my property.  How do I handle this situation?

A10:

First contact your local law enforcement office as each area has different rules.  Some law enforcement agencies will come to your property and remove the vehicle, others will say it’s on your property and you will have to find out who the owner is and contact them. If local law enforcement will not remove the vehicle, you will seek legal advice for avenues open to you to possibly obtain a court ordered title to be put in your name.


Q11:

There is an abandoned vehicle on the street where I live.  How do I handle this?

A11:

Contact local law enforcement and they will come out and remove the vehicle.


Q12:

I purchased a vehicle in-state or out-of-state and the seller did not provide me with a title. I have a bill of sale.  What do I do?

A12:

Contact the Title Administration and Customer Service Unit (TACS) at 614-752-7671


Q13:

I have an assigned title for the vehicle I am driving, but it was assigned a year ago.  What do I do?

A13:

Proceed to any county title office and apply for title. You will be charged a $5 late fee, in addition to other applicable fees.


Q14:

I just got married.  Do I need to go and have my name changed on my title?

A14:

No, at the time the title was issued your maiden name was correct and the title office will not change your title. Upon the sale of the vehicle that is in your maiden name, assign the title with your married name and also your maiden name.


Q15:

My spouse has died and the vehicle is still in her/his name.  What do I do?

A15:

Proceed to the title office in any county and apply for surviving spouse certificate of title. Some counties require a certified copy of the death certificate, so phone ahead for requirements. You may apply for up to 2 vehicles on a surviving spouse benefit. However, the estimated value of both vehicles cannot exceed $40,000. Surviving spouse can only transfer passenger vehicles, a 3/4 ton truck or smaller, or a motorcycle into their names. Commercial vehicles, motor homes, recreational vehicles are not covered under the surviving spouse law.


Q16:

I'm 17 years old and I want to purchase a vehicle in Ohio.  How is that handled?

A16:

Per House Bill 68 a dealer or a clerk of court can witness a minor consent form. The forms are available at the Title Office.


Q17:

I'm moving to Europe and taking my vehicle with me.  How is this handled?

A17:

Contact the Ohio BMV Title Administration and Customer Service Unit (TACS) at 614-752-7671 and ask to speak to the export-import assistant and they will advise you of the steps necessary to remove your vehicle from Ohio


Q18:

My lien was satisfied and I have not received a clear title.  What do I need to do to get my title?

A18:

You will need to contact your lienholder for a lien release statement and take this to your county title office for a title.  If you do not receive a lien release statement, you will need to contact the Ohio BMV, Deputy Registrar And Title Support Services (D.R.A.T.S.S.), Title Administration and Customer Service Unit (TACS) at 614-752-7671 for further direction.


Q19:

I was notified by my bank of a returned check written to you or a deputy registrar office.  How do I resolve this matter?

A19:

Banks are instructed to send returned checks through a second time.  If the check clears on the second attempt, the BMV does not receive any notice of a returned check.

However, if the returned check does not go through on the second attempt, and/or for another reason is sent to the BMV to process, you will be sent a letter requesting payment, including a $15.00 service charge, with a return envelope provided.  The letter will reference a claim number, which needs to be included with your payment in order for you to receive proper credit for the transaction.

We understand that mistakes happen and afford you the opportunity to correct the situation.

If you have further questions about a returned check, you may contact the BMV Tax Distribution Section at (614) 752-2084.


Q20:

I have just moved to Ohio from another state and need to know how to convert my state title to an Ohio title.

A20:

If you have the title, you need to obtain on “out of state inspection certificate” from any Deputy Registrar’s office first.  You will then take the out of state title in your name and the inspection to any county title office and apply for Ohio title.  If the title is in two names, you will need two signatures or a power of attorney to represent the one who cannot be present.  If all is in order, the Ohio title will be issued.  If the title is held by a lienholder you will need to get the inspection and proceed to the title office and the title office will contact the lienholder to begin the process of titling the vehicle in Ohio. If the vehicle is leased, contact your leasing company for their procedures, you will still need the out of state inspection completed.


Q21:

Where do I store my title?

A21:

Never leave the title in the motor vehicle.  Choose a safe place where you store other important documents or you have the option of telling the clerk of court title office that you would like a non-printed title.  It will still cost $5.00, but your title record will be retained on the database.


Q22:

The person I sold my vehicle to is calling and they have lost the assigned, notarized title that I gave them.  What do I do?

A22:

You should go to the county title office and state that the original title was lost or stolen and give the reason, and apply for a duplicate title and do the assignment and notarization over and deliver to purchaser.  Always keep a copy of the assigned title for your records.


Q23:

I want to put my title into two names. How is this done? 

A23:

Assign and notarize the title, in the names of the individuals who purchased the vehicle, on top back of the title to the two names and have that signature notarized.  They will need to sign and apply for the new title at the County Title office and new plates and registration will be required.  If one cannot be present, a power o f attorney form can be given.


Q24:

I want to put our title from two names to one name.  How is this done?

A24:

Assign and notarize the title, in the names of the individuals who purchased the vehicle, on top back of the title to the two names and have that signature notarized.  They will need to sign and apply for the new title at the County Title office and new plates and registration will be required.  If one cannot be present, a power of attorney form can be given.


Q25:

What section of the Ohio Revised Code has the laws pertaining to titling motor vehicles?

A25:

Ohio Revised Code 4505. and 4519. for  ATV’s and off road motorcycles.


Q26:

How can I find information on titling laws in other states?

A26:

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has a Web site.  Under the Membership & Leadership topic, select the AAMVA Regions and Jurisdictions link. The Regions and Jurisdictions are divided into four (4) regions.


Q27.

I made a mistake on the mileage. What can I do?

A27.

Please see Directive "Mileage Corrections" dated March 9, 2007


Q28.

How is a With Rights of Survivorship title transferred?

A28.

To transfer or encumber a vehicle that has With Rights of Survivorship (WROS) on the title, both signatures are required if both are living.  If one of the parties is deceased, the survivor applies for a  certificate of title with only a copy of the death certificate.  Only the application portion of the title needs to be completed, signed, and notarized.


Q29.

Can third party vendors file and process Unclaimed and Abandoned Motor Vehicle Affidavits on behalf of multiple custodians?

A29.

Please see the directive "Updated Requirements for Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle Unclaimed Motor Vehicle Affidavit (BMV3702)" posted on March 8, 2007.


Q30.

I just purchased an ATV from Missouri and the manufacturer gave me a MCO.   Will I need to get my ATV inspection since it is from out of state?

A30.

Please see form BMV 3709 - Titling, Registering & Operating Snowmobiles, Off-Highway Motorcycles & All Purpose Vehicles In Ohio.


Q31.

I purchased my vehicle from an in-state or out-of-state resident and do not have a title.  I submitted my evidence to the BMV and still could not get a a title.  What else can I do?

A31.

Per Ohio Revised Code, Section 4505.10, you will receive a denial letter and you may need to seek legal advice to the court of common pleas for a court order directing the clerk to issue a certificate of title.


Q32.

I purchased a truck that weighs over 16,000 pounds.  The seller did not acknowledge the mileage and I cannot locate him.  What can I do?

A32.

HB230 exempts the mileage statement from the seller and the acknowledgement of the buyer on all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 16,000 pounds or more.  You will need to write exempt in the mileage area.


Q33.

What are the requirements for out-of-state leasing dealers when applying for Ohio titles?

 

A33.

When applying for a title, Out-of-state leasing dealers are required to be registered with the Ohio Department of Taxation, but they are not required to have a leasing dealer’s permit “LD#) from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.  In order to title vehicles in the leasing dealer’s name, Ohio requires a valid Ohio use tax account number (99-XXXXXX) before it will proceed with issuing a title without collecting use tax.  Please contact the Ohio Department of Taxation at 1-800-405-4089 to apply for the Ohio Use Tax account number.

 

When the leasing dealer sells a vehicle, they are required to:

1) process the paperwork;

2) collect sales tax up front;

3) and remit net tax to the Clerks office and;

4) provide the customer with a title. 

When the paperwork is complete, the lessee will receive a memorandum title via mail.  They need to take this memorandum title, and a dealer signed power of attorney form to their local Deputy Registrars office to register the vehicle.  When the paperwork is complete, the lessee should get a memorandum title from the lesser.


Q34.

What are the procedures for titling and registering trailers in Ohio?

 

A34.

All Travel Trailers are titled in Ohio at any county title office with proof of ownership, application, fees and taxes.  If the Travel Trailer is on a non-Ohio title, you must first obtain an Ohio out of state VIN verification at any Deputy Registrar's office.  If the trailer is not a travel trailer and weighs 4,000 pounds or less, you must obtain a weight slip on the trailer and then take that and proof of ownership to your Deputy Registrar's office and apply for plates and registration.  If the trailer weighs 4,001 pounds or more, you would take proof of ownership and apply for Ohio title at any county title office.  


Q35.

I have an off-road motorcycle titled in Ohio. I have now brought it up to code for on road use and need to change the title.  How do I do that?

 

A35.

You would take the Ohio off-road title in your name, proof of the upgrade and proceed to your county title office and request to complete a "body code change" affidavit. If all is in order the title will be replaced and reflect the body code as "MC" motorcycle. Fee is $6 and then you would take the new title to the Deputy Registrar and apply for your motor cycle plates. Of course, you must have the motorcycle endorsement on your Ohio operators license in order to drive the vehicle.


Q36.

How do I obtain and apply for a "Transfer on Death" title?

 

A36.

Only a sole owner of a vehicle can apply for a transfer on death beneficiary title under current Ohio law. No companies or 2 owner titles qualify for this type of title. To apply you would take your Ohio title in your name only to your county title office and apply for a "TOD", transfer on death title. You will be asked to complete an affidavit naming the beneficiary or beneficiaries with their full legal name, address and social security number. That affidavit will require your notarized signature, fee is $1.00. A new title will be issued with the "TOD" designation and that fee is $6. Upon your death the beneficiary will present a certified death certificate to the county title office and a title will be issued to that beneficiary.


Q37.

Can third party vendors file and process Unclaimed and Abandoned Motor Vehicle Affidavits on behalf of multiple custodians.?

 

A37.

Please see the directive posted on March 8, 2007.


Q38.

Why should I get a non-printed title?

 

A38.

It will prevent your physical title from being lost or stolen.


Q39.

An ETA dealer made a mistake on my title.  How can I get this corrected?

 

A39.

Proceed to the dealer, who issued your electronic title, for correction.


Q40.

I'm an electronic dealer.  What do I need to do with the evidence that I scan to process an electronic title application.

 

A40.

Ohio Revised Code, Section 4503.035, required Ohio license dealers to retain the supporting evidence that was submitted electronically for 5 years.


Q41.

What if I'm outside Ohio and I'm an ETA entity?

 

A41.

You will need to submit your supporting evidence into the clerks of court office that you have a signed agreement within 14 days of the title issuance.


Q42.

My title is an electronic title.  How may I sell my vehicle to a dealer?

 

A42.

The dealer can complete a BMV 3772 to allow the transfer to or from a motor vehicle dealer.  It has a provision for stating mileage and power of attorney.


Q43.

I am a lender and an Ohio dealer has requested a lien discharge, but our title is electronic.  How do I get the lien discharged?

 

A43.

Each morning the Bureau of Motor Vehicles receives notification and then the Clerk of Courts is notified to cancel liens.


For further assistance, contact the Title Administration and Customer Service (TACS) Unit by telephone at (614) 752-7671 or email to: Ask Titles A Question

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