Transferring a Car Title in Ohio
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in Ohio when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: Ohio titles are issued by county Clerk of Courts title offices, not the BMV. For a paper title, the seller completes the assignment on the back and has the signature notarized; Ohio BMV, Title a New or Used Vehicle; Transfer on Death
| Transferring a car title | Ohio titles are issued by county Clerk of Courts title offices, not the BMV. For a paper title, the seller completes the assignment on the back and has the signature notarized; for an electronic title, seller and buyer complete form BMV 3770 with notarized signatures. The buyer brings ID, an odometer statement if applicable, and pays sales tax and title fees. Transfers must happen within 30 days of sale or a late fee applies. Out-of-state titles need a VIN inspection. On death, a surviving joint owner with right of survivorship gets the title; a transfer-on-death beneficiary can be named with form BMV 3811; otherwise an executor or administrator signs. Death transfers: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/titles-transfer-death.aspx. |
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| Registering after you move | Within 30 days of establishing Ohio residency, new residents must transfer their out-of-state driver license, vehicle title and registration to Ohio. Title the vehicle first at a county Clerk of Courts title office (out-of-state titles need a VIN inspection), then register at a Deputy Registrar license agency; an E-Check emissions certificate is required in counties that use E-Check. Source: Ohio BMV, New to Ohio |
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FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in Ohio?
Ohio titles are issued by county Clerk of Courts title offices, not the BMV. For a paper title, the seller completes the assignment on the back and has the signature notarized; for an electronic title, seller and buyer complete form BMV 3770 with notarized signatures. The buyer brings ID, an odometer statement if applicable, and pays sales tax and title fees. Transfers must happen within 30 days of sale or a late fee applies. Out-of-state titles need a VIN inspection. On death, a surviving joint owner with right of survivorship gets the title; a transfer-on-death beneficiary can be named with form BMV 3811; otherwise an executor or administrator signs.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Ohio?
Within 30 days of establishing Ohio residency, new residents must transfer their out-of-state driver license, vehicle title and registration to Ohio. Title the vehicle first at a county Clerk of Courts title office (out-of-state titles need a VIN inspection), then register at a Deputy Registrar license agency; an E-Check emissions certificate is required in counties that use E-Check.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.