How title transfer works when you buy a car in Ohio

Buying from a dealer

An Ohio dealer handles the title paperwork for you. You sign the title application and purchase documents, the dealer collects sales tax at your county's rate, and the title is filed with the county title office. If you finance, your lender is recorded as lienholder and the title is usually held electronically until the loan is paid off.

When you buy from us, that includes the plates: we register the car and either put on new Ohio plates or transfer yours, then deliver it to your driveway.

Buying from a private seller

1. The seller signs in front of a notary

   Every owner on the title completes the assignment on the back, including the sale price and odometer reading where required, and each signature is notarized. Do not accept a title signed ahead of time.

2. You get the original title

   Photocopies are not accepted. If the seller has a loan, the lien must be released before the title can transfer.

3. Need to drive it home? Get a temporary tag first

   A 45-day temporary tag ($23) must be obtained before the title is transferred into your name. After that, only permanent plates are available.

4. Visit a county title office within 30 days

   Bring the assigned title and your ID. You pay the $18 title fee and sales tax at the rate for the county where you live. After 30 days, a $5 late fee applies.

5. Then register the car

   Take the new title to a deputy registrar agency for registration and plates. See plates and registration.

Electronic titles and liens

If a car's title is held electronically, the seller and buyer use the Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale (form BMV 3770) instead of the back of a paper title. The seller completes page 1 and the buyer page 2, and both sets of signatures are notarized. If you finance, the lien notation is filed with your title application and is included in the $18 title fee.

Bringing an out-of-state title to Ohio

A car titled in another state needs an Ohio title before it can be registered here. That means an out-of-state vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection, which costs $8 at a deputy registrar license agency, then the out-of-state title, your ID and payment at a county title office. New Ohio residents have 30 days after becoming residents.

Mistakes that stall a title transfer

• No notary. An unnotarized seller signature sends you back to the seller.
• A missing co-owner. Every owner listed must sign, or use a power of attorney.
• An open lien. The seller's lender must release it before ownership can change.
• Waiting past 30 days. It costs $5 and can delay your registration and insurance.

Title transfer questions