How to Transfer a Car Title in Ohio (2026)

In Ohio, the BMV does not issue titles. Titles are issued by Clerk of Courts title offices. For a paper title in a private sale, the seller completes the assignment on the back of the title and has the signature notarized, and the buyer takes it to a Clerk of Courts title office with identification, payment for the title fee, and sales tax on the purchase price. Ohio’s statewide title fee is $18.

Quick answer

Paper title: what the buyer brings

The BMV says to contact the county Clerk of Courts title office for payment options.

Moving between states? Compare the rules in Georgia and Illinois.

Step by step

1. The seller assigns the title. The seller completes the assignment of ownership on the back of the title and has the signature(s) notarized.
2. The seller hands the title to the buyer to finish the transfer.
3. The buyer goes to a Clerk of Courts title office with the documents above. The BMV’s stated deadline is 30 days from the date of sale.
4. The buyer pays the title fee, any lienholder notation fee, and the sales tax on the purchase price.

You must state the true selling price. Ohio law, R.C. 2921.13, says a false statement is punishable by six months in jail or a fine of up to $1,000, or both, and the Department of Taxation audits all transfers.

If the title is electronic

Some Ohio titles are held electronically. Then the BMV allows Form BMV 3770, the Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale. It can be used only when both of these apply: no paper title was issued, and neither the seller nor the buyer is a licensed Ohio dealer. Dealerships and insurance companies cannot use it.

• The seller completes page 1 and has the signature(s) notarized. All owners must complete the assignment.
• The buyer completes page 2, including the application for a certificate of title, and has the signature(s) notarized. All owners must complete it.
• The seller gives both pages to the buyer, who takes them to a Clerk of Courts title office.
• The form includes an odometer certification, and the buyer acknowledges it. It also has a checkbox to print a paper title.
• A power of attorney can be used with the original Power of Attorney for Certificate of Title (form BMV 3771). A minor seller or buyer needs the Minor Consent Form (BMV 3751).
• For dual ownership, both parties must be present unless a notarized power of attorney is provided. Social Security numbers of all parties are required, and photocopies of a title are not accepted.
• If you want a 45-day temporary tag, get it before you transfer the title into your name.

The BMV says the BMV 3770 cannot be used for all-purpose vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, watercraft, outboard motors or unconventional vehicles, because a physical title is required for them.

What it costs

The BMV’s fee page asks you to check your county’s current title fee. Title fees are shown on its County Title Information and Fees list.

Titles from another state

An out-of-state title must be converted to an Ohio title before you can register the vehicle and get Ohio plates. Bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale if you bought from an out-of-state dealer, identification, payment for the title fees, sales tax on the purchase price and a VIN inspection. For leases, two original powers of attorney from the lessor are needed.

Which situation are you in?

• Paper title, private sale: the seller assigns and notarizes on the back, the buyer takes it to a Clerk of Courts title office within 30 days.
• Electronic title, neither party a dealer: use Form BMV 3770. Both sign in front of a notary and take both pages to the title office.
• Electronic title, a licensed dealer or an insurance company involved: BMV 3770 cannot be used.
• Two owners: both must be present unless there is a notarized power of attorney (BMV 3771).
• A minor is buying or selling: the Minor Consent Form (BMV 3751) is needed.
• The title is from another state: convert it to an Ohio title first, with a VIN inspection, before registering.
• You want a temporary tag: get the 45-day tag before you transfer the title into your name.

Common mistakes

• Handing over a title without a notarized seller assignment.
• Waiting more than 30 days after the sale.
• Forgetting the lienholder notation when there is a lien.
• Getting a temporary tag after the title is already in your name.
• Stating a price that is not the true selling price.

Frequently asked questions

Does the buyer’s signature need to be notarized in Ohio?

For a paper title, the BMV describes the seller’s notarized assignment. For the electronic title form BMV 3770, both the seller and the buyer sign in front of a notary.

How long do I have to transfer the title?

Within 30 days of the date of sale, or a late fee applies.

Where do I go?

A county Clerk of Courts title office. The BMV provides a title office search on its website.

This guide is general information compiled from the Ohio BMV pages and form listed under Sources. Rules change, and this site is not part of any government agency. Confirm the current requirements with your county Clerk of Courts title office before you sign or pay.