Key Takeaways:
- It’s important to remove your name from the title when transferring a car
- Buyers and sellers must have their signature notarized on the title
- Buyers have 30 days after the transfer to get a new title and avoid a fee
- An out-of-state VIN inspection is required for out-of-state transfers
It is important to know how to transfer a car title in Ohio, whether selling your car to a stranger or transferring it to a family member. A car title shows legal ownership of a motor vehicle, and the person’s name on the title is legally liable for the car.
When you sell or gift the car to someone else, you want your name off the title to remove your legal obligation. Buyers or recipients also need a proper title transfer to prove they legally own the vehicle.
When Do You Need to Transfer a Car Title in Ohio?
Any time you transfer ownership of the vehicle, you must transfer a car title. Here are some common scenarios:
- You sell your vehicle in a private sale
- You trade in your vehicle at the dealership
- You gift your car to a family member
- You move to Ohio from out-of-state
How to Transfer a Car Title in Ohio
- Complete the assignment of ownership section of the title
Only complete this section when you’re ready to sell or transfer the motor vehicle. You’ll provide the sale price, date of sale, name and address of buyer, vehicle mileage, and any lien info. - Have your signature notarized
Hold off on signing the car title until you are in front of a notary public, as they must witness you signing it. - Remove plates
After officially signing the title, the seller must remove the plates and make a copy of both sides of the title to keep for their records. - Buyer acknowledgements
After the seller signs the title, the buyer must agree or acknowledge the stated odometer reading by signing the title in the appropriate area or completing an Odometer Disclosure Statement. - Buyer must visit a Courts Title office
The buyer has 30 days to visit a Clerks of Auto Title office to apply for a new title. They’ll pay a $5 late fee if they miss this deadline. If the buyer must drive the car before the title transfer is complete, they must apply for a 30-day tag to have a grace period. - Buyer pays sales tax
Buyers must pay sales and use tax on the vehicle’s sales price. The amounts vary by county. - Buyer pays title transfer fees
The buyer must pay applicable title transfer fees of at least $15, but sometimes more if a lien or out-of-state inspection is required.
Documents Required to Transfer an Ohio Title
Having the necessary documents ready for the title transfer process ensures a smoother transaction. Here’s what buyers and sellers need for title transfers in Ohio:
Seller Required Documents
The title is the primary document sellers need to transfer ownership of a vehicle. However, if you have a lien on the vehicle, you must have a lien release from the lender before transferring the title. Check with your lender about how they handle the lien release process. You may also need a government-issued ID and proof of the vehicle’s odometer reading to sell the vehicle.
Ohio uses the electronic lien release process, so you may not need a physical letter to prove the lien release unless your lender doesn’t participate in it.
Recipient Required Documents
The recipient of the vehicle needs more documents than the seller must provide. They include:
- The Application for Certificate of Title
- Signed title from the seller
- Valid government-issued ID
- Payment for taxes and fees
Documents Required for an Out-of-State Title Transfer
If the title transfer is for an out-of-state vehicle title, it gets a little more complicated because you must convert it to an Ohio title. To do this, you need:
- Title certificate from the original state
- Bill of sale if you purchased the car from an out-of-state dealer
- Valid government-issued ID, such as an Ohio driver’s license
- An out-of-state vehicle VIN inspection from an Ohio deputy registrar license agency
- Payment for fees and sales tax, if applicable
How to Transfer a Car Title in Ohio to a Family Member
Fortunately, the process of transferring a car title in Ohio to a family member isn’t much different than transferring to a private party. If you’re transferring the vehicle while you are alive, you must provide the recipient with the completed, signed, and notarized title. The recipient must then apply for a new title, pay the applicable fees and taxes, and provide a valid ID.
How to Transfer a Car Title in Ohio After Death or Inheritance
If the vehicle transfer is due to death or inheritance, the process depends on how the title was held. No matter how the title is held, the recipient will need the following documents:
- Original title from the seller
- Certified copy of the owner’s death certificate
- Application for Certificate of Title
- Valid government-issued ID
- Applicable payment
Transfer on Death
A sole owner of a vehicle can name a beneficiary to the Ohio title by providing a notarized copy of the Transfer on Death Beneficiary Designation Affidavit. After the recipient provides proof of the death, the state issues a new title.
Surviving Spouse
When a spouse in Ohio passes away, the surviving spouse can transfer vehicles valued up to $65,000 to themselves. The surviving spouse doesn’t have to worry about satisfying existing liens because they transfer with the vehicle. However, the vehicle cannot be named in a will or transferred any other way.
Right of Survivorship
Two people can own motor vehicles jointly with the right of survivorship. The names would appear on the title with an ‘and’ between the names. If one person passes away, the surviving partner must apply for a new title with ‘acquired by right of survivorship’ on it.
Without Rights of Survivorship
If two parties own the vehicle without the right of survivorship, the names on the title would still have an ‘and’ between them. However, upon the passing of one owner, an executor must sign the title to transfer it.
What are the Costs to Transfer a Car Title in Ohio?
The cost of transferring a car title in Ohio is inexpensive. A new title costs $15, and if there is a lien on the title, there is an additional $15 charge. If the vehicle has an out-of-state title, there is a $6.50 fee for the VIN inspection. Remember, however, that there may also be a sales tax on the purchase price.
Frequently Asked Questions: Title Transfer in Ohio
Can You Transfer a Car Title Online in Ohio?
Ohio allows online or in-person car title transfers at your local Clerk of Courts title office.
How Do You Request a Duplicate Title in Ohio?
You can request a duplicate title in Ohio at a County Clerk of Courts title office or by mail. If you request it in person, they will print it on the spot, providing you with a duplicate title immediately. To receive it by mail, you must mail in the completed and notarized title application with a check for your fees and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Does the Buyer Have to be Present to Notarize a Title in Ohio?
A notary or deputy clerk cannot notarize the title transfer unless the person signing it is present. When a buyer completes his portion of the title, he must be before a notary.
Can You Have Two Names on a Car Title in Ohio?
In Ohio, multiple people can own a car. If you plan to sell or transfer the title, both owners must sign it and have their signatures notarized.
Final Thoughts: Transferring a Car Title in Ohio
Knowing how to transfer a car title in Ohio is important. Whether you’re transferring the vehicle to a private party or family member, you must complete the assignment of the title section, have your signature notarized, and provide the recipient with the title.
The recipient or buyer must visit a Clerk of Courts title office to complete the transfer, bringing the appropriate ID and payment for the transaction. Having the title in your name eliminates the original owner’s liability and allows you access to title loans if you need emergency cash in the future. Contact us today to learn more about how title loans work.
Written by
Samantha Hawrylack
Samantha Hawrylack writes for our company and is an expert in personal finance. Sam received her Bachelors of Science in Finance and her Masters in Business Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She began her career in the financial services industry and shifted to an entrepreneurial role where she could directly impact clients. Sam has an impressive background in personal finance and business management.