Ohio Vehicle Title Transfer: How To Sell and Transfer a Car

To successfully buy or sell a vehicle in Ohio, it’s important to understand how title transfers work…which is where we come in. This eTags how-to guide will teach you how to complete an Ohio vehicle title transfer and give you the tools to ensure that your transaction goes smoothly!

First things first:

What Is a Vehicle Title?

A vehicle title – or certificate of title – is a document that proves ownership of a vehicle. When purchasing a car, truck, boat, or motorcycle, both the seller and the buyer will have to complete a title transfer in order to transfer ownership. It’s good to note that the state of Ohio also requires a title transfer when gifting a vehicle to a family member or spouse.

How to Complete a Title Transfer in Ohio

To pass over ownership of a vehicle in Ohio, the seller must transfer – sign over – the title to the buyer by following these steps:

1. Once a sale has been agreed upon, you’ll need to fill out the “assignment of ownership” on the back of the Ohio title. This will include providing information such as the date of sale, purchase price, the buyer’s full name and address, and the current odometer mileage.
2. In order to have the document officially recognized, the back of the title must be signed in the presence of a notary public. Once this step is complete, the seller can hand over the vehicle and the title to the buyer.

The buyer can then proceed with the title transfer by:

1. Filling out and submitting Form BMV3774 (Application for Certificate of Title) with the Clerk of Courts Title Office.
2. Presenting a valid photo ID at the title office.
3. Paying any fees, including sales tax and title transfer fees.

Upon completion of the above steps, the title transfer is complete. The buyer can now insure and register their vehicle.

How to Complete a Title Transfer Online

If you’re the kind of person who wants to skip the hassle of making appointments and waiting in lines, you can transfer your title online with eTags.com from the comfort of just about anywhere. Here’s how to transfer an Ohio title online:

1. Head over to our dedicated Ohio page here and click “Get Started”
2. Select “Transfer Title and Registration”
3. Once again, Select “Transfer Title and Registration”
4. Choose the type of transfer you need: New Plate, Transfer Plate, or Title only
5. Enter your VIN
6. Provide the make and year of your vehicle
7. Click the state your vehicle is currently title in
8. Specify owner as Individual or Business with the corresponding information
9. Enter the address listed in your BMV record
10. Confirm the address you entered
11. Provide your email address and mobile number
12. Review your summary page. If everything looks good, click “Checkout”
13. Provide your payment info, take a peek at our terms and conditions, and Pay!

If you haven’t reached the title transfer part yet and are still wondering how to get started with selling your vehicle, here are some handy tips to get you going.

How do I sell a vehicle in Ohio?

Selling a vehicle in Ohio is fairly straightforward in most cases. You can start by posting your vehicle on reliable car-selling outlets and getting it ready for prospective buyers. Here’s a checklist to guide you

1. Perform any necessary repairs on your vehicle and disclose any damage you are not fixing.
2. Clean your car thoroughly, or have it professionally detailed before taking listing photos.
3. Post listing photos on popular and reliable car sale websites.
4. Allow potential buyers to inspect the vehicle in person.
5. Offer to supply any reports showing the vehicle’s accident history.
6. Agree on a sale price with the buyer.
7. Fill out the “assignment of ownership” section on the back of the title.
8. Sign the title in front of a notary public.
9. Provide the buyer with the signed and notarized title and any other requested documents.
10. Remove your license plates.
11. Cancel your insurance on the vehicle once the sale is complete.

And there you have it, friends: how to transfer an Ohio title online with eTags, and how to go about selling your car in the Buckeye State. We hope this has been helpful, and in case you need a hand at any point in the process, remember: at eTags, we’re here to help!