How to Transfer a Title and Registration in Ohio

If you’ve just purchased a car in the Buckeye State, you’ll need to transfer the title and register the vehicle in your name. If this is your first time facing these tasks, or if you need a little reminder, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of how to transfer a title and registration in Ohio.

Before we get into the specifics, it’s helpful to understand why these transactions are so important:

• A certificate of title is the legal declaration of ownership of the vehicle. In order for ownership to pass from seller to buyer, the title must be transferred and put into the buyer’s name.
• A vehicle that has not been registered is not legally permitted to drive on state roads. Once a car/truck/SUV/motorcycle is sold, the registration must be listed in the new owner’s name to make the ride roadworthy.
• All newly-bought vehicles must undergo a title transfer within 30 days of purchase

How to Transfer a Title and Registration in Ohio

Step One: Gather Your Documents

Make sure you have the following necessary paperwork and details ready before you start the transfer process:

• Certificate of title
• Valid driver’s license or state ID
• Social security number
• Application for Certificate of Title – Form 3774
• VIN (vehicle identification number)
• Year and make of vehicle
• Vehicle owner’s first and last name
• Ohio address on record with the BMV

Step Two: Sign Over the Title

In the state of Ohio, you are required to sign over (transfer ownership) of a vehicle title in the presence of a notary public. This means that both the seller and buyer must sign the title in the appropriate sections with a notary as witness.

In Case of a Missing or Damaged Title: If the seller has lost their title, or if the title has been damaged or corrected in any way, they will need to apply for a replacement copy before the title transfer can happen. Get this done quickly easily online with eTags:

Replace Your Lost or Damaged Ohio Title

Step Three: For Out-of-State Vehicles Only

If you’ve purchased your new vehicle from another territory, you’ll need to go for a VIN inspection. To find out more about these inspections, visit the Ohio BMV site here.

Step Four: Visit a Local Transfer Facilitator

Bring your notarized title, your ID, your Form 3774, and payment for fees to any County Clerk of Courts Title Office.

Skip the Line and Get Online!

If you don’t feel like trekking to your local County Clerk, get online with eTags instead of in line. Here’s how to complete your Ohio title transfer and registration online:

1. Visit our homepage, select Ohio as your state from our pop-up menu, choose Transfer Title and Registration, and click Continue.
2. Follow the prompts on each screen as they ask you to provide the information you already have on hand. Enter the details as needed.

You will have the opportunity to review the specifics of your order at the end of the process. You’ll also see a breakdown of fees and have the chance to read over our terms and conditions before placing your order.

The process is straightforward and user-friendly, but should you find that you need assistance or have a question at any point, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our Ohio title and tag experts are happy to lend a hand. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!