How an Ohio Title Transfers to a Surviving Spouse

What to Know About Ohio Title Transfers to a Surviving Spouse

At eTags, we know that after the passing of a spouse, the last thing you want to think about is a title transfer. However, because vehicles are often inherited when a spouse passes away, it’s important to know how to complete this process.  In this article, we’ll review how an Ohio vehicle title transfers to a surviving spouse, and share some tips on how to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Steps for Ohio Title Transfers to a Surviving Spouse

To minimize any further hardship during this difficult time, the Ohio BMV vehicle title transfer after death is a process that’s meant to move quickly with just two simple steps.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents.

To begin a vehicle title transfer to a surviving spouse after death, you will need to gather the following necessary documents:

1. The original certificate of title
2. Government-issued photo ID
3. A certified copy of the death certificate
4. Application for Certificate of Title (Form 3774)
5. Surviving Spouse Affidavit (Form 3773)
6. A form of payment

Title fees, at the time of publishing, range from $18 to $23.

Step 2: Visit Your Local County Clerk of Courts Title Office

In Ohio, the BMV does not issue vehicle titles. Instead, the Clerk of Courts controls the issuing of titles.  Once you’ve gathered and completed all your paperwork, visit your local branch. Check here for a list of all Ohio County Clerk of Courts offices.

Many branches allow walk-ins, but some do require that you make an appointment. Call ahead to confirm what the requirements are at your local office to optimize your time.

Skip the Lines and Get Online

Alternatively, you can avoid the appointments, travel, and long lines, and complete your Ohio title transfer online with eTags. Visit our dedicated Ohio title and registration page, and let us assist you in making this transaction simple and seamless.

How To Transfer a Vehicle Title and Registration in Ohio

Important Factors to Consider When Transferring a Title After the Death of a Spouse

While completing an Ohio vehicle title transfer after the death of a spouse is generally straightforward, there are a few things to keep in mind throughout this transfer process:

• If there was an active lien on the vehicle at the time of the spouse’s passing, the lienholder must be notified. The lien will carry over to the surviving party, who will then become responsible for any outstanding payments owed.
• A surviving spouse may transfer the titles to any motor vehicles, one boat, and one outboard motor from the deceased, provided that the combined value is not over $65,000.
• This type of transfer is tax exempt.
• No odometer reading is required.
• Title transfers after the passing of a spouse are valid on cars, conveyance trucks, motorcycles, and one boat only. Mobile homes, commercial trucks, and recreational vehicles do not fall into the category of “automobile,” and therefore do not follow the same transfer laws.
• If a vehicle was specifically left to another party in the deceased’s will, or if the vehicle title had a joint owner, or there was a transfer-on-death beneficiary, the spousal transfer does not apply.
• The license plate remains valid and can stay on the vehicle. After the title has been reissued into the surviving spouse’s name, they will need to update the registration details to reflect their new ownership as well.

Most of these considerations won’t make the transfer process any more complex.
In fact, some might even make the transfer a bit easier than usual. Nevertheless, it’s good to stay aware of these factors in case they might apply to your situation.

Need Help? Reach Out to Our Expert Team at eTags

If you find that you need support or assistance at any time during this transfer process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can facilitate title transfers, registrations, duplicate titles and the printing of title copies in Ohio. Because as always at eTags, we’re here to help!