How to Transfer a Car Title After a Divorce in Ohio

After a divorce is finalized, one of the last tasks to complete is usually updating car titles. In Ohio, the process for making these updates is fairly straightforward, but it often requires a title transfer instead of a simple title correction. If you need to know how to transfer a car title after a divorce, eTags is here to help. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to transfer a car title after a divorce in Ohio and briefly walk you through the registration process. You will learn:

• To Check Your Divorce Decree Before Trying to Change Your Car Title
• Documents You’ll Need to Transfer a Vehicle Title After a Divorce
• How to Transfer a Car Title After a Divorce in Ohio
• How to Register a Car in Ohio After a Divorce

Check Your Divorce Decree Before Trying to Change Your Car Title

Before you start gathering documents and signing forms, review the specifics of your divorce decree or settlement agreement. If the court order clearly gives the vehicle to one spouse and includes language allowing the title to transfer, that document may be enough for the title office to process the change.

To change a title after a divorce in Ohio, both owners are generally required to complete the “assignment of ownership” section on the back of the title. You can only bypass this requirement if the court order explicitly gives you ownership of the vehicle.

Documents You’ll Need to Transfer a Vehicle Title After a Divorce

To transfer a vehicle title after a divorce, you’ll need:

• The divorce decree or settlement agreement that explicitly assigns ownership of the vehicle.
• The current Ohio title or electronic title information, with the assignment of ownership section signed by you and your ex-spouse. Please note that all signatures must be notarized!
• A lien release or lender approval, if applicable.
• Valid photo ID.
• Form BMV 3774 (Application for Certificate of Title)

After gathering the above documents, you’re ready to start the title transfer process.

How to Transfer a Car Title After a Divorce in Ohio

As mentioned, in order to change the information on a title after a divorce in Ohio, you need to complete a title transfer. Below, we’ve outlined how to carry out the transfer online through eTags or in person.

How to Transfer a Car Title Online Through eTags

1. Identify both a “buyer” and a “seller.” When transferring a car title after a divorce, the buyer is the person receiving sole ownership of the vehicle, and the seller is the person whose name is being removed from the title.
2. Have both the buyer and seller complete and sign the assignment of ownership section on the back of the existing vehicle title. These signatures must be notarized.
3. Download and complete Form BMV 3774.
4. Once the assignment of ownership section and Form BMV 3774 have been completed, head to the online title transfer page at eTags.
5. Select “Transfer Title and Registration” from the menu that appears.
6. Follow the steps in the app, adding your VIN and any other information as requested.
7. Once the transfer is complete, all you have to do is await your new title’s arrival in the mail.

How to Transfer an Ohio Title In Person

1. Have both the buyer and seller sign the assignment of ownership section on the back of the existing title. Notarize these signatures.
2. Download and fill out Form BMV 3774.
3. Set up an appointment with the Clerk of Courts title office. This is not strictly required, but can help you save time.
4. Visit your local title office with all the required documents.
5. Work with the clerk to complete the title transfer, and wait for them to print out the new title.

Special Considerations for Transferring a Car Title After a Name Change

If you’ve changed your last name due to the divorce, you must provide the divorce decree along with your title transfer paperwork. Before doing so, ensure that all your name-change paperwork has been processed and finalized by the Social Security Administration.

How to Register a Car in Ohio After a Divorce

Once the title is transferred, the next step is registration. In Ohio, registration is handled by the BMV Deputy Registrar License Agency, while titles are issued by the County Clerk of Courts. If you completed your title transfer in person, you’ll need to head to a BMV Deputy Registrar’s office with the new title in hand to register the vehicle.

However, if you want to keep things simple, head over to eTags and let us help you get this task done via our convenient online title and registration service. And, you can update your vehicle’s registration at the same time you complete the title transfer – this way, you avoid extra trips to the BMV or County Clerk of Courts office.

Update Your Ohio Vehicle Title With eTags!

Divorce may be complicated, but changing your car title shouldn’t be. Complete your title transfer without frustrating trips to crowded offices with long wait times. Take advantage of our easy-to-use online tools at eTags, and make your Ohio title (and registration) updates faster and easier than ever.

[Transfer Your Ohio Title Online]