How to Change a Name on a Car Title in Ohio
Change your vehicle title after marriage, divorce, or a court-ordered name change in Ohio. No lawyer required — the process uses standard Ohio BMV forms.
When You Can Change the Name on a Ohio Car Title
Ohio processes vehicle title name changes at county clerk of courts or title offices. Ohio is one of the most straightforward states for this transaction.
Step-by-Step Process in Ohio
Update your Ohio driver's license or state ID to your new name before going to Ohio BMV. You'll need the new-name ID to complete the vehicle title change.
Get a certified copy of your marriage certificate (from the county clerk), divorce decree (from the court clerk), or court order. Standard photocopies are not accepted.
Ohio uses Form BMV 3774 for title transactions. For name changes, notarization is required. Forms available at county title offices and bmv.ohio.gov.
Bring all documents in one trip: completed form, current title, certified name change document, and your new-name ID. Ohio BMV 3774 must be notarized for name change transactions — unlike standard transfers. Bring the notarized form plus the certified name change document to your county title office.
Pay the $15 title fee. Your new title will arrive by mail in 7–21 days. Keep your receipt as proof of the transaction.
Required Documents in Ohio
- 1Notarized Application for Certificate of Title (Form BMV 3774)
- 2Current Ohio title
- 3Certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
- 4Valid Ohio ID or driver's license in the new name
Court order is NOT required for marriage or divorce name changes. A certified marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient. Court orders required for other legal name changes.
Ohio requires notarization of the BMV 3774 form for name change transactions — this is different from standard title transfers. Have the form notarized before going to the county title office. Many UPS Stores, banks, and libraries offer notary services for a small fee.
Ohio Car Title Name Change FAQ
How do I change my name on my car title in Ohio after marriage?
In Ohio, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate plus BMV 3774 (Application for Certificate of Title) — must be notarized to Ohio BMV. Ohio BMV 3774 must be notarized for name change transactions — unlike standard transfers. Bring the notarized form plus the certified name change document to your county title office.
How do I change my name on a car title after divorce in Ohio?
After a divorce, bring a certified copy of your final divorce decree (with judge's signature and court seal) to Ohio BMV along with BMV 3774 (Application for Certificate of Title) — must be notarized. Ohio uses Form BMV 3774 for title transactions. For name changes, notarization is required. Forms available at county title offices and bmv.ohio.gov.
Does Ohio require a court order to change a name on a car title?
No. Court order is NOT required for marriage or divorce name changes. A certified marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient. Court orders required for other legal name changes.
How much does it cost to change a name on a car title in Ohio?
$15. Ohio charges $15 for the new title — one of the lowest fees nationally. Combined with the straightforward process, Ohio is one of the most consumer-friendly states for title name changes.
How long does a car title name change take in Ohio?
Ohio name change transactions are typically completed same-day at county title offices. New title mailed in 7–21 days. Ohio has one of the faster processing timelines nationally.
What documents are needed to change a name on a car title in Ohio?
Required documents in Ohio: Notarized Application for Certificate of Title (Form BMV 3774); Current Ohio title; Certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; Valid Ohio ID or driver's license in the new name.