How to Transfer a Car Title to an LLC in Ohio
Transferring a personal vehicle to your LLC in Ohio involves a title change at Ohio BMV, potential sales/use tax, a new insurance policy, and — if financed — lienholder coordination. Here is exactly what to expect.
Consult a tax professional in Ohio before transferring a vehicle to your LLC. Tax treatment of personal-to-LLC transfers is complex and varies by LLC structure. This guide provides a general overview — not tax advice.
How to Transfer the Title to Your LLC in Ohio
Ohio tax treatment of personal-to-LLC transfers is complex. Ohio treats a personal-to-LLC transfer as a taxable event at the county rate where the vehicle is registered. Some exemptions may apply for certain LLC structures — consult the Ohio Department of Taxation before the transfer.
Personal auto loans cannot transfer to LLC — must be refinanced or paid off first
Ohio requires the vehicle to be insured in the LLC's name after transfer. Ohio minimum insurance requirements apply. Personal auto policies do not cover LLC-owned vehicles. Secure commercial or business-use coverage before the county title office visit.
Gather: Current Ohio title; BMV 3774 (Application for Certificate of Title) — notarized, LLC as owner; LLC Articles of Organization (Ohio SOS filing); Proof of commercial auto insurance in LLC name; Ohio use tax documentation or payment; Valid ID of LLC member/manager signing on behalf of LLC.
The individual owner signs the current title. The LLC is listed as buyer on a notarized BMV 3774. The LLC's authorized member/manager signs on the LLC's behalf. Submit at the county title office. Pay $15 title fee plus any applicable taxes.
Required Documents in Ohio
- 1Current Ohio title
- 2BMV 3774 (Application for Certificate of Title) — notarized, LLC as owner
- 3LLC Articles of Organization (Ohio SOS filing)
- 4Proof of commercial auto insurance in LLC name
- 5Ohio use tax documentation or payment
- 6Valid ID of LLC member/manager signing on behalf of LLC
Ohio requires the vehicle to be insured in the LLC's name after transfer. Ohio minimum insurance requirements apply. Personal auto policies do not cover LLC-owned vehicles. Secure commercial or business-use coverage before the county title office visit.
Ohio's $15 title fee minimizes the administrative cost of the LLC transfer, but the county sales/use tax is the primary expense. At 6%–8% of vehicle value, this can be significant. Ohio's fast 7–21 day title processing time is a benefit for time-sensitive business needs.
Ohio Car Title to LLC FAQ
How do I transfer a car title to my LLC in Ohio?
Sign the current title as the individual seller naming your LLC as the buyer. Complete BMV 3774 (Application for Certificate of Title) — notarized, LLC as owner at Ohio BMV. The individual owner signs the current title. The LLC is listed as buyer on a notarized BMV 3774. The LLC's authorized member/manager signs on the LLC's behalf. Submit at the county title office.
Will I owe taxes when transferring my car to an LLC in Ohio?
Ohio sales/use tax (county rate, typically 5.75%–8%) typically owed. Ohio treats a personal-to-LLC transfer as a taxable event at the county rate where the vehicle is registered. Some exemptions may apply for certain LLC structures — consult the Ohio Department of Taxation before the transfer.
What happens to my car loan if I transfer the title to an LLC in Ohio?
Personal auto loans cannot transfer to LLC — must be refinanced or paid off first
Do I need a new insurance policy when I transfer my car to an LLC in Ohio?
Ohio requires the vehicle to be insured in the LLC's name after transfer. Ohio minimum insurance requirements apply. Personal auto policies do not cover LLC-owned vehicles. Secure commercial or business-use coverage before the county title office visit.
What documents are needed to transfer a car title to an LLC in Ohio?
Required: Current Ohio title; BMV 3774 (Application for Certificate of Title) — notarized, LLC as owner; LLC Articles of Organization (Ohio SOS filing); Proof of commercial auto insurance in LLC name; Ohio use tax documentation or payment; Valid ID of LLC member/manager signing on behalf of LLC.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title to an LLC in Ohio?
$15 title fee. Standard Ohio $15 title fee applies — one of the lowest in the country. Ohio county sales/use tax on the vehicle's fair market value will also be assessed.