How to Sell a Car in Ohio (Private Party)
Ohio sellers sign the title and an odometer disclosure statement. The buyer has 30 days to transfer the title and pays 5.75% state sales tax plus county tax. Some counties require notarization.
Required Documents
- Ohio Certificate of Title — signed by the seller on the assignment section
- Odometer Disclosure Statement — included on the back of the OH title (required for vehicles under 10 years old)
- Bill of sale — recommended to document the sale price; some county clerks request it
- Valid government-issued ID for both parties
Title Transfer Process
- Seller signs the assignment of title on the back of the Ohio title
- Some Ohio counties (including Franklin and Cuyahoga) require the seller's signature to be notarized — check with your county clerk
- Buyer submits the signed title to the county clerk of courts title office within 30 days of purchase
- Ohio Revised Code § 4505.06 governs the title transfer process in Ohio
Taxes and Fees
- 5.75% Ohio state sales tax on the purchase price
- County permissive tax of 0.25%–1.5% depending on the county (e.g., Cuyahoga County adds 1.25%)
- Transit authority tax may add 0.25%–1% in some metro areas
- $15 title fee paid by the buyer at the county clerk of courts
Timeline
- Buyer must transfer the title within 30 days of the sale date
- Late transfers may result in a penalty at the county clerk's discretion
- Processing at the county clerk of courts is typically same-day
Seller Tips
- Call your county clerk's office to confirm whether notarization is required in your county before meeting the buyer
- Ohio license plates stay with the seller — remove them before handing over the vehicle
- If the vehicle has a lien, get a lien release from the lienholder before listing
- Mark the odometer reading carefully — incorrect readings can create legal liability
How to create a bill of sale
- Call your Ohio county clerk of courts to confirm whether notarization is required in your county.
- Sign the assignment of title on the back of the Ohio title, including the odometer reading.
- If required, have your signature notarized at a bank or title office.
- Complete a bill of sale with both parties' names, VIN, sale price, and sale date.
- Hand the signed title and bill of sale to the buyer.
- Remove your Ohio license plates — they stay with you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in Ohio?
It depends on the county. Some Ohio counties, including Franklin and Cuyahoga, require a notarized seller signature on the title. Check with your county clerk of courts before the sale.
How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in Ohio?
The buyer has 30 days from the date of purchase to submit the title to the county clerk of courts under Ohio Revised Code § 4505.06.
How much is sales tax on a private car sale in Ohio?
The state rate is 5.75%. County permissive taxes add 0.25%–1.5% and some transit authorities add another 0.25%–1%, bringing combined rates to roughly 6%–8% depending on the county.
Does Ohio require a bill of sale for a private car sale?
Ohio does not legally require a bill of sale, but many county clerks recommend one to document the sale price, which is used to calculate taxes.
Generate your Ohio bill of sale
Create an Ohio-ready bill of sale that documents the sale price for county tax assessment.
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