How to Transfer a Car Title in Ohio
Step-by-step guide to completing a car title transfer in Ohio — required documents, fees, deadlines, and what to do if the title has a lien or is lost.
| Requirement | Ohio Rule |
|---|---|
| Transfer Deadline | 30 days from sale date |
| Title Fee | $15 |
| Notarization Required | ✗ No |
| Odometer Disclosure | ✓ Required |
| Online Transfer | ✗ In-person required |
| Agency | Ohio BMV / County Title Office |
Ohio Note
Ohio titles are issued at the county level — locate your county title office before visiting.
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process
- 1
Gather required documents
Collect the signed vehicle title, a completed bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. Ohio requires the buyer and seller both have valid identification at the time of transfer.
- 2
Seller signs and releases the title
The seller must sign the back of the title in the exact name shown on the front. Fill in the odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. If a lien is listed, the lender must sign the release section first: Lienholder provides an original lien release letter; both title + release are submitted to county.
- 3
Buyer completes the title assignment
The buyer fills in their full legal name, address, and purchase price on the title assignment section. Do not leave any fields blank — incomplete titles are rejected by Ohio BMV / County Title Office.
- 4
Visit Ohio BMV / County Title Office
Both buyer and seller visit Ohio BMV / County Title Office with all documents. Pay the $15 title fee. $15 title fee; county clerk processing fee (~$5–$15) additional.
- 5
Receive new title
Ohio will issue a new title in the buyer's name. Complete the transfer within 30 days of the sale date.
Transferring a Title With a Lien
You cannot transfer a title with an active lien without the lender's involvement.
Lienholder provides an original lien release letter; both title + release are submitted to county.
Steps: (1) Contact your lender and request a payoff quote. (2) Pay off the loan. (3) Obtain a lien release document or wait for the ELT system to clear. (4) Proceed with the normal title transfer process.
Required Documents
- ✓Original vehicle title, signed by the seller on the back
- ✓Bill of sale (signed by both parties, includes sale price and date)
- ✓Odometer disclosure statement
- ✓Valid government-issued photo ID (both buyer and seller)
- ✓Proof of insurance (buyer)
- ✓Lien release document (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I have to transfer a car title in Ohio?
- Ohio requires the title transfer to be completed within 30 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.
- How much does a car title transfer cost in Ohio?
- The base title transfer fee in Ohio is $15. $15 title fee; county clerk processing fee (~$5–$15) additional. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.
- Does Ohio require notarization for a car title transfer?
- No, Ohio does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. Ohio does not require notarization for private party title transfers.
- What if the car has a lien on the title?
- If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. Lienholder provides an original lien release letter; both title + release are submitted to county. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.
- Can I transfer a car title online?
- Ohio does not currently offer fully online title transfers. Ohio title transfers are handled at the county title office, not state DMV.
- What documents are needed to transfer a car title?
- You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. Ohio titles are issued at the county level — locate your county title office before visiting.
Need a Bill of Sale for Ohio?
A signed bill of sale is required alongside the title for private-party vehicle transfers in Ohio.
Generate Ohio Bill of Sale