Ohio Trailer Title Transfer
Trailer title requirements in Ohio depend on the trailer's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Below the threshold — registration only, no title needed. Above the threshold — title required through the County Clerk of Courts (title) + County BMV (registration).
Title Threshold
Trailers over 4,000 lbs GVWR (title); under 4,000 lbs registration only
Ohio requires a title for trailers over 4,000 lbs GVWR. Trailers 4,000 lbs and under require registration only through the County BMV. Title issued at County Clerk of Courts.
Title Fee
$15
Ohio has the lowest trailer title fee of major states — $15 at County Clerk of Courts.
Processing Time
1–3 weeks
Ohio County Clerk of Courts can often process same-day or within a few business days. Among the fastest processing of major states.
Commercial Threshold
10,000 lbs GVWR
Ohio commercial trailer registration required for trailers over 10,000 lbs GVWR. Apportioned plates available for interstate commerce under IRP.
Permanent Registration
Not Available
Ohio does not offer permanent trailer registration. Annual renewal required.
Required Documents
- 1Notarized BMV 3774 (Application for Certificate of Title)
- 2Signed title or MCO
- 3Bill of sale
- 4Odometer disclosure (trailers exempt from odometer requirements)
- 5Payment for fees
Ohio requires the title application (BMV 3774) to be notarized before submission to the County Clerk of Courts. This is a common source of delays for buyers from other states.
Specialty Trailer Rules
Horse & Livestock Trailers
Ohio horse and livestock trailers over 4,000 lbs GVWR require a notarized BMV 3774. Most 2-horse bumper pulls are near the 4,000 lb threshold — verify GVWR on the trailer plate.
Boat Trailers
Boat trailers over 4,000 lbs require title at County Clerk. Boat itself requires title at County Clerk (title) and ODNR (registration) — both through different Ohio agencies.
Ohio Note
Ohio requires notarization on the BMV 3774 title application — a step that surprises buyers from states like TX and CA where notarization is not required. Find a notary before your County Clerk visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GVWR trailers require a title in Ohio?
Trailers over 4,000 lbs GVWR (title); under 4,000 lbs registration only. Ohio requires a title for trailers over 4,000 lbs GVWR. Trailers 4,000 lbs and under require registration only through the County BMV. Title issued at County Clerk of Courts.
How much does a trailer title cost in Ohio?
The trailer title fee in Ohio is $15. Ohio has the lowest trailer title fee of major states — $15 at County Clerk of Courts.
Do I need a separate title for a horse trailer in Ohio?
Ohio horse and livestock trailers over 4,000 lbs GVWR require a notarized BMV 3774. Most 2-horse bumper pulls are near the 4,000 lb threshold — verify GVWR on the trailer plate.
How is a boat trailer titled in Ohio?
Boat trailers over 4,000 lbs require title at County Clerk. Boat itself requires title at County Clerk (title) and ODNR (registration) — both through different Ohio agencies.