Title & Proof of Ownership
Ohio titles all motor vehicles and trailers operated on public roads or highways, APVs, off-highway motorcycles, watercraft 14 feet or longer, outboard motors 10 horsepower or more, watercraft with permanently affixed mechanical propulsion of 10 horsepower or more, aircraft, and manufactured/mobile homes unless exempt.
Title-Required and Exempt Units
Title Required
Motor vehicles, road-use trailers, APVs, off-highway motorcycles, watercraft 14 feet or longer, outboard motors 10 hp or more, mechanically propelled watercraft of 10 hp or more, aircraft, manufactured homes, and mobile homes.
Optional / Special Title
UTVs may be titled at the owner’s request. Mini-trucks, utility vehicles, and under-speed vehicles require Affidavit for Titling Mini-Truck, Utility Vehicle, and Under-Speed Vehicle (3722).
Title Exempt
Snowmobiles, qualifying mopeds, trailers with unladen weight under 4,000 lbs. excluding travel trailers, USCG-documented vessels, canoes, kayaks, and lifeboats are title-exempt. A qualifying moped has a motor under 50cc, one brake horsepower or less, and a maximum speed of 20 mph on level surface.
Manufactured / Mobile Homes
Manufactured and mobile homes are titled unless considered real property. Title must be surrendered within 15 days after the home meets real-property conditions, or within 30 days for lienholders.
Application for Title
A notarized Application for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (3774) is filed at any County Clerk of Courts Title Office. Boat and outboard motor titles are applied for electronically through the Clerk of Courts, and a paper copy may be obtained at a County Clerk of Courts Title Office in any county. Aircraft are titled through the Ohio Department of Transportation.
| Title Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $18.00 |
| Sworn affidavit fee | $1.00 if applicable |
| County preservation surcharge | Up to $5.00 in some counties |
| Memorandum title | $5.00; non-negotiable, for registration only |
| Salvage vehicle title | $4.00 |
| Salvage watercraft title | $5.00 |
| Rebuilt salvage inspection | $50.00 through Ohio State Highway Patrol |
| Duplicate / replacement title | $18.00 reference title fee; additional county or payment fees may apply |
| Dealer master plate | $50.25; $10.25 each additional plate |
| Trailer dealer plate | $25.25; $5.25 each additional plate |
| Manufacturer master plate | $25.25; $5.25 each additional plate |
| Watercraft dealer decals | $50.00 annually including three sets; $2.00 each additional set |
Make checks payable to the Clerk of Courts. Credit/debit card payment fees may apply; no fee for electronic checks. Ohio titles are generally issued within five business days, and online vehicle/watercraft/outboard motor title search is available.
Electronic Title Options
Ohio supports Electronic Title Application (ETA), Electronic Title Service (ETS), Ohio Title Gateway (OTG), and Ohio Title Portal (OTP). Dealers may use ETS through a third-party provider, and OTG allows direct electronic submission to the Registrar. OTP allows certain private-party electronic title transfers, but excludes titles with liens, nonresident transfers, APVs, off-highway motorcycles, watercraft, outboard motors, unconventional vehicles, dealers, and insurance-company transfers.
Electronic Signatures
Electronic signatures are accepted at the discretion of the County Clerk of Courts Title Office. Documents submitted by a licensed Ohio motor vehicle dealer may be signed electronically, and Ohio accepts electronic notaries. Watercraft owners renewing registration with no changes may sign electronically; otherwise watercraft ink signatures are required.
Electronic Title / Dealer Assignment
If an electronic title exists, an Application for Dealer Assignment (3772) can be completed by a dealer. Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale (3770) may be used for certain electronic-title casual sales, but not by dealers or insurance companies.
Title Only
Title only is issued where appropriate.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. Ohio dealers are not required to notarize assignments on an MCO. If assignment is done out of state, follow the dealer’s state law. Dealer bill of sale or purchase order is required if purchased out of state.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title. Dealer bill of sale or purchase order is required if purchased out of state.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Valid registration card and notarized bill of sale.
Government Surplus Vehicles
U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (SF97-1).
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents and bill of sale, proof of FMVSS compliance, CBP Form 7501, NHTSA HS-7, and original NHTSA bond release letter if box 3 of HS-7 is checked. DD Form 430 is accepted from military personnel. Foreign-language documents require English translation on letterhead of an accredited institution.
Trailers / Farm Trucks
Noncommercial trailers and farm trucks require proof of weight, such as Official Weight Slip (5721), MCO/MSO, or notarized Affidavit of Original Weight (5728).
Surrender / NMVTIS: Proof of ownership must be surrendered. Documents are not returned to the issuing state, but the issuing state is notified when an Ohio title is issued. Ohio provides data to and inquiries NMVTIS before issuing titles.
Special Titles, Brands, Duplicate, Corrected & Odometer
Memorandum Title
If an open lien notation exists on an original title, a Memorandum Title may issue upon title application. It is printed on white letter-size paper in black ink and states “Non-Negotiable – For Registration Only.” Fee is $5.00.
Title Brands
Brands appear in the Notation(s) section, and out-of-state or NMVTIS brands carry forward. Brands include Buyback, Flood Vehicle, Fire, Hail Damage, Rebuilt Salvage, Salvage Motor Vehicle, Taxi, Former Taxi, Previous Law Enforcement, and odometer brands such as Actual, Exceeds Mechanical Limits, and Nonactual / Warning – Odometer Discrepancy.
Duplicate / Replacement Title
If an Ohio title is lost, stolen, or destroyed, duplicate title may be requested by mail. If a lien is shown, the lienholder must apply. Replacement title may be requested when a lien is satisfied. Use 3774 with title fee.
Corrected Title
For mileage, VIN, or brand corrections, submit a notarized statement of fact with detailed explanation of the error and requested correction to Title Support Section. Additional supporting documentation may be required.
Insufficient Evidence
If a lienholder is in possession of the title, a transfer request form must be completed at a County Clerk of Courts Title Office and sent to the lienholder.
Odometer
Odometer disclosure is required where applicable. Dealer and insurance electronic title workflows must use the proper secure odometer/title assignment form when required.
Stolen, Salvage, Rebuilt, Junk & Abandoned Units
Stolen Vehicle
An insurer of a stolen vehicle must report the vehicle to AAMVA as salvage. Insurer may apply for clear or salvage title. If recovered, owner must immediately notify BMV so the theft hold can be lifted. Title may then transfer as usual, with no inspection required.
Salvage Vehicle
Salvage includes vehicles wrecked, dismantled, worn out, or unfit for operation. Insurer must apply for salvage certificate of title and submit title within 30 business days of claim settlement. Fee is $4.00 for vehicles, $5.00 for watercraft. Owner-retained salvage requires owner to obtain salvage title before claim payment. Salvage vehicles may not operate on Ohio highways.
Rebuilt Vehicle
After restoration of a salvage vehicle, an Ohio State Highway Patrol inspection is required. Owner presents Ohio salvage title in their name, receipts for all major component parts, and inspection receipt. Submit completed Salvage Inspection Form (HP 106), salvage title, and title fee. Title is branded Rebuilt Salvage.
Junked Vehicle / Watercraft
A vehicle impossible to restore, dismantled, destroyed, or materially changed must have title surrendered for cancellation. “For Destruction” should be printed on the face of title when dismantling or destroying. Fee is $4.00, or $5.00 for watercraft. Junk title will never be reinstated. Notice of Destruction of Watercraft (DNR 8455) must be submitted to ODNR within 15 days of watercraft destruction.
Abandoned Vehicle
Towing services, storage facilities, garages, and repair facilities may obtain title for qualifying unclaimed vehicles after required record search, owner/lienholder notice, waiting periods, and affidavits. Forms include Unclaimed Motor Vehicle Affidavit (4202), Unclaimed Motor Vehicle Affidavit for Tows Ordered by Law Enforcement, Dealer, or Repair Facility (4205), and Unclaimed Salvage Motor Vehicle Affidavit (4209).
Abandoned Vessel
Abandoned vessels or outboard motors may be towed and stored by law enforcement. Owners must notify ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft within 15 days of abandonment. Notice, publication, affidavit of compliance, public auction, and Clerk of Courts title procedures apply. Certain abandoned junk vessels or motors may be immediately disposed of.
Lien Law
Ohio liens are recorded on the title record. Reference tables identify Ohio title with lien as held electronically or by lienholder, with ELT available, perfection as date of filing, lien release due within seven business days, and repo title required.
Filing and Perfection
Liens are perfected when filed with the County Clerk of Courts title system. If a lien exists, a Memorandum Title may be issued to the owner for registration purposes while the negotiable title remains associated with the lien record.
Electronic / Lienholder Title
Ohio supports electronic titles and electronic lien/title workflows. Lienholders and dealers should confirm whether the title is electronic, paper, memorandum, salvage, rebuilt, or replacement before transfer or payoff.
Release of Lien
Reference lien tables show release is due within seven business days and penalties may apply for late release. Dealer payoff files should document release before resale, duplicate title, or replacement title work.
Duplicate with Lien
If a lien is shown on an Ohio title and the title is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the lienholder must apply for duplicate title.
Dealer / Lender Workflow
Before funding or resale, verify title status, lienholder, memo title status, electronic-title control information where applicable, release status, odometer disclosure, and whether additional forms are needed for electronic dealer assignment, insurance-company assignment, salvage, or repossession title.
Transfer of Title
Ohio transfers are completed by title assignment and title application through the County Clerk of Courts Title Office. Dealers may use electronic title service options and dealer assignment workflows where available.
Transfer Requirements
Transfer packets generally include assigned Ohio or out-of-state title, title application, purchase order or bill of sale where required, lien release if applicable, odometer disclosure, proof of weight for certain noncommercial trailers or farm trucks, sales/use tax documentation, and any special affidavits for mini-trucks, utility vehicles, under-speed vehicles, salvage, or electronic title transfers.
Electronic Casual Sale
Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale (3770) may be used when an electronic title is transferred, but not by a dealer or insurance company and not for APVs, off-highway motorcycles, watercraft, outboard motors, or unconventional vehicles.
Dealer Electronic Assignment
If an electronic title exists, a dealer may complete Application for Dealer Assignment (3772). Licensed Ohio motor vehicle dealer documents may be electronically signed.
Manufactured Home Real Property
When a manufactured/mobile home becomes real property, title must be surrendered within 15 days, or within 30 days for lienholders.
Notarization
Ohio title applications are notarized. Ohio also accepts electronic notaries where permitted by the County Clerk of Courts Title Office.
Out-of-State Purchase
Dealer bill of sale or purchase order is required for new or used vehicles purchased out of state. Foreign and non-title-state ownership documentation has additional requirements.
Noncommercial Trailers
Proof of weight is required for noncommercial trailers and farm trucks. Acceptable proof includes Official Weight Slip (5721), MCO/MSO, or notarized Affidavit of Original Weight (5728).
Repossession
Reference tables identify Ohio as a repo-title-required state. Repossession transactions should be handled through the County Clerk of Courts title process with proof of the lienholder’s right to repossess and transfer.
Repo Title Required
Because repo title is required, lienholders should obtain the proper repossession title before resale or transfer. Verify current Clerk of Courts requirements before delivery to a purchaser.
Electronic Title Handling
If the repossessed unit has an electronic title, verify electronic title control information, lienholder authority, and any required assignment forms before title issuance.
Salvage / Rebuilt Repossession
If a repossessed vehicle is salvage, rebuilt salvage, junk, or marked for destruction, follow Ohio salvage, rebuilt, or junk title restrictions before transfer.
Dealer / Lender Checklist
Confirm lien status, repo authority, title status, lien release or lienholder assignment, odometer disclosure, tax handling, and whether the title is original, memo, duplicate, replacement, salvage, rebuilt salvage, or junk.
Registration
Ohio registration is handled through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Passenger cars, noncommercial trucks and trailers, motor homes, house vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds are eligible for multi-year registration. Commercial trailers and semitrailers may be registered multi-year or permanently, and noncommercial trailers may be registered permanently.
Application for Registration
Registration and renewal transactions may include BMV/deputy registrar fees, plate fees, county sticker fees, permissive taxes, EV/PHEV fees, notary fees, postage, and payment-processing fees. Motor vehicle registrations may be blocked for failure to pay parking violations, with a $5.00 fee per judgment.
- Additional fee of $16.00 is collected for each registration and renewal application; $35.00 for each commercial vehicle not subject to IRP.
- $0.25 reflectorized safety license plate fee and $0.25 county identification sticker fee apply where issued.
- Add $1.00 for each plate issued.
- Hybrid vehicles have $100.00 additional fee, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles $150.00, and electric vehicles $200.00.
- Payments by credit/debit card or PayPal have additional fee; no fee for electronic checks.
IRP
Ohio IRP and commercial carrier registration should be verified through BMV / motor carrier resources. Commercial vehicles and commercial buses registered under IRP are exempt from permissive tax.
Deputy Registrar Fees
Deputy Registrar fees include $8.00 for one year, $12.00 for two years, $16.00 for three years, $20.00 for four years, $24.00 for five years, and $8.00 for commercial trailer registrations from one to seven years.
Annual Renewal Examples
Passenger vehicle $20.00; light noncommercial truck up to ¾ ton $35.00; heavy noncommercial truck over ¾ ton and under 1 ton $70.00; commercial trailer or semitrailer $25.00; motor home $35.00; motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motor scooter, autocycle $14.00; moped $10.00; unconventional vehicle $10.00; manufactured home, mobile home, travel trailer, or house vehicle $10.00.
Nonresident Plates
New residents are not required to surrender out-of-state plates when applying for Ohio registration.
Watercraft Registration
Watercraft registration and dealer decal rules are handled through ODNR State Parks & Watercraft. Watercraft dealers may use boat decals for transporting and demonstrating, but not for commercial purposes.
Registration Blocks
Ohio registrations may be blocked for unpaid parking violations or other holds. Dealers should verify registration eligibility before delivery when customer registration issues are known.
Dealer, Manufacturer & Watercraft Plates
Dealer Plates
Fee is $50.25 for master plate and $10.25 for each additional plate. Trailer dealer plates cost $25.25 and $5.25 each additional plate. Plates may be purchased online; postage fees apply.
Commercial Car Demonstration Plates
Commercial car demonstration plates may be purchased. Fee is based on date application is received.
Watercraft Dealer Decals
Watercraft dealer decals cost $50.00 annually and include three sets of decals; each additional set costs $2.00. They may be used for transporting and demonstrating but not for commercial purposes.
Manufacturer Plates
Manufacturer plates may be used on manufacturer-owned vehicles, other than commercial vehicles, for testing or demonstration for sale or lease. They may not be used for delivery, hauling, transporting, or commercial purposes. Fee is $25.25 master plate and $5.25 each additional plate.
Out-of-State Dealer Plates
Out-of-state dealer plates are recognized in accordance with reciprocal agreement.
Postage / Payment Fees
Postage and payment-processing fees may apply to dealer, manufacturer, registration, and title transactions.
Fees, Plates & Registration Costs
Ohio fees vary by title type, county surcharge, affidavit, registration class, plate issuance, dealer plate type, commercial registration status, EV/PHEV fee, permissive tax, payment method, and whether the transaction is processed through a Clerk of Courts Title Office, BMV, ODNR, or electronic title provider.
| Common Fee | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $18.00 |
| Sworn affidavit | $1.00 if applicable |
| County preservation surcharge | Up to $5.00 |
| Memorandum title | $5.00 |
| Salvage vehicle title | $4.00 |
| Salvage watercraft title | $5.00 |
| Rebuilt salvage inspection | $50.00 |
| Registration application / renewal additional fee | $16.00; $35.00 for commercial vehicle not subject to IRP |
| Reflectorized plate / county sticker | $0.25 each where issued |
| Plate issuance | $1.00 per plate |
| Hybrid / PHEV / EV fee | $100.00 hybrid; $150.00 plug-in hybrid; $200.00 electric vehicle |
| Dealer master plate | $50.25; $10.25 each additional |
| Trailer dealer plate | $25.25; $5.25 each additional |
| Manufacturer master plate | $25.25; $5.25 each additional |
| Watercraft dealer decals | $50.00 annually including three sets; $2.00 additional set |
Dealer Fee Reminder
Dealer estimates should account for title fee, county preservation surcharge, sworn affidavit fee where applicable, electronic title provider fee where applicable, sales/use tax, registration class fee, deputy registrar fee, permissive tax, plate/sticker fees, EV/PHEV fee where applicable, and any ODNR or watercraft/outboard motor fees.
Taxes
Sales / Use Tax
Ohio sales/use tax is 5.75% state rate plus applicable county or transit tax based on purchase price. Rates change quarterly, and online rate tools and a sales tax calculator are available. Credit is allowed for trade-in for new vehicles, watercraft, and outboard motors purchased from a dealer. Credit is also allowed for taxes paid to another state.
Exemptions
Exemptions include sales to tax-exempt organizations or government, certain agricultural/mining/oil/gas vehicles, vehicles used to transport tangible personal property for hire, vehicles used for taxable transportation services, qualifying court-ordered transfers without consideration, casual sales of under-speed vehicles and mini-trucks, R&D vehicles, certain no-consideration corporate transfers, transfers between parent/child or spouses, certain no-consideration unrelated-party transfers, divorce transfers without consideration, beneficiary transfers including surviving spouse, vehicles purchased out of state more than six months ago, used manufactured homes, and commercial fishing watercraft.
Nonresident Sales
Dealers must collect Ohio sales tax when selling a vehicle to residents of Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, and South Carolina, subject to exceptions. Tax collected is the lesser of Ohio tax due or the tax due in the state of titling, registration, or use. Nonresidents removing a vehicle to a foreign country other than Canada must pay Ohio sales tax at 6.0%. Other nonresidents are generally exempt. Use STEC NR for motor vehicle, off-highway motorcycle, or APV nonresident sales, and ST WC AFF for watercraft or outboard motors.
Manufactured / Mobile Homes
Dealers owe sales or use tax based on their cost of a new manufactured/mobile home, paid to the Ohio Treasurer of State under a consumer’s use tax account. Used manufactured/mobile homes are exempt from sales/use tax but are assessed a conveyance fee based on value or sale price, and transfer tax is paid to the County Auditor.
Permissive Tax
Permissive tax is assessed on motor vehicles subject to registration and levied by taxing districts at registration in $5.00 increments based on vehicle type, up to $30.00 per vehicle. Noncommercial trailers weighing 1,000 lbs. or less and commercial vehicles/buses registered under IRP are exempt.
Property Tax
Property tax is collected by the County Auditor on manufactured homes committed to real estate. Real property tax applies if affixed to a permanent foundation on land owned by the home owner and title has been inactivated; otherwise manufactured home tax may apply. Manufactured homes must be registered with the county of situs for tax purposes within 30 days of purchase to avoid a $100.00 penalty.
Remote Sellers / HVUT
Out-of-state vendors must register in Ohio and collect Ohio use tax if Ohio gross receipts exceed $100,000 or if they have 200 or more separate Ohio transactions in the current or previous calendar year. Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return, IRS Form 2290, is required for vehicles 55,000 lbs. GVW/CGVW or more.
Official Forms & Resources
Key Ohio BMV, County Clerk of Courts, ODNR State Parks & Watercraft, State Highway Patrol, title, lien, electronic title, watercraft, outboard motor, trailer, APV/OHM, manufactured home, salvage/rebuilt, abandoned, repossession, registration, tax, and dealer resources commonly used for dealer and lender workflows.
General Information
Dealer Workflow
Dealer packets should include assigned MCO/title, purchase order or bill of sale where applicable, notarized title application, sales/use tax documentation, lien or electronic-title information, odometer disclosure, weight proof for qualifying trailers/farm trucks, and special affidavits for mini-trucks, utility vehicles, under-speed vehicles, salvage, rebuilt, or electronic title transfers.
Electronic Title Workflow
Ohio provides ETA, ETS, OTG, and OTP options. Dealers may electronically submit through ETS and may electronically sign submitted documents. Private-party electronic transfers through OTP have important restrictions, including no liens, no nonresident transfers, and no TOD beneficiaries.
Watercraft / Outboard Motor Workflow
Watercraft and outboard motor titles are handled electronically through Clerk of Courts, while watercraft registration and abandoned/destruction reporting are handled through ODNR State Parks & Watercraft. Dealer decal rules apply to watercraft dealers.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured/mobile homes are titled unless considered real property. Title surrender and county tax registration deadlines are important: title must be surrendered after real-property conversion, and the home must be registered with the county of situs for tax purposes within 30 days of purchase to avoid penalty.
Records
Ohio has online vehicle, watercraft, and outboard motor title search. Titles are generally issued within five business days, and Ohio participates in NMVTIS before issuing titles.
Enforcement / Inspection
Ohio State Highway Patrol performs rebuilt salvage inspections. ODNR handles watercraft registration and watercraft abandonment/destruction rules. BMV and County Clerk of Courts offices handle registration/title workflows.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, forms, taxes, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with Ohio BMV, County Clerk of Courts Title Office, Ohio Department of Taxation, ODNR State Parks & Watercraft, Ohio State Highway Patrol, or another applicable agency before submitting paperwork or payment.