What are the motor vehicle title requirements when moving to Ohio from another state?

When an individual moves into Ohio from another state, they should transfer the title and plates on their vehicle as soon as possible after establishing residency. To issue a title for this type of transfer, the title office needs the following documentation:

1) Out-of-state Inspection Form - can be done at any license bureau or new car dealer in Ohio.

2) Out of State Title - in cases where a lien holder is holding the title, the owner of the vehicle will need to provide the title office with the lien holder’s fax number. The title office will fax a letter to request the title from the lien holder for the sole purpose of converting it to an Ohio title. It generally takes 7-10 business days to receive the title.
When the title office receives the title from the lien holder, we will call the customer to come in and remind them to bring the necessary documentation.

3) Liens - if a lien exists on the out of state title it will be carried forward on the Ohio title.

4) Identification (picture/signature type) - for any person whose signature the title office personnel must notarize.

An application for title and an applicant’s odometer statement will be completed and notarized at the title office if necessary.

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What are the title requirements for a motor vehicle purchased from another Ohio resident?

When an Ohio resident purchases a privately owned vehicle from an individual with an Ohio title the title office needs the following documentation:

1) Ohio Title - the assignment portion must be completed and notarized if the seller is not present with the buyer at the title office.

2) Federal Odometer Statement - completed by buyer and seller.

3) Liens - if a lien is to be recorded the title office will need evidence of a secured interest acknowledged by all owners.

4)Identification (picture/signature type) - for any person whose signature the title office personnel must notarize.

An application for title and a consumer tax form will be completed and notarized at the title office if necessary.

The purchaser must also pay sales tax if due on the purchase price at the time of transfer.

Penalty Assessed on Titles Not Transferred Within Thirty Days of Purchase
The law requires the buyer to transfer the title within thirty (30) days of the purchase or pay a $5.00 penalty. The purchase date is the date the title was assigned to the buyer.

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What are the title requirements for a motor vehicle purchased from an out of state resident?

When an Ohio resident purchases a vehicle from a private individual with an out of state title the title office needs the following documentation:

1) Out of State Inspection Form - can be done at any license bureau or new car dealer in Ohio.

2) Out of State Title - must be completed and notarized if required by the seller’s state.

If the seller is from a state that does not title the motor vehicle we will follow the other states titling requirements.

3) Federal Odometer Statement - completed by buyer and seller.

4) Liens - if a lien is to be recorded the title office will need evidence of a secured interest acknowledged by all owners.

5) Identification (picture/signature type) - for any person whose signature the title office personnel must notarize.

An application for title and the consumer’s tax form will be completed and notarized at the title office if necessary.


The purchaser must also pay sales tax if due on the purchase price at the time of transfer.

Penalty Assessed on Titles Not Transferred Within Thirty Days of Purchase
The law requires the buyer to transfer the title within thirty (30) days of the purchase or pay a $5.00 penalty. The purchase date is the date the title was assigned to the buyer.

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What are the title requirements for a new motor vehicle purchased from an out of state dealer?

When an Ohio resident purchases a new vehicle from a dealer in another state the title office needs the following documentation:

1) Manufacturers’ Certificate of Origin - correctly assigned and notarized if required by the seller’s state.

2) Bill of Sale - including the year, make, serial number, purchase price, trade-in amount, lien holder information if applicable, and sales tax paid. Some states issue a specific bill of sale form that the Ohio Department of Taxation requires us to have prior to title issuance.

3) Federal Odometer Statement - completed by buyer and seller.

4) Liens - if a lien is to be recorded, the title office will need evidence of a secured interest acknowledged by all owners.

5) Identification (picture/signature type) - for any person whose signature the title office personnel must notarize.

An application for title and a consumer sales tax form will be completed and notarized at the title office if necessary.
The purchaser must pay sales tax if due on the purchase price at the time of transfer.
Ohio law allows that if a purchaser has a trade-in on a new vehicle the amount given on trade will be deducted from the purchase price of the new vehicle and Ohio sales tax will be charged on the difference.

If the selling dealer has collected any taxes which is noted on the bill of sale or on a state tax receipt, the state of Ohio will give a tax credit to the purchaser and charge only the remaining percentage up to the current rate of taxation for Ohio.

Penalty Assessed on Titles Not Transferred Within Thirty Days of Purchase
The law requires the buyer to transfer the title within thirty (30) days of the purchase or pay a $5.00 penalty. The purchase date is the date the title was assigned to the buyer.

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What are the title requirements for a used motor vehicle purchased from an out of state dealer?

When an Ohio resident purchases a used vehicle from a dealer in another state the title office needs the following documentation:

1) Out of State Inspection Form - can be done at any license bureau or new car dealer in Ohio.

2) Out of State Title - must be completed and if required by the seller’s state, notarized.

3) Bill of Sale - including the year, make, serial number, purchase price, trade-in amount, lien holder information if applicable, and sales tax paid. Some states issue a specific bill of sale form that the Ohio Department of Taxation requires us to have prior to title issuance.

4) Federal Odometer Statement - completed by buyer and seller.

5) Liens - if a lien is to be recorded the title office will need evidence of a secured interest acknowledged by all owners.

6) Identification (picture/signature type) - for any person whose signature the title office personnel must notarize.

An application for title and a consumer sales tax form will be completed and notarized at the title office if necessary.

Sales Tax Charged
The purchaser must pay sales tax if due on the purchase price at the time of transfer.

Sales Tax Credit
If the selling dealer has collected any taxes which is noted on the bill of sale the state of Ohio will give a tax credit to the purchaser and charge only the remaining percentage up to the current rate of taxation for Ohio.

Penalty Assessed on Titles Not Transferred Within Thirty Days of Purchase
The law requires the buyer to transfer the title within thirty (30) days of the purchase or pay a $5.00 penalty. The purchase date is the date the title was assigned to the buyer.

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How do I apply for a lost, stolen, or destroyed title?

When a title is lost, stolen, or destroyed, a duplicate title must be applied for. The application for the duplicate title must be completed and notarized. All persons listed as owners on the original title must sign for the duplicate title.

If the original title has an open lien the lien holder must apply for the duplicate title. The person making the application for the duplicate title should sign the lien holder’s name followed by their name and position with the institution.

If the lost or stolen title is an interstate or non-resident title the Clerk of Courts office must have confirmation from the owner’s state that no title has been issued on the vehicle in question.

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What do I need to get a title to my ATV or off road motorcycle?

A certificate of title must be obtained for an ATV or off-road motorcycle before the owner can register the vehicle for the first time or renew registration to a vehicle not already titled.

Ohio dealers are required to provide titles to all ATV’s and off-road motorcycles purchased through their dealership within 30 days of the date of purchase. Also, dealers must title all used vehicles in their dealership’s name before selling them.

To title an ATV or off- road motorcycle the title office will need the following documentation:

1) Out of State Inspection Form - unless you have a manufacturer’s statement of origin assigned directly to you from a licensed dealer or an Ohio title, you need an inspection which can be done at deputy registrar locations or at most new car dealerships.

2) Proof of Ownership - the title office will need one of the following to show that you are the current owner of the vehicle.