Who must title a vehicle in Ohio?

• All vehicles operated on public roads, watercraft 14+ feet, outboard motors 10+ hp, and watercraft with a permanently affixed mechanical means of propulsion 10+ hp must be titled.

• Exempt: Snowmobiles, mopeds, trailers <4,000 lbs. unladen (except travel trailers), USCG-documented vessels, canoes, kayaks, lifeboats, vehicles 1972 or older, and manufactured/mobile homes considered real property.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

• Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), via any County Clerk of Courts Title Office.

• Application: Notarized Application for Certificate of Title (3774); dealer assignments (3772); $15.00 title fee + $1.00 sworn affidavit fee + up to $5.00 notary fee if applicable.

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

• New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (notarized if assigned in Ohio), dealer’s bill of sale if out-of-state.

• Used vehicles: Certificate of Title (bill of sale if out-of-state).

• Non-title states: Valid registration card + notarized bill of sale.

• Government surplus: SF97-1.

• Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, bill of sale, FMVSS compliance, CBP 7501, NHTSA HS-7, NHTSA bond release, English translation if needed.

How are special titles or brands handled?

• Memorandum Title: For open liens, non-negotiable, for registration only.

• Brands: Buyback, Flood, Fire, Hail, Rebuilt Salvage, Salvage Motor Vehicle, Taxi, Former Taxi, Law Enforcement, and odometer brands. Out-of-state brands carried forward.

• Salvage: Required for wrecked/dismantled/unfit vehicles; insurer must apply within 30 days of claim. $4.00 fee ($5.00 watercraft).

• Rebuilt: Salvage vehicles must pass State Highway Patrol inspection ($50.00 fee), submit receipts for major parts, and Salvage Inspection Form (HP 106); title branded Rebuilt Salvage.

• Junk: Surrender title for cancellation (“For Destruction” on title); $4.00 fee ($5.00 watercraft); title cannot be reinstated.

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

• Duplicate: Application for Certificate of Title (3774), $15.00 fee; lienholder must apply if lien remains.

• Corrected: Notarized statement from previous owners for mileage/VIN/brand corrections; no fee for county error.

Other notes:

• Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).

• VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles ($5.00 + $1.50 clerk fee).

Are electronic signatures accepted?

• Yes, at discretion of County Clerk of Courts; all dealer documents may be signed electronically.