The Ohio car title transfer is a mandatory procedure that must be completed when the ownership of a certain vehicle is transferred from one legal entity to another. To complete title transfers for cars, vehicle owners will be required to submit their documents and fee payments through a titling office of the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Note that the OH title transfer requirements may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the transfer of ownership. To find out more about transferring a car title and when and where to initiate the vehicle title transfer procedure, continue reading the sections below.

What is a car title transfer in Ohio?

To ensure the completion of the Ohio title transfer for cars, vehicle owners are encouraged to learn more about the transfer of car title process and the role of the title certificate in the passing of ownership. The goal of the procedure to transfer a vehicle title is to officially change the vehicle ownership from the owner on record to a new owner.

The BMV-issued certificate of title is the principal document used to record the ownership change and link both owners. Motorists who fail to complete the corresponding title transfers for cars in OH will be unable to obtain a car registration for their newly purchased vehicles.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Ohio?

Transferring a vehicle title in Ohio is a mandatory step on each occasion the vehicle ownership is passed between two legal entities, regardless of the nature of the ownership transfer.

Therefore, in addition to completing a car title transfer after selling or purchasing a motor vehicle, auto owners will also be required to initiate the OH title transfer for vehicles in several unique situations. For instance, you will also have to meet the corresponding car title transfer requirements if you receive a vehicle as a gift, donation or inheritance.

Note: Failure to transfer your car title within a certain number of days of accepting ownership of the vehicle will result in a late titling fee. It may also make it difficult or impossible for you to register your vehicle in a timely manner.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Ohio

When completing title transfers for cars in Ohio, applicants will have to meet several requirements, such as submitting certain paperwork and paying the applicable titling fees. However, the title transfer requirements may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the passing of vehicle ownership.

For example, the following documentation criteria apply when transferring a vehicle title in OH after selling or purchasing a used motor vehicle:

• The title application
• A title certificate displaying the seller’s signature, the buyer’s information and signature, the date of transfer and a notarized mileage statement
• A power of attorney form, if required
• A bill of sale, if applicable
• A lien release form, if applicable

Note: If the seller is unable to produce the title certificate, he or she will be required to apply for a duplicate car title in order to transfer the vehicle to a new owner.

If you are completing the OH car title transfer under different circumstances, you may be required to submit additional documentation. For instance, if you have to finalize the transfer of car title for an inherited vehicle, you will also require the death certificate of the original owner.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Ohio

Vehicle owners can finalize the Ohio title transfer for cars by submitting the fee payments and documents that apply to their situation through a local BMV office since they cannot request a vehicle title transfer online in the state.

In order to avoid any delays in the auto title transfer process, motorists must ensure they meet the OH title transfer requirements prior to making their office visit.

The bureau processes requests for a transfer of a car title as soon as it verifies the submitted documentation and cost payments. Once the new vehicle owner receives the title certificate, he or she can complete the car registration procedure and obtain new license plates.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Ohio

Vehicle owners who are applying for a car title in Ohio should know the difference between getting a new title and transferring an existing one. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues a new title for new motor vehicles that were recently purchased.

However, when purchasing a new vehicle from a dealership, the dealer performs the application procedure for a new car title through the OH BMV. Additionally, new residents in Ohio will also need to order a new car title upon their move from another state.

On the other hand, a title transfer requires motorists to transfer the ownership of a vehicle over to the person who purchases it from them. A title transfer procedure may also be performed when drivers receive a motor vehicle as a gift, donation or part of an inheritance.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Ohio

To successfully complete the Ohio vehicle title transfer, car owners will be required to pay the titling fees imposed by the state BMV. The total price to transfer a car title may include up to several smaller fees.

For example, in addition to the standard $15 titling fee, you may be required to pay an additional $15 fee if you are adding a lien as well. Additionally, if you initiate a title transfer later than 90 days after the transfer of ownership, you will have to pay a late fee as well.

Note: You must also pay the state sales and use tax based on the vehicle purchase price.

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