Photo ID
Ohio driver license or state ID.
Printable guide
Memorandum Title Checklist
Use this when a lender holds your title and you need to register and plate the vehicle.
independent DMV and BMV information guide Verify requirements with the official DMV or BMV before you visit.
Bring these
Bring for the memo title, then plates
Lien and vehicle details
The lienholder's name plus the title or VIN information.
Form BMV 3774
If applying directly at a title office rather than through your dealer or lender.
Payment
The $5.00 memorandum title fee at the Clerk of Courts.
Insurance for the plate step
Bring the memo title and proof of Ohio insurance to an official DMV or BMV office.
Decision point
How will you get it?
Through closing
Many dealers and lenders arrange the memorandum title when the loan closes, so check before making a trip.
Apply yourself
Request it at any County Clerk of Courts title office with form BMV 3774 and the $5.00 fee.
Planning to sell?
A memo title cannot transfer ownership. The lien must be satisfied and the full title obtained first.
At the visit
Simple steps
- Confirm the lender holds the title and gather the lien details.
- Request the memo title at closing, or apply at a Clerk of Courts title office.
- Bring the memo title and proof of insurance to an official DMV or BMV office for registration and plates.
- After payoff, have the lien cancelled, no charge, and obtain the full Ohio title.
Avoid a return trip
- Do not try to sell or gift a vehicle on a memorandum title, it is not proof of ownership.
- Do not expect the BMV to print it, all Ohio titles come from the Clerk of Courts.
- Do not misplace it, you need it to plate the vehicle while the loan is open.