The original title
With the seller's assignment completed and notarized, buyer's full legal name, address, price, and odometer reading.
Printable guide
Ohio Title Transfer Checklist
Use this when buying, selling, or gifting a vehicle and the title needs to change hands.
independent DMV and BMV information guide Verify requirements with the official DMV or BMV before you visit.
Bring these
Bring to the title office, then to an official BMV office
Photo ID
Valid photo ID for the buyer.
Social Security number
Required for all owners going on the title.
Payment and sales tax
The $18.00 title fee plus sales tax on the purchase price, 6.75% in Summit County.
Insurance for the plate step
Bring proof of Ohio insurance to an official DMV or BMV office for registration and plates.
Decision point
Paper, electronic, or gift?
Paper title
The seller assigns ownership on the back of the title and signs in front of a notary.
Electronic title
Use the notarized Ownership Assignment for Casual Sale, form BMV 3770, seller on page 1, buyer on page 2.
Gift or family transfer
Assigned and notarized with the price marked as a gift. Sales tax generally does not apply to a qualifying gift, confirm with the title office.
At the visit
Simple steps
- Verify the title before money changes hands, owner, VIN, and no alterations.
- Complete the assignment in front of a notary, a deputy clerk at the title office can notarize on the spot.
- Take the notarized title, ID, SSN, fee, and sales tax to a County Clerk of Courts title office.
- Bring the new title and proof of insurance to an official DMV or BMV office for registration and plates.
Avoid a return trip
- Do not sign the title before you are in front of a notary, a pre-signed title can be rejected.
- Do not miss the 30-day window, a $5.00 late fee applies after that.
- Do not store the title in the vehicle, keep it somewhere safe.