What You Need to Transfer a Car Title in Ohio in 2025
Hey man, you just scored that clean 2018 Tacoma on Facebook Marketplace in Dayton.
Or your grandpa left you his 1972 Chevelle in Akron.
Or you finally shipped that little Honda Acty from Japan to Columbus.
First congratulations. Second: Ohio will NOT let you drive it until the pink slip has YOUR name on it.
I’m the guy who’s helped many owners skip the DMV circus. This post is the exact playbook I give every client so they never get the dreaded “come back with 2X” speech.
Key Takeaways
Walk into any title office and leave with plates in 20 minutes
Pay $0 sales tax on family gifts (and prove it)
Turn a rejected salvage or out-of-state title into clean Ohio metal
Or just hand us the keys and get permanent plates shipped in 72 hours
What Documents Do You Need to Transfer a Car Title in Ohio?
Picture this: you stand in line for 45 minutes, finally get to the counter, and the clerk says “where’s your lien release?” You don’t have it. Back of the line, buddy.
Here’s the ONLY five things every single Ohio clerk wants:
Original pink Ohio title signed on the back in Section 1 (no copies, no phone pics)
Bill of sale literally any scrap of paper that says VIN, price or “GIFT $0”, date, both names, both signatures
Odometer reading mandatory on every 2015-newer ride (it’s printed on the back of new titles)
Lien release bank letterhead or automatic ELT drop (95% of loans do this now)
Photo ID Ohio DL or two proofs of address if you’re from out of state
Snap a phone picture of every document before you leave the house. If the clerk says something’s missing, you prove it’s right there. To confirm everything’s legit, grab our exclusive insights on verifying classic car originality before it’s too late.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Car Title in Ohio?
When it comes to transferring a car title in Ohio, the costs can vary based on factors like the type of transaction, whether the title is lost, or if you're gifting the vehicle to a family member. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the fees involved:
How Do You Complete the Ohio Title Assignment?
Completing the Ohio title assignment correctly is crucial to avoid delays and rejections. Most rejections happen due to errors on the seller’s side, so it’s important to follow these steps carefully.
Seller Side:
Print Your Name Exactly as on the Title: This might seem obvious, but make sure your name is printed exactly as it appears on the front of the title. Even a minor difference can cause issues.
Sign in Blue or Black Ink: Sign the title in either blue or black ink. Using a different color can lead to rejection.
Write the Real Price or “GIFT $0”: If it’s a sale, write the actual selling price. For gifts, write “GIFT $0” to avoid unnecessary tax complications.
Fill Out the Odometer Reading: This must be the actual odometer reading in whole miles. No fractions or estimations allowed.
Date the Title: Don't forget to date it when you sign. Missing the date is another common reason for rejections.
Crossing Out Letters: If you make a mistake, do not cross out any letters or numbers. One crossed-out letter means you’ll need to start over and pay a $15 fee for a duplicate title.
Buyer Side:
You do not sign the title itself. Instead, you will need to sign a separate form (BMV 5736) at the counter when you finalize the title transfer. After that, you’ll pay the necessary fees, and the title transfer will be processed.
Can You Transfer a Car Title Online in Ohio?
In Ohio, whether you can transfer a car title online depends on the type of sale and who is handling the transfer.
Private Sales:
Unfortunately, private sales cannot be completed online. In 2025, the state still requires 100% in-person processing for private title transfers. Both the buyer and seller must visit the title office to complete the transaction.
Dealers & ELT Participants:
If you're buying from a licensed dealer or an ELT (Electronic Lien and Title) participant, yes, you can complete the title transfer online. Dealers and ELT members are part of the Ohio Title Portal, which allows for an electronic transfer process.
Street Legal Hookup Clients:
For those using Street Legal Hookup, the process is even easier. We offer a completely electronic transfer service: upload your documents once, and we’ll handle the rest. Your title will be filed electronically, and your permanent plates will be shipped to you within 72 hours. No need to go to the DMV, we take care of everything for you!
What Are the Steps to Transfer a Car Title After a Sale?
You get exactly 7 calendar days to drive on seller plates. Day 8 = ticket + possible tow.
Real-world steps that work at every county:
Seller signs title
You both scribble a bill of sale on a napkin if you have to
Seller writes mileage
You hit any County Title Office or Deputy Registrar before 4 p.m.
Pay $15 + tax (or just $15 for gifts)
Walk out with 45-day temp tag
New title hits your mailbox in 7-14 days
Do this exact order and you’re done in one trip. I’ve had clients finish in 18 minutes in Lucas County.
How Do You Transfer a Car Title When the Owner Is Deceased?
Surviving spouse: grab death certificate + BMV 3799 + $15. Done. No probate.
No spouse or big estate? You’re going to probate court. Bring coffee, it’s a long day.
How Do You Handle a Car With a Lien or Loan?
Good news: 95% of loans are ELT now. Pay it off → lien drops in 48 hours → title goes electronic.
Old-school paper title? The bank mails it to you or straight to the title office with a release letter with a release. To spot problems early, claim our sharp alerts on detecting hidden liens on car titles that save you from traps.
How Do You Transfer an Out-of-State Vehicle Title to Ohio?
Every single out-of-state title gets a $5 VIN inspection first. No exceptions.
Then add E-Check if you’re in Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Lorain, Medina, Summit, or Portage county.
How Do You Transfer a Salvage or Rebuilt Title in Ohio?
Step 1: Book Highway Patrol salvage inspection ($53.50, appointment only).
Step 2: Bring every single parts receipt – engine, transmission, airbags, everything.
Step 3: Pass = red “REBUILT SALVAGE” title. Fail = paperweight.
When Is Notarization Required for an Ohio Title Transfer?
Only three situations in 2025:
Court ordered transfer
Removing a TOD beneficiary
Dealer went belly-up and you’re using their reassignment space
Regular private sale? No notary needed since July 2022.
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid During Title Transfers?
Every week we see these:
Writing $1 instead of real price (triggers full NADA book tax – seen a guy pay $1,800 extra on a $22k truck)
Skipping the $5 out-of-state VIN check
Bringing a color copy of the title
Trying to put a 16-year-old’s name on it
Waiting 45 days and paying $60 late fees
Why You Should Choose Street Legal Hookup for Ohio Title Transfers?
At Street Legal Hookup, we help Ohio drivers skip the title office chaos, avoid tax surprises, and get permanent plates delivered to their doorstep. From local pickups to imported Kei trucks and luxury RVs, our team handles every title scenario quickly and legally, all through one secure online process.
Experienced Title Specialists: We’ve completed more than 4,000 Ohio title transfers, including out-of-state, rebuilt, and imported vehicles.
Flat-Fee Pricing: Pay one fixed price for everything. No county add-ons, hidden costs, or percentage-based fees.
No Office Visits: Avoid long waits at BMV counters. Our process is fully digital from upload to plate delivery.
Permanent Plates Shipped Fast: Receive metal plates within three business days with full tracking and verification.
Sales Tax Advantage: Legally bypass sales tax through our Montana LLC structure, saving thousands on high-value vehicles.
Expert Support: Our in-house team reviews and corrects documents before filing, preventing delays or rejections.
Proven Results: Zero rejections across thousands of filings for Ohio residents and out-of-state owners alike.
Money-Back Guarantee: If your registration cannot be completed, you get a full refund without hassle.
Street Legal Hookup makes Ohio title transfers simple, fast, and fully compliant, giving you permanent, tax-free plates without ever setting foot in a title office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a title transfer have to be notarized in Ohio?
No. Since July 2022, private-party title transfers no longer require notarization unless ordered by a court or removing a Transfer on Death beneficiary.
Do both parties need to be present to transfer a car title in Ohio?
No. The buyer can complete the transfer alone with the properly signed title, Bill of Sale, and ID.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Ohio?
$15 title fee + sales tax (5.75%–8%) unless gifted between immediate family. Late fee $5 after 30 days.
Is it better to gift a car or sell it for a dollar in Ohio?
Gifting is always better. Selling for $1 still triggers full sales tax on the vehicle’s book value (often $8,000+). True gifts pay $0 tax with Form 3774.
Can you do a title transfer online in Ohio?
Private parties cannot. Only licensed dealers and Electronic Participants can submit titles through the Ohio Title Portal.
How many days do I have to transfer a car title in Ohio?
30 days from the date of sale. After day 30, $5 penalty + $1 per additional day.
Conclusion
You now know every 2025 rule, form, fee, and deadline to transfer a car title in Ohio without paying a penny more than necessary. Whether it’s a $500 beater or a $150,000 classic, the process is the same: correct paperwork, correct office, correct timing.
Don’t let a simple title mistake cost you thousands in penalties or force you to store the vehicle undriveable. Street Legal Hookup has served Ohio residents nationwide since 2019. Upload your title today at Street Legal Hookup and have your new Ohio plates in hand within 72 hours legally, permanently, and stress-free.
If you're dealing with a classic or modified car, see our must-read strategies for registering highly modified cars out of state that open up options. For state-specific guides, check our detailed walkthroughs on the car title transfer process in Texas, car title transfer process in Arkansas, car title transfer process in California, and car title transfer process in North Carolina.
