No, a licensed dealer in Ohio cannot legally sell a used car to a consumer without a title. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) mandates that the dealer must provide the buyer with a properly assigned certificate of title at the point of sale. This title is the primary legal document that proves ownership, and selling without it is a violation of state law. The process is strictly regulated to protect consumers from purchasing vehicles with unresolved liens, theft histories, or ownership disputes.
While a dealer cannot sell a car to you without a title, they might acquire a car through a trade-in where the previous owner has lost the title. In such cases, the dealer is responsible for obtaining a duplicate title from the Ohio BMV before they can legally resell the vehicle. This involves the dealer submitting the proper forms and waiting for the state to issue a replacement. They cannot pass this administrative burden onto you, the buyer.
Attempting to buy a car without a title from a dealer is a major red flag. It could indicate the dealer is operating unethically or that the vehicle has significant problems. Without a title, you will be unable to register the car with the BMV, obtain license plates, or legally drive it on public roads. You also risk buying a car with an outstanding loan (lien) that must be paid off before the title can be cleared, which could become your financial responsibility.
If a dealer offers to sell you a car and provide the title "later," walk away. A reputable dealer will have the title ready at the time of sale. If you encounter this situation, you should report the dealer to the Ohio Attorney General's Office or the Ohio BMV.
| Key Consideration | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Legal Requirement | Ohio Revised Code requires a title for transfer of ownership. |
| Registration Impossibility | The BMV will not register a vehicle without a valid title. |
| Lien Risk | An undisclosed loan could make you responsible for someone else's debt. |
| Theft or Fraud Risk | The vehicle might be stolen or have a "branded" salvage history. |
| Resale Difficulty | You will face the same problem when you try to sell the car later. |
