No, you generally cannot legally sell a car in Ohio without a title. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requires the seller to provide the certificate of title to transfer ownership to the buyer. The title is the primary legal document that proves you own the vehicle. Attempting to sell a car without it can lead to significant legal and financial complications for both you and the buyer.
There are, however, a few specific exceptions where a sale might be possible, but each involves a formal process through the BMV to obtain a replacement document before the sale can be completed.
| Situation | Required Action/Alternative Document | Key Considerations |
|---|
| Lost or Stolen Title | Apply for a Duplicate Title (Form BMV 3774). | This is the most common solution. You must be the titled owner to apply. |
| Title with a Lien (Loan) | Pay off the loan and obtain the title from the lienholder. | The lienholder's name is on the title; they must release the lien for a clean transfer. |
| Out-of-State Title | The title must be from another state; an Ohio title is still required for an Ohio sale. | You may need to first title the car in Ohio in your name before selling. |
| Vehicle is Very Old | Explore applying for a Certificate of Authorization for a Salvage Title. | Applies to vehicles model year 2012 or older; specific conditions must be met. |
| New Car with MSO | The Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) acts as the title. | This only applies to brand-new vehicles that have never been titled. |
If the title is simply lost, the process is straightforward. You need to complete Form BMV 3774, provide proof of identity, and pay a small fee. You can often do this at your local county clerk of courts office. Once you receive the duplicate title, you can proceed with the sale normally.
Selling without a title is risky. The buyer cannot register the vehicle, meaning they can't legally drive it. They could later sue you for the purchase price. In worst-case scenarios, if the vehicle has an unclear history, it could be implicated in legal issues. The safest path is always to secure the proper title documentation before listing the car for sale.
