To get a duplicate car title in Ohio, you need to complete Form BMV 3774 and submit it to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) along with the required fee and proper identification. The process is straightforward if you have all the necessary documents, but it must be done by mail or in person at a deputy registrar license agency; it cannot be completed online. The standard fee is $15.00, but expedited mail-in options are available for an additional cost.
The most critical step is ensuring the Application for Certificate of Title (Form BMV 3774) is filled out correctly. You'll need to provide the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model, and the exact name(s) on the current title. You must also sign the form in the presence of a notary public. Along with the form, you must include:
- Proof of Identity: A valid Ohio driver's license or state ID card.
- The Required Fee: A check or money order made payable to "Treasurer, State of Ohio."
If there is a lien on the vehicle, the process is different. The lienholder's information must be included on the form, and the duplicate title will be mailed directly to the lienholder, not to you.
| Requirement | Details | Notes |
|---|
| Governing Agency | Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) | |
| Required Form | BMV 3774 (Application for Certificate of Title) | Must be notarized. |
| Standard Fee | $15.00 | |
| Expedited Fee (Mail) | $25.00 | Title processed within 2 business days. |
| Processing Time (Mail) | 7-10 business days for standard service. | |
| In-Person Location | Any local Deputy Registrar License Agency. | |
| Online Option | Not available for duplicate titles. | |
| Key Information Needed | Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), current titleholder name(s). | Must match BMV records exactly. |
After mailing your application to the BMV Title Office in Columbus, you should receive your duplicate title within a couple of weeks. Keep a copy of your completed form and payment for your records.
