You can get a car title in Ohio by visiting your local county Clerk of Titles office. If you've just purchased a vehicle or need a duplicate, this is the government agency that handles the issuance and transfer of all vehicle titles within the state. The process and required documents differ depending on your specific situation, such as a new purchase, a lost title, or an out-of-state vehicle transfer.
The most common scenario is transferring a title after buying a car. You'll need to go to the county Clerk of Titles office in the county where you reside. Bring the previous owner’s properly signed title, a completed Application for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (Form BMV 3774), and proof of insurance. You’ll also need to pay the title fee and any applicable sales tax. For a standard passenger vehicle, the title fee is $15. If the title is lost or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate. This requires Form BMV 3774, a valid photo ID, and a $15 duplicate title fee. If there is a lien on the vehicle, the process involves the lienholder.
For brand new cars, the dealer typically handles the title paperwork and submits it to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) on your behalf. If you’re bringing a car from another state, you’ll need the out-of-state title, a VIN inspection, and possibly an Odometer Disclosure Statement.
| Scenario | Required Documents | Fees (Approx.) | Processing Time |
|---|
| Title Transfer (Purchase) | Signed previous title, Form BMV 3774, Proof of Insurance | $15 title fee + sales tax | Often same day |
| Duplicate Title (Lost/Stolen) | Form BMV 3774, Valid Photo ID | $15 | 7-10 business days |
| New Car from Dealer | Dealer handles paperwork | Included in sale price | Varies by dealer |
| Out-of-State Vehicle | Out-of-state title, VIN inspection, Odometer Statement | $15 title fee | Same day after inspection |
It’s always a good idea to call your specific county Clerk of Titles office ahead of your visit to confirm their hours, accepted payment methods, and if an appointment is needed. Many counties also have Deputy Registrar locations that can process title transactions.
