by Armando Martinez
If you're looking to buy a car from a private owner in Ohio, we understand that it can be overwhelming to navigate the registration process on your own. However, registering a car bought in a private owner car sale in Ohio is necessary to legally drive your new vehicle. You have 30-days after your purchase to obtain a new title and registration for your vehicle. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps needed to register your car in Ohio with empathy and understanding.
Step 1: Obtain a Bill of Sale
The first thing you'll need to do is obtain a bill of sale from the seller. This document should include information such as the car's make, model, year, and VIN, as well as the purchase price and the names and addresses of both the buyer and seller. Make sure the bill of sale is signed by both parties.
Step 2: Obtain the Car Title
Next, you'll need to obtain the car title from the seller. Make sure that the “assignment of ownership” section of the title is signed over to you and that all fields are properly filled out, and the seller’s signature was notarized. If there are any liens on the car, make sure they are paid off before completing the sale.
Step 3: Obtain Insurance
In Ohio you must have insurance to drive any motor vehicle. A vehicle owner may not allow anyone else to drive their motor vehicle without insurance. Before you can register your car in Ohio, you'll need to obtain insurance. The state requires a minimum amount of liability coverage, which includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Step 4: Get Your Car Inspected
If the vehicle you purchased was previously registered in a state other than Ohio, you will need to have your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) inspected at any licensed Ohio motor vehicle dealership. Once your VIN inspection is completed, you will receive an inspection certificate, which you will need to provide to the state along with your title application. If you live in one of these seven (7) counties (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, or Summit), you will also need to have your vehicle’s emissions system inspected at a state license inspection station before you can apply for your new title and registration. Vehicles that are four (4) model years old or less at the time of registration, vehicles 25 years old and older, fully electric powered vehicles, Natural Gas powered, and non-commercial vehicles weighing over 10,000lbs are exempt from emissions inspection requirements.
Step 5: Complete the Title & Registration Applications
Once you have the bill of sale, signed off title, proof of insurance, and your inspection certificates, if you intend to operate the vehicle on the highways prior to a new title being issued to you, then a temporary tag can be purchased from any local deputy registrar license agency or online at OPLATES.com. Next you'll need to obtain an Ohio title before you can complete your permanent registration process. To obtain your OH title, you will need to complete an Application for Certificate of Title form (BMV 3774 3/23) and have your signature notarized. The form can be downloaded by visiting https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/static/bmv3774.pdf.
Step 6: Submit Your Documents and Pay the Fees
Once your application is completed, you need to bring your application and valid ID (OH DL(s) or SSN card(s)) to a local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office for processing and payment of the fees owed. To locate your local BMV office go online to https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/local-office. If you list another owner on the application, both parties must be present when you go to the BMV office or you will need to provide a notarized Power of Attorney for that absent owner. When your title application is submitted, you will be given the option of purchasing a 45-day temporary license plate, which will allow you to operate the vehicle while your title and your permanent registration is applied for and processed. Along with your title and registration applications, when you visit the BMV, you'll need to pay certain fees. These fees include a title fee, registration fee, and any applicable sales tax based upon the county you reside in. The exact fees will vary depending on the age and value of the car, the type of permanent license plates you purchase, and the county where you live, so make sure to check with the BMV to determine the total amount due.
Step 7: Receive Your License Plate and Registration
Once an Ohio title is established, you will only be able to purchase permanent Ohio license plates. You have the option of purchasing standard permanent plates or a Specialty plate if you like. For a list of Specialty plates available for additional fees, visit https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/vr-sp-geninfo.aspx. Make sure to keep your title and registration documents in a safe place, as you will need them to prove that your car is registered and legally allowed to be driven on Ohio roads.
Conclusion
We understand that navigating the process of registering a car bought in a private owner car sale in Ohio can be overwhelming, but it is an important step to legally driving your new vehicle. By following these steps, you can ensure that your car is properly registered and legally allowed to be driven in the state. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your local BMV office for assistance either online via chat at https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/index.aspx, or by telephone at (844) 644-6268. We're here to help you every step of the way.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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