When buying or selling a motor vehicle in the state of Ohio, you will need to have a car bill of sale for Ohio.
A Bill of Sale in Ohio acts as your receipt, as well as legal proof of the transaction. It includes details about the sale, the vehicle, and both the buyer and the seller.
A car bill of sale in Ohio can protect both parties from liability should an issue arise with the vehicle.
EXAMPLE
If the vehicle is in an accident after the sale, the seller can use the bill of sale for Ohio as proof that they did not own the vehicle at the time of the accident.
A car bill of sale in Ohio is also needed by the buyer to register and title the vehicle at Ohio’s BMV Offices. The bill of sale for Ohio is used to calculate state taxes that you are required to pay when registering the vehicle.
Free Forms
Other Documents
Along with the bill of sale for Ohio, you will need to complete and provide Form BMV-3724 (Odometer Disclosure Statement) if the vehicle you are selling/buying is under 16,000 pounds in weight and/or under 10 years of age.
If you are having someone else register the vehicle for you, they will need to complete a Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney document (Form BMV-5736)
Creating a Car Bill of Sale in Ohio
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not have its own bill of sale form for download. You will either need to use a template or create your own. If creating your own car bill of sale for Ohio, you will need to include the following required information:
- The date that the transaction took place
- The full names of both the seller and the buyer
- Full contact details of the buyer and the seller, including legal address and phone number
- Description of the vehicle that is being sold, must include the make, model, year, VIN, body style, color, and mileage
- The price that the vehicle was sold for and what payment method was used. You can also include whether the payment was made in full or partial payments
- Any miscellaneous terms, such as an “as-is” clause
- Signatures of both the buyer and the seller
- While not usually required, it is advisable to have the bill of sale for Ohio notarized
The original bill of sale for Ohio should go to the buyer and a copy to the seller for their own records.
Registration and Renewal of a Vehicle in Ohio
The state of Ohio requires vehicle owners to have their vehicle registered within 30 days of the purchase of the vehicle. Registration can be anywhere between 1 to 5 years.
Where to register a vehicle in Ohio
You can register your vehicle at your local registrar license agency or online using the Oplates.com website. Your new title and tags will either be given to you at the time of registration.
Renewals
You must renew your vehicle’s registration regularly. Renewal time is based on the owner’s date of birth and you can choose renewal times between 1 and 5 years. You will receive a notice for renewal and can check on the status of your vehicle registration on Ohio’s BMV website. You can also renew your vehicle registration in person at your local registrar’s office, by phone at 1-844-644-6268, or by mail.
In some instances, you may not be able to renew your registration:
- If your license was revoked or suspended
- Information about the vehicle is not current or correct
- If you are planning to switch your vehicle’s license plates
Documents Required to Register a Vehicle in Ohio
When registering and titling a vehicle, you are required to have the following:
- A valid and current Driver’s License
- A completed and signed Bill of Sale
- A completed Form BMV-3724 (Odometer Disclosure Form)
- The vehicle’s Certificate of Title. If this is not available, you can request a duplicate title at your local registrar’s office
- Funds to cover the appropriate Registration Fees
- Proof of Vehicle Insurance, which must meet the Minimum Requirements:
- Cover of $25,000 for death or injury of an individual (per incident)
- Cover of $25,000 for damage to property (per incident)
- Cover of $50,000 for death or injury of two or more individuals (per incident)
- If you are having someone register the vehicle for you, they must complete Form BMV-5736 (Vehicle Power of Attorney)
Registration Fees
- $15.00 – Certificate of Title, Duplicate Certificate of Title, or Replacement Certificate of Title
- $34.50 – Registration Fee
- $6.00 – Plate/Registration Transfer
- $5.00 – Out-of-State Inspection
- $5.00 – Late Fees
- $5.00 – Service Fee for the Deputy Registrar
- County Tax Fee – If applicable and can vary but should be no higher than $30.00
Emissions Testing
Certain counties require you to have an emissions test done before you can register your vehicle. These counties are:
- Cuyahoga
- Geauga
- Lake
- Lorain
- Medina
- Portage
- Summit
Emissions testing can be done at your local E-Check testing site before registration.
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