Planning to sell your car in the state of Ohio? Whether it's your first private sale or you’ve done it before, understanding the steps involved can help you avoid unnecessary hassles.
From gathering paperwork to navigating the title transfer and license plate rules, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to handle the sale confidently and stay in compliance with Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requirements.
How To Sell Your Car in Ohio
- Collect Your Required Paperwork
- Transfer the Title
- Remove Your License Plates
- Notify the BMV
- Update Your Insurance
- Consider Selling Via CarGurus
Collect Your Required Paperwork
Having all the necessary documents ready can make your car sale go much more smoothly.
Original Title (Certificate of Title)
You must have the original vehicle title in hand, as it serves as your legal proof of ownership. If it's lost, request a duplicate title from the Ohio BMV. You’ll need a valid driver’s license and a completed title application. If the vehicle has an out-of-state title, the seller must first convert it to an Ohio title in their name through the Ohio BMV before the vehicle can be sold.
Odometer Disclosure Statement
This is required for vehicles with a model year of 2011 or newer within 20 years of their original sale. The mileage can be disclosed either on the back of the title (if space is provided and notarized) or using the BMV 3724 form. BMW 3724 form is required if the title lacks an odometer section or if you are using a power of attorney, applying for a duplicate title, or transferring a vehicle with an out-of-state title. Vehicles from 2010 or earlier are exempt.
Bill of Sale
While not required by the Ohio BMV, a bill of sale is highly recommended. It provides written proof of the sale price, date of sale, and buyer and seller information. It can help protect you from future liability or disputes over sales tax or vehicle registration.
Lien Release
If there is a lienholder on the vehicle title, you'll need an original lien release document (no scans or faxes) before the title transfer can happen.
Transfer the Title
The most critical part of the sale is the car title transfer, which the seller must fill out in person at a local Ohio BMV title office or the county Clerk of Courts office. The seller needs to:
- Sign the back of the title in the Assignment of Ownership section. If there is a co-owner, both must sign
- Include the purchase price, date of sale, and odometer reading
- Have the title notarized — this is required in Ohio. Many BMV offices have a notary public available
If you are using a power of attorney, bring that document with you.
Remove Your License Plates
In Ohio, the license plate stays with the seller. Once the vehicle is sold, you can:
- Transfer the license plate to another vehicle you own
- Return them to the Ohio BMV
- Or destroy them (recommended if you're not reusing them)
Never leave the license plate on the vehicle. You could be held responsible if the new owner gets a ticket or is in an accident.
Notify the BMV
While the buyer is responsible for applying for the new title, it’s smart for the seller to keep copies of the certificate of title, bill of sale, and any applicable sworn statements. You do not have to notify the Ohio BMV that you sold the vehicle, but having documentation protects you if the buyer delays registration.
Update Your Insurance
Once the sale is completed, contact your insurance company to cancel or transfer your coverage. You could be held financially responsible if the policy is active and the vehicle is involved in an accident. Additionally, if you receive a refund from your vehicle registration, your insurer may need that documentation from the BMV.
Consider Selling Via CarGurus
CarGurus makes it easy to sell your car in Ohio. You only need to provide some basic information about your vehicle to receive up to five offers from local dealerships. Simply choose the best offer and we'll put you in touch with the dealership to appraise your vehicle and finalize the sale. If you don’t want to sell it immediately, you have the opportunity to subscribe to a CarGurus vehicle market value tracker that will update you on your car’s approximate worth once a month via email.
