When you are selling a car in Ohio, properly signing the title is crucial. Any mistakes can void the title, causing delays, so you’ll want to do it carefully. Here are the steps to correctly fill out and sign an Ohio title as a seller:
- Don’t write on the title until you’re ready to transfer it. If possible, do this at a bank or title office where a notary is available.
- On the back of the title (Ohio titles have the transfer section on the back side), look for the section labeled “Assignment of Title” or “Transferor’s Section”. This is where the seller(s) will fill in the details for the buyer.
- Buyer’s Information: Neatly print the buyer’s full name and address on the lines provided. Make sure to spell the name correctly and use the legal name as on their ID. If there are two buyers to be on the title, both names can be written (typically with “AND” between them if you want both listed as owners).
- Odometer Disclosure: Enter the current odometer reading in the space provided on the title. Federal and state law require an odometer disclosure for vehicles less than 10 years old. Write the number exactly as it appears on the odometer (no tenths in Ohio). If the car is older and exempt, some titles have a box to check or you might write “Exempt” if applicable – but generally, just fill in the mileage for completeness.
- Sale Price: Fill in the sale price of the vehicle. If it’s a gift or a no-cost transfer to family, you can write “GIFT” or “$0”. (For a gift, also ensure that’s noted on the title application and any required affidavits are completed.)
- Date of Sale: There’s usually a line to write in the date of the transfer. Fill in the date you are signing over the title to the buyer.
- Signatures: This is critical – the seller(s) must sign on the line for Seller’s Signature exactly as the name appears on the front of the title. If two people are listed as owners on the title, typically both will need to sign (unless the title says “OR”, which is rare; most Ohio titles use “AND”). Do this in front of a notary. The notary will also have the buyer (or just witness the sale price and mileage) sign an acknowledgment section, and the notary will then notarize your signature. Do not sign until the notary is watching, as they need to verify your identity and witness the signing.
- Buyer’s Signature: The buyer will also sign on the title acknowledging the mileage (and in some cases to affirm they are the buyer). There’s usually a spot for the buyer’s signature and printed name. This can also be done at the title office; often the clerk will have the buyer sign when processing.
After completing these steps, give the notarized title to the buyer. The buyer will use this to transfer the title into their name. As the seller, make sure you remove your license plates (they stay with you, not the car) and don’t forget to cancel your insurance on the vehicle after the sale is fully done.
One more tip: Avoid any scratch-outs, white-out, or alterations. If you mess up any section (like misspelling a name or writing the wrong mileage), do not try to correct it on the title. The Ohio BMV is very strict and likely will reject a title with corrections. In such a case, you’d have to stop and get a replacement title to start over. So take your time and write carefully. If you’re unsure, it’s perfectly fine to ask a clerk at the title office for help before writing anything.
By following these steps, you’ll have properly signed over your Ohio title, and the buyer will be able to take it to the BMV and complete the transfer without any issues.
