Transferring a car title to a family member (or giving a car as a gift) in Ohio follows the same basic procedure as any other private party title transfer, with a couple of notes. The current owner (the person whose name is on the title) will need to sign the title over to the family member receiving the car, and this signature must be notarized just like in a regular sale. Instead of a purchase price, you can list the price as “gift” or $0 on the title and title application.
For immediate family members (such as parent to child, spouse to spouse, or between siblings), Ohio generally waives the sales tax on a gifted vehicle, but you may be asked to complete a form or affidavit at the title office attesting that the transfer is a gift between family members. It’s a good idea to bring proof of the family relationship if available (for example, a birth certificate or the fact that surnames match) in case the clerk requests it, though often it’s not required beyond the signed statement.
The family member receiving the car will take the signed and notarized title, along with their ID, to the title office and pay the title transfer fee (around $15, but no sales tax if it’s a qualified gift transfer) to get the new title issued in their name. The new title will be issued just as quickly as any other (usually on the spot).
In summary, gifting a car is very similar to selling a car, minus the exchange of money. To ensure a smooth gift transfer, you can follow our Ohio private party title transfer guidelines or contact us for help – even though no money changes hands, the paperwork and process are the same, and we’re happy to assist.
