can a buyer register a car with a memorandum title in ohio

Can a Buyer Register a Car With a Memorandum Title in Ohio? (2026 Definitive Guide)

If you’re buying a vehicle in Ohio and the seller hands you a memorandum title, here’s the truth you need immediately:

No — a buyer cannot register a car with a memorandum title in Ohio.

A memorandum title is non-transferable. It only allows the current owner to register and plate the vehicle while a lien exists. Until that lien is released and the title becomes transferable, buyer registration is legally blocked.

This guide explains why Ohio enforces this rule, what happens when buyers try anyway, and the only compliant path to registration in 2026.

Quick Answer (Featured Snippet)

Can a buyer register a car with a memorandum title in Ohio?
No. A memorandum certificate of title is non-transferable and valid only for the current owner’s registration while a lien exists. Buyers must receive a clean, assignable Ohio title before a vehicle can be registered.

What a Memorandum Title Is — and Is Not

In Ohio, a memorandum title is issued when a lienholder retains the original title and the owner needs plates and registration while the loan is active. It proves ownership interest only — not transfer authority.

For a complete breakdown of how memorandum titles work, why they’re issued, and what they allow (and don’t allow), review the detailed explanation in our guide to an Ohio memorandum title.

A memorandum title cannot be used to:

  • Transfer ownership

  • Assign a vehicle to a buyer

  • Register a vehicle as a new owner

Why a Buyer Cannot Register a Car With a Memorandum Title in Ohio

Ohio Clerks of Courts enforce a strict rule:

You cannot transfer ownership of a motor vehicle using a memorandum certificate of title.

Because the lienholder still controls the transferable title:

  • Clerks reject buyer registration applications

  • Plates cannot be issued to the buyer

  • Insurance coverage may be invalid for road use

This restriction applies whether the title is paper or electronic.

Electronic Titles in 2026 Do NOT Change the Rule

Ohio’s electronic title system is common in 2026, but it does not override lien rules.

An electronic title:

  • Can be transferred only after the lien is released

  • Cannot be assigned while a memorandum title status exists

Once the lien is released, the seller may assign the title electronically and the buyer can complete registration through the standard Ohio car title transfer process.

Until that happens, registration is blocked.

What Happens If a Buyer Tries to Register Anyway

When a buyer attempts to register a vehicle using only a memorandum title, the Clerk will:

  • Reject the registration

  • Require a transferable title

  • Refuse to issue plates

At that point, the buyer is often stuck with a vehicle that cannot legally be driven.

If the Vehicle Was Already Sold With a Memorandum Title

This scenario happens more often than people admit.

If a vehicle is sold before the lien is released:

  • The buyer cannot register

  • The seller may still be legally tied to the vehicle

  • The transaction must be corrected before registration can occur

There is no workaround. The lien must be resolved and the title corrected first.

If you’re on the seller side, this is explained in depth in our guide on selling a car with a memorandum title in Ohio, which breaks down why private sales collapse when lien issues are ignored and how sellers end up blocking buyer registration.

The Only Legal Path to Buyer Registration in Ohio

For a buyer to register a vehicle, all of the following steps must occur:

1. The Lien Is Paid in Full

The outstanding loan balance is satisfied.

2. The Lien Is Released

This may occur electronically or via paper, depending on the lender.

3. Ohio BMV Records Update

The title record reflects no active lien.

4. A Transferable Title Exists

Paper or electronic — but now assignable.

5. The Buyer Registers the Vehicle

Registration is completed using Ohio’s standard title transfer rules.

Skipping any step blocks registration.

Ohio Title & Registration Costs (2026)

As of 2026, Ohio fees include:

  • Certificate of Title (original or transfer): $18

  • Duplicate title: $18

  • Memorandum title: $5

  • Late filing fee (after 30 days): $5

  • Notary fee (typical): $1–$5

Some counties add a local fee (up to $5), bringing the total title cost as high as $23.

Buyer vs Seller Responsibilities (Clear Breakdown)

Party Responsibility Result if Not Done
Seller Clear lien and provide transferable title Buyer cannot register
Buyer Verify title status before paying Buyer stuck with vehicle
Lienholder Release lien Title remains blocked
Clerk/BMV Enforce title law Memo-based registrations rejected

FAQ: Buyer Registration & Memorandum Titles in Ohio

Can a buyer ever register a car with a memorandum title in Ohio?
No. Registration requires a transferable title.

What if the lien is almost paid off?
Registration is still blocked until the lien is fully released.

Do electronic titles change this rule?
No. Lien release is still required.

What if the title was lost after payoff?
A duplicate title may be required before transfer, which is covered in our duplicate Ohio title guide.

Final Takeaway

If you’re asking whether a buyer can register a car with a memorandum title in Ohio, the answer is no — and there is no shortcut.

The only compliant path is:

Lien cleared → title corrected → transfer completed → registration issued

Trying to skip steps leads to delays, disputes, and legal exposure.

Need Help Resolving a Registration Block?

When a memorandum title blocks registration, the fastest solution is fixing the title — not arguing with the Clerk. EZ Ohio Title helps buyers and sellers resolve lien and title issues so vehicles can be registered correctly and without unnecessary delays.