How to Sell a Car in Ohio

The steps and process for selling a vehicle online are different in every state. Learn how to sell your used car or truck privately in Ohio.

Whether you live in the Lake Plain, Till Plain, the Glaciated Appalachian or Unglaciated Appalachian Plateau of Ohio, if you are thinking about privately selling your used car or truck, you’ve come to the right place. With an estimated 5 million registered trucks and cars in the state of Ohio, it is no wonder that thousands of private car owners from the Buckeye state have used Autotrader to sell their car. Below, we’ve outlined the six steps and forms required for how to sell a car in the state of Ohio so you can sell your car quickly for the most cash. Remember, most U.S. states consider the vehicle title a legal document which is why it is advised to use the legal names (no nicknames) of both parties involved along with legible handwriting using a black or blue ink. Mistakes, errors and using white out may void the document so be careful and take your time filling it out.

Step 1: Allow the buyer to have the car inspected by a third party
Step 2: Organize and gather all related vehicle documentation
Step 3: Odometer Disclosure
Step 4: Bill of Sale
Step 5: Notarize and transfer the title
Step 6: Remove your license plates and cancel your insurance

Step 1: Allow the buyer to have the car inspected by a third party

Most vehicle shoppers who buy a car privately pay for a pre-purchase vehicle inspection conducted by a qualified and licensed auto mechanic of their choosing. In fact, if you’re a prospective used car buyer we suggest you get a third-party inspection no matter where you’re buying it. One exception is if you’re buying a manufacturer certified pre-owned vehicle. An inspection is performed on those vehicles prior to advertising them for sale.

Although the buyer pays for any third-party inspection, the seller and buyer must agree on when and where the inspection is to be held. If the inspection does find any issues with the car, it is a good idea for you as the seller to keep the report for your records.

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Step 2: Organize and gather all related vehicle documentation

Find all maintenance records, owner’s manual and other paperwork related to the vehicle.

This should include a current and valid Ohio emission inspection report. If the seller of the vehicle has a valid test certificate, the new owner may use it to register the vehicle. Ohio law requires vehicles 4 through 25 years old from seven counties to pass an emission test every two years. All even-model year vehicles must be tested during even number calendar years and odd-model year vehicles must be tested during odd-numbered calendar years (e.g. a 2011 vehicle must be tested in 2013). In Ohio, an inspection certificate is valid for one full year from test date, regardless if the title ownership changes.

It is the responsibility of the seller to clear up any liens on the vehicle’s title prior to selling it which may mean obtaining a paper vehicle title with no liens shown. Even if you have the paper title of the vehicle in hand, it may be a good idea to check with the BMV to ensure their records reflect no liens on the vehicle. Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has more information on liens on a vehicle title here.

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Step 3: Odometer Disclosure

Ohio law requires the seller to disclose the vehicle’s mileage upon transfer of ownership. The Ohio BMV provides an Odometer Disclosure Statement form BMV 3724. Do not include “tenths” from the odometer reading. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) odometer disclosure requirements were updated in December 2020 impacting certain private vehicle sales in Ohio: For a vehicle transfer that occurs from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2030, any vehicle of model year 2011 or newer (2012, 2013, etc.) will require an odometer disclosure. Starting on January 1, 2031, any vehicle that is less than 20 model years old will require an odometer disclosure. Previously, the NHTSA required disclosure was for only the first 10 years. Cars older than 2010 are exempt from odometer disclosures.

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Step 4: Bill of Sale

A Bill of Sale is not legally required for selling a vehicle in Ohio, but it’s a good idea to create one for both you and the buyer. The Bill of Sale can be helpful if problems arise when the buyer goes to transfer the title or register the vehicle in their name. Many private owners notarize their Bill of Sale as a best practice.

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Step 5: Notarize and transfer the title

If you have lost or had your title stolen, you’ll need to apply for a replacement title and pay the associated fees prior to selling the car at your county clerk of court’s title office. If the vehicle’s owner has passed away, Ohio has specific forms for a transfer on death or transfer to a surviving spouse.

To transfer a used vehicle title, both the seller and buyer must complete the ‘assignment of ownership’ portion on the back of the title including:

• Purchase price
• Buyers’ information
• Date of sale/transfer
• Current odometer mileage (in the presence of notary)

If more than one person will be purchasing the vehicle, both new owners must be present and sign unless a notarized power of attorney is given. The same applies if there are two sellers. In Ohio, the mileage and signature of the buyer and seller must be declared in front of a deputy clerk or a notary public. The buyer will need to complete an Application for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle, form BMV 3774. Title transfers must take place within 30 days from the date of sale, otherwise a late penalty fee will be charged.

The buyer will pay sales tax on the purchase price of the vehicle regardless of sales tax paid by a previous buyer of the vehicle, even if the seller is a family member. Vehicles inherited or acquired due to Transfer on Death Beneficiary are exempt from sale tax; use exemption code “TD.” The Ohio BMV has posted their title related fees here.

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Step 6: Remove your license plates and cancel your insurance

Ohio law requires the license plate to be removed and turned in to your local Ohio BMV, unless you are transferring the plate to another vehicle. If you are not transferring the plate, you must submit form BMV 4311 Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration.

All Ohio vehicle forms can be found here. For more information, visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle’s website.

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Questions about selling your car in Ohio? We have answers.

Do I remove my license plate when I sell a car in Ohio?

Is a Bill of Sale required for selling a car in Ohio?

What documents do I need to privately sell a car in Ohio?

Does a bill of sale have to be notarized in Ohio?

Does a vehicle title have to be notarized in Ohio?