The Belmont County Clerk of Courts Title Department processes titles for automobiles, boats, trailers, campers, motor homes, boat motors, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), off-highway motorcycles, wave runners, and jet skis. The Title Department also issues duplicate titles when the original has been lost, stolen or destroyed.
• Please note: The Clerk of Courts Title Department does not issue license plates or driver’s licenses. These are issued through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
• For questions or assistance, please call 740-695-5406 or email belmontcountytitle@gmail.com
County of Residence
You may apply for a Certificate of Title in any of Ohio’s 88 counties. A valid Ohio issued ID is required. Taxes are calculated and paid to a buyer’s county of residence.
Change of Name
If your name is changed through marriage or court proceedings, the name on your Certificate of Title cannot be changed. There is no authority in the law to issue a new title in your new name for the same vehicle.
Power of Attorney
No person can sign for you without a notarized Power of Attorney form. This is attached to our files and becomes a part of the file. This must be an original or a certified copy.
Payment Of Ohio Sales and Use Tax
• Section 4505.06 of the Ohio Revised Code requires that the Ohio sales tax and use tax be paid in cash, certified or personal check, credit/debit card, or a money order payable to the Clerk of Courts before an application for an automobile or watercraft title can be accepted.
• The Clerk of Courts is required to administer this law and collect this tax for the State of Ohio.
Sales Tax
• You must state the purchase price of the vehicle upon which your residential county’s tax rate will be levied (Belmont County is currently 7.25%).
If a customer has purchased a vehicle less than 6 months ago while living in another state, they may need to pay additional taxes on the vehicle. Customer must bring in the bill of sale from the dealer.
Buying a Car
• Never make any alterations or erasures to a Certificate of Title. If this is done, the title becomes null and void and a replacement title will have to be obtained.
• Do not fill in any part of the Assignment or Application (on the reverse side of the title) unless it is done in the presence of a Notary Public or another duly authorized officer with the power to administer oaths.
• All signatures must be notarized.
• Your certificate of title must be procured within 30 days after delivery of the motor vehicle or a mandatory $5.00 late fee will be assessed.
• Always inspect any automobile you buy, checking the serial number to see that it corresponds with the serial number on your Certificate of Title.
Selling a Car
•Do not complete the assignment on the reverse side of the certificate of title until the sale has been completed. Make certain that the buyer’s full name and address, current mileage and purchase price is inserted before you sign the assignment.
• Be sure to sign in the presence of a Notary.
• The seller should make a copy of the front and back of the assigned title and remove the license plates.
Replacement Title
Transfer to a Surviving Spouse
Memorandum Certificate of Title
You cannot transfer ownership of an automobile with a Memorandum Certificate of Title (white copy). It is issued only for the purpose of obtaining license plates when the lien holder holds the original title.
Watercraft
Buying a Boat of Motor
• A Certificate of Title is required on all boats 14 feet or longer and all outboard motors 10 H.P. or greater. A canoe or kayak is exempt. Boats, including jet skis 14 feet or less with an inboard motor 10 H.P. or greater are titled.
• Before purchasing a boat or motor, be sure the seller has the Certificate of Title or acceptable transfer of ownership documentation for non-titling states.
• Out of State watercraft or outboard motors 10 H.P. or greater – Digital photo of the Hull Identification Number (HIN) and Motor Identification Number (MIN) is needed at time of title issuance.
• No registration is required for outboard motors.
Selling a Boat or Motor
• Do not execute the assignment on the reverse side of the Certificate of Title until the sale is complete. Be certain that the buyer’s full name and address is inserted before you sign the assignment.
• Initials are not acceptable.
• You must have your signature notarized.
• If you do not have a title for your boat or motor and have owned the boat or motor prior to October 10, 1963, the Clerk of Courts may issue a title based on the evidence you present.
Serial Numbers
• If there is no manufacturer’s serial number, or if it has been removed, a serial number must be affixed to the boat or motor before a Certificate of Title can be issued.
• Application for a serial number is made to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft or by contacting the Division of Watercraft at 614-265-6480.
Documented vessels are not titled in Ohio but are registered by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Manufactured Homes
The owner of a manufactured home is required to obtain a certificate of title. Manufactured homes are transferred in the same manner as motor vehicles. Owners of manufactured homes are required to register the manufactured home with the County Auditor annually and pay the taxes assessed to the County Treasurer. Ownership of a manufactured home cannot be transferred until proof of annual registration and payment of taxes is provided. If you purchase a manufactured home from a private individual, make sure that the County Treasurer and County Auditor have stamped the Certificate of Title evidencing payment of all taxes.
Recreational Vehicles
Law defines recreational vehicles as vehicular portable structures designed and constructed to be used as temporary dwellings for use in travel, recreation, and vacation. Recreational vehicles are titled as travel trailers, motor homes, or truck campers, depending upon whether they are self-propelled, not self-propelled, or designed to be attached to a motor vehicle.
Trailers
• A Certificate of Title is not required on any utility commercial trailer weighing under 4,000 pounds. To obtain license plates you must procure a Weight Card from the Ohio License Bureau and have the trailer weighed.
• Commercial trailers or semi-trailers weighing more than 4,000 pounds must have a Certificate of Title.
• New Vehicle $15.00, Used Vehicle $16.50 ($15.00 + $1.50 Physical Inspection fee)
Fee
• Certificate of Title $15
• Duplicate Title $15
• Replacement Title $15
• Notation of Lien $15
• Memorandum of Title $5
• Title, Lien, Memorandum $15 if done as one transaction
Note: These fees do not include late fees, sales tax, or notary fees
Out of State Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspections
VIN inspections can be obtained Monday thru Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fees: $8.00
VIN Inspections are VOID after 30 days
These hours are subject to change without notice.
Alternative locations:
Ohio licensed motor vehicle dealerships (please contact dealership in advance to determine participation)
Ohio deputy registrar license agency (BMV)