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Title Division

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 titles@belmontcountycoc.org

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Federal and state laws require a completed odometer disclosure statement from the seller ofa motor vehicle. This
information can be completed on the reverse side of a certificate of title. Odometer statements are not required for
watercraft, manufactured homes, All-TerrainVehicles (ATVs), off-road motorcycles, or vehicles over 16,000 pounds.

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.

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) needed at time of title issuance.

• No registration 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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)

Liens on a Title
When you pay off a vehicle loan, the lender will either release the lien:

  • Manually by marking that the lien was discharged on the front of the title and then sending
    you the title showing the lien as satisfied
    OR
  • Electronically if your lender participates in Ohio’s Electronic Lien and Title Program.

For a Lien Released Electronically
If your lender participates in Ohio’s Electronic Lien and Title Program, it will electronically release
the lien and BMV records will no longer show a lien on the vehicle.

  • You will need to apply for a paper title with the County Clerk of Courts Title Office and
    pay for title fees. Please see How to Title — Replacement for instructions.
  • When all requi ments are satisfied, you will be issued a new (paper) title

For a Lien Released Manually
If your lender does not participate in Ohio’s Electronic Lien and Title Program, the lender will mark
that the lien was discharged and mail the paper title to you. To remove the lien from BMV records:

  • Take the title to any County Clerk of Courts Title Office

How to Title

New Motor Vehicle

Purchasing a New Motor Vehicle from an Ohio Dealer

When you buy a new motor vehicle from an Ohio dealership, the dealer will handle the vehicle title paperwork for you.

Purchasing a New Motor Vehicle from an Out-of-State Dealer

The Clerk of Courts title office will need:

Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.
Title a Used Motor Vehicle in Ohio with a Paper Title
The seller must complete the “assignment of ownership” portion on the back of the title and have their signature(s) notarized. Then present it to the buyer to finalize the transfer.

What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

  • Original title assigned to the buyer
  • Acceptable identification (please contact your County Clerk of Courts Title Office for details)
  • For out-of-state titles only, an out-of-state vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection; inspections can be obtained at any (current fees) or any licensed Ohio motor vehicle dealership (call ahead for fee)
  • Sales tax on the purchase price (sales tax rates by county)
  • Payment for title fees, including a lien holder notation (if applicable)
Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

Transferring Ownership of a Motor Vehicle with an Electronic Title to a Resident of Ohio or Company Located in Ohio

Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale (form BMV 3770):
The BMV 3770 CANNOT be used by dealerships or insurance companies. Also, the BMV 3770 CANNOT be used for the following properties because a physical title is required per O.R.C. 4519.521 and 1548.032:
  • All-purpose vehicles
  • Off-highway motorcycle (off-road, dirt bike, etc.)
  • Watercraft
  • Outboard motors
  • Unconventional vehicles
Ohio Revised Code 4505.032 allows the use of the Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale (form BMV 3770), which serves the same purpose as the back of a physical title when a physical title has not been issued. This form can only be used when the title is held electronically. It permits the seller to assign ownership to an Ohio resident without the need to obtain a physical title. The new owner can request a physical title by checking the print title “yes” box on the form. ATPS automatically defaults to a physical title.
Seller – Completes page 1 of the BMV 3770 in its entirety and has their signature(s) notarized. All owners must complete the assignment. When completed, they will give both pages of the BMV 3770 to the buyer to have the title transferred into their name at a Clerk of Courts title office.
  • Power of attorney can be used, but the original Power of Attorney for Certificate of Title (form BMV 3771) is required.
  • If the seller is a minor, the Minor Consent Form (form BMV 3751) is required.
Buyer – Completes page 2 of the BMV 3770 in its entirety and has their signature(s) notarized. All owners must complete the assignment.
  • Power of attorney can be used, but the original Power of Attorney for Certificate of Title (form BMV 3771) is required.
  • If the seller is a minor, the Minor Consent Form (form BMV 3751) is required.
Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

Important Information to Remember

  • The buyer will pay sales and use tax on the purchase price of the vehicle.
  • Title transfers must take place within 30 days of the date of sale, otherwise a late fee will be assessed.
  • Dual ownership requires both parties to be present unless a notarized power of attorney is provided. Social Security numbers for all parties are required. Photocopies of title are not accepted.
  • If you choose to have a 45-day temporary tag issued, it must be obtained before you transfer the vehicle title into your name. Once an Ohio title is established, you will only be able to purchase permanent Ohio license plates.
  • If you have a lien holder, it must be noted on the assignment portion of the title (current fees).

In order to register a vehicle and obtain license plates in Ohio, an out-of-state title must be converted to an Ohio title.

What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

  • Out-of-state title certificate
  • Bill of Sale if purchased from an Out-of-State dealer
  • Acceptable identification (please contact your County Clerk of Courts Title Office for details) and payment for title fees
  • An out-of-state vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection. Inspections can be obtained at the following:
    • Ohio deputy registrar license agency (see current fees)
    • Participating Clerk of Courts Title Office
    • Participating Ohio licensed motor vehicle dealership
  • For lease transactions only, two original powers of attorney from lessor (one to obtain an Ohio title and one to obtain vehicle registration and license plates)
  • Payment for title fees
  • Sales tax on the purchase price (sales tax rates by county)
Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

Important Information to Remember

  • For dual ownership, both parties must be present, unless a power of attorney is provided
  • Social Security numbers are required for all parties
  • Photocopies of a title are not accepted
  • If your lienholder has your title, you must complete a transfer request form and send it to your lienholder. Please contact a County Clerk of Courts Title Office to obtain the form
  • For out-of-state leasing dealers, a leasing permit number and a valid Ohio use tax account number (99-XXXXXX) are required

Title an All-Purpose Vehicle (APV), Off-Highway Motorcycle, or Snowmobile

Under Ohio law:
  • APVs and off-highway motorcycles are motor vehicles and are titled.
  • Snowmobiles are not motor vehicles and are not titled.
See vehicle registration requirements for more information.
The following evidence is required at the time of titling and is subject to the discretion of the issuing County Clerk of Courts title office:
  • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), an Ohio certificate of title assigned to the applicant’s name, or an out-of-state title in the applicant’s name
    • If it is an out-of-state title, please see Transfer an Out-of-State Title to Ohio.
  • Payment for title fees, including a lienholder notation (if applicable), and sales tax on the purchase price (see sales tax rates by county) are required at the time of titling.

Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

Title a Mini-Truck, Under-Speed Vehicle (USV), or Utility Vehicle (UTV)

Under Ohio law, mini-trucks, USV, and UTV are not motor vehicles and are titled for ownership purposes upon the owner’s request. A certificate of title is not required when only being used on private property.
Road Use Requirements
If you are using the vehicle for limited on-road use, you must obtain a title and registration.
Please contact local law enforcement in the city, township, village, or applicable jurisdiction for the ordinances and/or laws.
  • Authorization to operate these vehicles on public roads is at the discretion of the local authority of each jurisdiction where the vehicle will be operated.
  • Prior to obtaining registration, each vehicle must pass the required Authorization for the Operation of Under-Speed Vehicle/Utility Vehicle or Mini-Truck on Public Streets and Highways (form DPS 1373) performed by each local law enforcement agency.
See vehicle registration requirements for more information.
What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?
The following evidence is required at the time of titling and is subject to the discretion of the issuing county Clerk of Courts title office:
  • Application for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (form BMV 3774)
  • Proof of ownership (one of the following):
    • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
    • Assigned title from this state or another state
    • Bill of sale from a retail business or individual
    • Sworn statement of ownership
    • Other evidence required by law of another state from which the vehicle was brought into this state
  • Affidavit for Titling Mini-Truck, Utility Vehicle, and Under-Speed Vehicle (form BMV 3722), which will be completed at the county title office.

Payment for title fees, including a lienholder notation (if applicable), and sales tax on the purchase price (see sales tax rates by county) are required at the time of titling.

Title a Motor Scooter

In Ohio, a motor scooter must be compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and considered roadworthy before it is titled.
Motor scooters should be equipped with a motor with a piston displacement between 50 and 100 cubic centimeters piston displacement that produces not more than 5 brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on a level surface.
Please Note: Mopeds are not titled in Ohio.
What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?
  • Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (form BMV 3774)
  • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) stating the vehicle is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
Payment for title fees, including a lienholder notation (if applicable), and sales tax on the purchase price (see sales tax rates by county) are required at the time of titling.

Title a Repossessed Vehicle

To receive a repossession title, the secured party (financial institution or individual) must surrender the Ohio title assigned in the name of the lienholder and pay a title fee.
What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?
  • Ohio title assigned in the name of the lienholder
    • If it is a paper title, use the application on the back of the title
    • If it is an electronic title, use the Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (form BMV 3774)
  • Certified copy of the security agreement that includes:
    • the name and address of the debtor and secured party
    • the terms of the contract
    • a description of the secured collateral – year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN)
    • signature of debtor
  • Applicant affidavit to establish mileage (if applicable)
  • Acceptable identification (please contact your County Clerk of Courts Title Office for details)
  • Payment for title fees is required at the time of titling.

Replica Vehicle

Effective 12/27/2025, replica motor vehicles can be titled in Ohio. A “replica motor vehicle” is a motor vehicle that is constructed, assembled, or modified to replicate the make, model, and model year of a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old. A person who wants to obtain a certificate of title for a replica motor vehicle must do the following:
  • The Ohio State Highway Patrol must inspect the vehicle and provide an inspection report (HP-106).
  • Provide information listed on the HP-106 form under “Source of Purchase & Receipt.”
See the Ohio State Highway Patrol Vehicle Inspection Gateway for more information or to schedule an inspection.
  • Obtain a written statement from a qualified person or nonprofit with expertise in historical motor vehicles.
    • Statement must confirm the vehicle reasonably replicates the intended make, model, and model year.
  • The owner needs to sign the written statement and have their signature notarized.
Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

Title a Salvage or Self-Assembled Vehicle

To have your Ohio Title changed to a Salvage Title, the Clerk of Courts title office will need the application on the back of the title completed by the owner with the Application Type – Salvage marked. The owner will need to have their signature notarized and pay the title fees for a Salvage Title.
Before a self-assembled vehicle or a rebuilt salvage vehicle can be titled in Ohio, an inspection must be completed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The inspection is to:
  • verify ownership of all parts
  • review all required documentation
See the Ohio State Highway Patrol Vehicle Inspection Gateway for more information or to schedule an inspection.
Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

Duplicate Title – Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Ohio Title

There are two options for obtaining your title, in person or through the mail. To apply in person, you will need to visit any Ohio County Clerk of Courts title office with your valid photo ID and payment of title fees. The title will be printed on the spot.
In order to get a paper title through the mail, you would need to send the following documents to your County Clerk of Courts title office:
  1. Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (form BMV 3774)
    1. Enter your name and current mailing address
    2. Mark Duplicate Certificate of Title and state that the title was lost, stolen, or destroyed
      1. If you are in need of your title number, you may enter your VIN number into the VIN search tool on the BMV website to locate that number.
      2. Note: The search tool can also verify the lien release. Be sure a date is listed in the field labeled: Lien 1 Cancel Date. If this field is blank, you will also need to send the lien release letter to the county title office.
        Complete the fields at the bottom that identify the vehicle: Year, VIN, Model, Body Type and Make
        Have your signature notarized
  2. Payment of title fees
  3. Self-addressed, return-stamped envelope
Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

Replacement Title

Any County Clerk of Courts Title Office can issue a replacement title when information on the previously issued title needs to be changed. If your title is electronic and you would like a paper title, you will apply for a Replacement Title.
If there is a lien on the vehicle, you must contact the lienholder to make changes to the existing title record.
There are two options for obtaining your title, in person or through the mail. To apply in person, you will need to visit any Ohio County Clerk of Courts Title Office with your valid photo ID and payment of title fees. The title will be printed on the spot.
In order to get a paper title through the mail, you would need to send the following documents to your County Clerk of Courts Title Office:
  1. Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (form BMV 3774)
    • Enter your name and current mailing address
    • Mark Replacement Certificate of Title
      • If you are in need of your title number, you may enter your VIN number into the VIN search tool on the BMV website to locate that number.
      • Note: The search tool can also verify the lien release. Be sure a date is listed in the field labeled: Lien 1 Cancel Date. If this field is blank, you will also need to send the lien release letter to the county title office.
    • Complete the fields at the bottom that identify the vehicle: Year, VIN, Model, Body Type and Make
    • Have your signature notarized
  2. Payment of title fees
  3. Self-addressed, return-stamped envelope
Please contact the county clerk of courts title office for payment options.

Transfer on Death (TOD)

As the sole owner of a motor vehicle, watercraft, or outboard motor, an individual may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to an Ohio title with a signed and notarized Affidavit to Designate a Beneficiary (form BMV 3811) submitted to a County Clerk of Courts Title Office.
  • The beneficiary may be an individual, corporation, organization, trust, or other legal entity.
  • A replacement title will be issued with the Transfer on Death on record.
What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?
A Transfer on Death beneficiary needs to bring:
  • Original Ohio title
  • Certified copy of the death certificate
  • Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (Form BMV 3774)
  • A government-issued driver license or identification card
  • Payment for title fees

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.

Transfer with Rights of Survivorship (WROS)

For joint ownership with right of survivorship, the owners’ names on the title are shown as: John Doe and Mary Smith or WROS
  • Signature of each party is required if both are living
  • If one party is deceased, the surviving party applies for the certificate of title and the title is issued in the survivor’s name showing “acquired by right of survivorship”
For joint ownership without right of survivorship, the owners’ name on the title will be shown as: John Doe and Mary Smith.
  • Signature of each party is required if both are living
  • If one party is deceased, the signature of an executor or an administrator is required

What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

  • Original Ohio title
  • Certified copy of the death certificate (if applicable)
  • A government-issued driver license or identification card
  • Payment for title fees

Transfer with Rights of Survivorship (WROS) with Transfer on Death (TOD)

For joint ownership with right of survivorship, the owners’ names on the title are shown as: John Doe and Mary Smith or WROS
  • Signature of each party is required if both are living
  • If one party is deceased, the surviving party applies for the certificate of title and the title is issued in the survivor’s name.
If the joint owners of a motor vehicle, watercraft, or outboard motor, an individual may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to an Ohio title with a signed and notarized Affidavit to Designate a Beneficiary (form BMV 3811) submitted to a County Clerk of Courts Title Office.
  • The beneficiary may be an individual, corporation, organization, trust, or other legal entity.
  • A replacement title will be issued with the Transfer on Death on record.
The surviving owner has rights to the vehicle before the TOD beneficiary. The surviving owner can elect to keep, remove, or change the TOD beneficiary. To keep or change the TOD beneficiary, a new BMV 3811 must be submitted due to the change of ownership. In order for a TOD beneficiary to receive rights to the title, both titled owners must be deceased and both certified death certificates must be presented.

What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

  • Original Ohio title
  • Certified copy of the death certificate
  • A government-issued driver license or identification card
  • Payment for title fees

Transfer to a Surviving Spouse

Upon the death of a married resident who owned at least one automobile at the time of death, the surviving spouse may transfer an unlimited number of vehicles valued up to $65,000 and one boat and one outboard motor.
  • Vehicles may not be disposed of by a will or transferred to the surviving spouse due to joint ownership With Rights of Survivorship (WROS), transferred to a Transfer On Death (TOD) beneficiary, or specifically disposed of by Testamentary Disposition.
  • This transfer does not affect any liens upon the vehicle. If a lien exists, it will be carried forward.

What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

The surviving spouse needs to bring:
  • Original Ohio Certificate of Title number (if applicable)
  • Certified copy of the death certificate
  • Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (Form BMV 3774)
  • Clerk of Courts Surviving Spouse Affidavit (form BMV 3773) listing vehicle make, model, year, body type, vehicle identification number (VIN), and value
  • Copy of the security agreement (if applicable)
  • Acceptable identification (please contact your County Clerk of Courts Title Office for details)
  • Payment for title fees