New Resident To-Do List

Title Classification and Fees

Title Fees and Classifications

Converting Your Out-of-State Title

Why do I need an Ohio title?

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

What do I need to bring?

  • Physical Certificate of Title
    Dual ownership requires both parties to be present unless a power of attorney is provided. Social Security numbers for all parties are required. Photocopies of title are not accepted.
  • A valid government issued drivers license or identification card.
  • A BMV Out of State Inspection
    Inspections available at the Auto Title South branch, any deputy registrar or new car dealership. Inspection fees may apply.
  • A Lien Release from your lien holder.
    Only applicable if an open lien exists on your title that has been satisfied.
  • Two Powers of Attorney from lessor.
    Lease Transactions Only. Must be an original or certified copy. Please also request your leasing company’s federal tax ID and tax exemption numbers (LD# or 99#).
  • Title fee
    • Add $1.00 fee per notarization. We accept cash, check or credit card payments (with a 3% fee). Please make checks payable to: Franklin County Clerk of Courts.

What if my lien holder is holding my title?

Simply complete a transfer request form and send it to your lien holder. Forms and instructions are available at our office or on the Auto Title Forms page.

How do I transfer my title?

Visit one of our Franklin County offices:

North Branch
220 East Campus View Boulevard
Columbus, Ohio 43229

East Branch
1583 Alum Creek Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43209

South Branch
45 Great Southern Boulevard
Columbus, Ohio 43207

West Branch
4153 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43228

Mail your forms and check payment to:

Franklin County Clerk of Courts
Auto Title Division
45 Great Southern Boulevard
Columbus, Ohio 43207
Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for your completed title.

Resources

Register Your Motor Vehicle

Effective July 1, 2015, Ohio requires that within 30 days of becoming a resident of this state, any person who owns a motor vehicle operated or driven upon the public roads or highways must register the vehicle in this state. After establishing residency, a person may not operate a vehicle in this state with a license from another state. Violation of this section of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) is a minor misdemeanor (ORC §4503.111).

To register your vehicle in the State of Ohio, please complete the following steps:

  1. Ensure you have the following items:
  2. Present your Ohio Certificate of Title (or memorandum title if your car has a lien) to any Deputy Registrar Office. If you have not titled your vehicle in the State of Ohio, you must complete this process first.
  3. The Deputy Registrar will collect the proper registration fees depending on when you purchase your tags, which taxing district you reside in, and when your birthday is. Legal owners of the vehicle must apply for registration.

Please Note: If your full legal name is inconsistent on any of the documents presented to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, you must provide additional documents to establish the full name. Acceptable documents may include: certified copy of a court ordered name change; a marriage certificate or marriage license; a certified copy of a decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment of marriage.

For more information on registering your vehicle in the State of Ohio, please contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 844.644.6268 or visit the Ohio BMV website.

Ohio Driver’s License

In Ohio, Ohio Driver Licenses are managed by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You are considered an Ohio resident once you: take a job, sign a lease, buy a home, or enroll children in school. To obtain an Ohio Driver License you must complete the following steps:

  1. Obtain a copy of the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicles from an Ohio Deputy Registrar location.
  2. Study the digest and visit the nearest Driver Examination Station for a vision screening.
  3. The driver’s test is usually waived for new residents who have a valid out-of- state license. Please contact a Driver Examination Station for additional information.
  4. You will be required to show proof of full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number and proof of legal presence, and proof of residency. Please refer to the BMV acceptable identification list for additional information.

Please Note: If your full legal name is inconsistent on any of the documents presented to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, you must provide additional documents to establish the full name. Acceptable documents may include: certified copy of a court ordered name change; a marriage certificate or marriage license; a certified copy of a decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment of marriage.

For more information regarding obtaining an Ohio Driver License, please contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 614.752.7600 or visit the Ohio BMV website.

Additional Information

The following are helpful links and resources to further assist you in your transition. Welcome to Franklin County!

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