Adding a Beneficiary
An individual, as a sole owner of a motor vehicle, watercraft or outboard motor, may elect to designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to an Ohio title. The beneficiary may be an individual, a corporation, an organization, a trust or other legal entity.
What do I need to add a beneficiary to my title?
- Original Ohio Title
- Affidavit for designation of beneficiary (BMV 3811)
- Application for Certificate of Title.
- A government issued driver’s license or identification card.
- $15.00 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. Note: Affidavit for designation of beneficiary and application for certificate of title can be obtained and completed in our office
Upon the death of the owner, the beneficiary submits the title, a certified copy of the death certificate and proper identification to apply for a title in their name. (ORC §2131.13)
The beneficiary may receive title transfers without probate court proceedings if none of the items are disposed of by a will.
Surviving Spouse Transfers
If the owner did not add a beneficiary to their title prior to their death, the surviving spouse may still apply for a Surviving Spouse Transfer.
Steps to obtaining a title transfer upon death of a spouse.
- Surviving Spouse Affidavit must be signed by the surviving spouse and notarized and will include the value of the vehicle. This form will accompany the certificate of title for issuance.
- A certified copy of the death certificate.
- Provide a government issued driver’s license or identification card
- Any number of vehicles may be transferred whose combined value does not exceed $65,000
- Odometer reading is not required
- No tax or tax form is due
- If there is a lien on the decedent's title that is going to be carried forward, the title may be issued "without" the loan agreement or letter from the lien holder. A memorandum certificate will be issue for the surviving spouse to obtain license plates.
Surviving Spouse Q and A's
Can a person take title to a recreational vehicle by surviving spouse?
No, a recreational vehicle is not an automobile as defined in External linkORC §2106.18.
Can a person take title to a truck by surviving spouse?
Yes, if the truck was used as a conveyance vehicle by the deceased or the decedent's family. Commercial trucks such as a Kenworth or Peterbilt cannot be titled by Surviving Spouse.
Can a person take title to a motorcycle by surviving spouse?
Yes, this went into effect on March 23, 2006 in House Bill 246. The decedent must have passed away after March 23, 2006.
Can a person take title to a mobile home/manufactured home by surviving spouse?
No, we cannot title a mobile or manufactured home as it is not an automobile as defined in External linkORC §2106.18.