Ohio Bill of Sale

What Ohio requires for a vehicle sale

• Ohio titles are issued by county Clerk of Courts title offices, not the BMV.
• For a paper title, the seller completes the assignment on the back, has their signature notarized, and gives the buyer the title. Photocopies are not accepted.
• For an electronic title, the seller completes page 1 of form BMV 3770 and the buyer page 2. Both signatures must be notarized.
• The BMV says title transfers must take place within 30 days of the date of sale, otherwise a late fee is assessed.
• The buyer pays sales and use tax on the purchase price to the clerk of courts at the time of title transfer, per the Ohio Department of Taxation.
• A bill of sale is mentioned as possible extra documentation or for out-of-state dealer purchases, not as a private-sale requirement.

Ohio bill of sale: what to include

Whatever Ohio requires, a signed bill of sale protects both sides. It proves the price, the date and that the car was sold as-is. Include:

• Seller's and buyer's full names and addresses
• Year, make, model, color and VIN
• Odometer reading on the day of sale
• Sale price and date of sale
• As-is wording, plus a statement that the seller owns the vehicle and any lien is paid off
• Signatures and dates for both parties

Sample as-is wording

I, the seller, sell the vehicle described above to the buyer for the price shown, as-is, with no warranty, express or implied. The seller confirms they are the owner and that the odometer reading is correct to the best of their knowledge. This sale is made under the laws of Ohio.

Seller checklist (Ohio)

• Complete the assignment of ownership on the back of the paper title.
• Have your signature notarized and give the original title to the buyer.
• For an electronic title, complete and notarize page 1 of BMV 3770.
• Note any lien on the assignment portion of the title.

Buyer checklist (Ohio)

• Get the original title with the seller's notarized signature.
• Obtain any 45-day temporary tag before transferring the title.
• Apply for title at a county Clerk of Courts title office within 30 days of the sale.
• Pay sales and use tax on the purchase price when the title is transferred.

Things to watch in Ohio

• The pages we read do not mention odometer disclosure for private sales. Check with your clerk of courts.
• The Taxation page we read does not state the private-sale tax rate; confirm it with the clerk or Ohio Department of Taxation.
• Both buyer and seller must be present for some transfers unless a notarized power of attorney is provided.

About this page

We checked this page against the Ohio BMV / Clerk of Courts sources listed below in November 2026. Where an agency page did not say something, we say so and suggest you check with the agency. Rules, forms and fees change, so confirm with Ohio BMV / Clerk of Courts before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.