Selling a car in Ohio tends to feel familiar, which is exactly why many sellers run into problems. Ohio’s process looks straightforward on the surface, but the state places heavy importance on title accuracy, notarization, and plate handling. When sellers assume the buyer will “figure it out at the BMV,” mistakes often come back to the seller weeks later in the form of registration delays or follow-up requests.
This guide explains how to sell a car in Ohio so the transfer is accepted cleanly and the seller is properly released from the vehicle.
What Ohio Sellers Should Review First
Ohio requires a valid certificate of title for most vehicle sales. Before listing the vehicle or meeting a buyer, confirm:
- Your name matches the title exactly
- Any lien listed on the title has been paid off and released
- All owners listed on the title are available to sign
- The VIN on the vehicle matches the title
Ohio requires notarization of the seller’s signature on the title, which is one of the most important details to plan for.
Title and Paperwork Rules in Ohio
Title Signing and Notarization
In Ohio, the seller’s signature must be notarized.
Key requirements:
- The notary must witness the seller signing the title
- Pre-signed titles are often rejected
- All owners listed must sign in front of the notary unless “OR” is specified
Incorrect notarization is one of the most common reasons Ohio buyers cannot register a vehicle.
Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles that are not mileage-exempt due to age. Mileage must be entered accurately at the time of sale. Errors or omissions can delay registration and cause disputes after the sale.
Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is recommended in Ohio. While the notarized title transfers ownership, a bill of sale helps document:
- Sale date
- Purchase price
- Buyer and seller information
This document can be helpful if questions arise later about taxes or ownership timing.
Inspections and Emissions in Ohio
Ohio requires emissions testing in certain counties, primarily in metropolitan areas.
Sellers should understand:
- Emissions testing is typically completed by the buyer
- Vehicles that cannot pass emissions may be harder to sell privately
- Buyers often negotiate pricing based on emissions risk
There is no statewide safety inspection requirement tied directly to selling a vehicle.
License Plates, Registration, and Seller Responsibility
Ohio handles license plates differently than many states.
- License plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle
- Sellers must remove plates before releasing the car
- Buyers must obtain their own plates during registration
Leaving plates on a sold vehicle can expose the seller to tolls, parking tickets, or enforcement notices tied to the buyer’s driving.
Taxes and Fees
- Buyers are responsible for sales tax, registration fees, and title fees
- Sellers are not responsible for buyer taxes after the sale
- Recording the correct sale date helps protect the seller
Sellers should keep copies of the notarized title and any supporting paperwork.
Special Situations Ohio Sellers Should Understand
- Selling with a lien: Vehicles with active liens cannot be sold unless the lien is paid off and released before transfer
- Two names on the title: Both owners must sign and both signatures must be notarized unless “OR” is specified
- Lost title: Replacing it before selling avoids delays and buyer hesitation
- Non-running vehicles: Ohio allows the sale of non-running vehicles, but emissions requirements can reduce buyer interest
Getting Paid Safely
Private vehicle sales in Ohio still carry payment risks. Fake cashier’s checks, delayed transfers, and third-party pickup arrangements remain common. Never release the vehicle or notarized title until payment is fully verified and cleared.
For many sellers, payment security becomes the deciding factor in how they choose to sell.
When Notarization and Plates Create Friction
In Ohio, the combination of notarized titles and plate removal creates extra coordination between seller and buyer. Scheduling a notary, verifying payment, and ensuring paperwork is completed correctly can slow a private sale and increase the chance of mistakes.
For sellers who want fewer moving parts, CarBuyerUSA.com purchases vehicles in Ohio and in other states, including cars that are high-mileage, damaged, or no longer running. We help keep the process orderly, coordinate pickup, and reduce the likelihood of paperwork issues surfacing after the vehicle is gone.
