Ohio Vehicle Title (Seller Transfer)

When you sell a vehicle in Ohio, the Assignment of Ownership needs to be completed by the seller.  An assignment of ownership is a transfer of title from one owner to the next.  This part of the title document requires an affidavit in which the seller swears to the true sale date, the true selling price, the true odometer reading, the true buyer name and address and true special conditions.  As an affidavit, the notary public is required to perform a jurat.

 

Do not complete any of the information in or sign the Assignment of Ownership section on the back of the title until you are in the presence of a notary.  Any error in completing this section can void the title and delay sale of the vehicle.

 

All owners listed on the front of the title must be present with the notary public to complete the Assignment of Ownership section.  When you meet with your notary public, have the following information available to complete the Assignment of Ownership form:

 

  • Sale Date
  • Selling Price
  • Is Seller a Minor (Y/N), if yes a Consent Form must be present for the assignment of ownership to be notarized
  • Buyer Name
  • Buyer Address
  • Odometer Reading
  • Checkbox Answers

 

After completing the form, all owners/sellers of the vehicle will be given an oath/affirmation by the notary public as well as sign the assignment of ownership.  The notary public will complete the notary certificate and affix their notary seal.

 

Ohio law requires there be no blank spaces in the Assignment of Ownership when the notary certificate is completed and notary seal affixed.  In Ohio law, there is no such thing as an "open" title for a private vehicle sale.  The intent of this is to prevent fraud.  When a county clerk office receives a notarized Assignment of Ownership with blank spaces, the title will be deemed void.  The buyer will unable to apply for title to the vehicle.  The seller and buyer will need to get back together, complete additional forms, potentially procure a valid title document in the original seller's name and engage a notary public.  This will take time and money to complete.