How much is a car title in Ohio?

In Ohio, a standard vehicle certificate of title costs $15, set by state law and issued through the county Clerk of Courts Title Office. Recording a lien adds $15 per lien, and a duplicate (replacement) title also costs $15. Some offices may charge a small local clerical/notary fee (often about $1–$5). Sales tax, registration, and plates are separate and not included in the title fee.

What the base title fee covers

The $15 base fee pays the Clerk of Courts Title Office to create and issue your official Ohio Certificate of Title—proof of legal ownership for a motor vehicle. Whether you purchased from a dealer or a private party, this is the core charge to establish the title in your name. If you are replacing a lost or damaged title, the same $15 rate applies for a duplicate title.

Common add-on costs you may encounter

While many transactions only require the $15 title fee, certain situations involve additional, standardized charges. The following items are among the most common extras that can appear on an Ohio title transaction.

• Lien notation fee: $15 per lien (if you financed the vehicle and the lender is recorded on the title).
• Memorandum (non‑negotiable) title: $5 (often used temporarily to register a vehicle while the original title is held by a lender).
• Duplicate (replacement) title: $15 (if the original is lost, stolen, or damaged).
• Local clerical/notary fee: typically about $1–$5 (varies by county title office).

Together, these charges reflect the specifics of your transaction. For many buyers paying cash with no lien, the total is simply $15 plus any small local clerical fee; for financed purchases, expect $15 for the title plus $15 to record the lien.

Where to title and how to pay

Ohio vehicle titles are issued only by county Clerk of Courts Title Offices—not by BMV deputy registrars (which handle license plates and registration). Payment options vary by county, but most offices accept cash, check, and major credit/debit cards (card payments may include a processing fee). It’s best to verify accepted payment methods and hours with your county title office before you go.

What to plan for when budgeting

To avoid surprises, consider the typical scenarios and documents that can influence how much you pay and what you’ll need at the counter.

• Cash purchase with no lien: Budget for the $15 title and a small clerical fee.
• Financed purchase: Add $15 for each lien recorded, on top of the $15 title fee.
• Paperwork readiness: Bring a properly assigned title, valid ID, and any required odometer disclosures; taxes and registration are separate steps/costs.
• Out‑of‑state vehicles: You may need a VIN inspection before titling; that inspection is a separate charge handled outside the title fee.

Factoring in these items will help you estimate your total at the title office and ensure a single, successful trip.

Typical examples

Here’s how the fees usually add up in common cases:

• Private‑party purchase, no loan: $15 for the title (+ about $1–$5 local clerical fee, if charged).
• Financed purchase: $30 total for title and one lien ($15 + $15), plus any small local clerical fee.
• Replacement title: $15 for a duplicate title, plus any local clerical fee.

Remember that sales/use tax, registration, license plates, and any VIN inspection are separate from the title fees and are paid to the appropriate office or agency.

Timing and compliance

Ohio law requires you to transfer a vehicle title within a set period after purchase (commonly 30 days). If you miss the deadline, a statutory late penalty may apply at the title office. Check with your county Clerk of Courts for current penalty details and any local processing policies.

Summary

Ohio’s car title fee is $15 for a standard or duplicate title, with an additional $15 to record each lien and $5 for a memorandum title. Some county title offices add a small clerical/notary fee. Budget separately for taxes, registration, license plates, and any VIN inspection. For the most accurate, current information and accepted payment methods, contact your county Clerk of Courts Title Office.

How do I get a title for my car in Ohio?

There are two options for obtaining your title, in person or through the mail. To apply in person, you will need to visit any Ohio County Clerk of Courts title office with your valid photo ID and payment of title fees. The title will be printed on the spot.

Can I sell my car without a title in Ohio?

Ohio law mandates that a title is required for the sale of any vehicle. Selling a car without a title can lead to significant legal risks and consequences. Without a title, the buyer cannot legally register the vehicle in their name, which can result in complications down the line.

What percent is tax and title in Ohio?

How much is sales tax in Ohio? The base state sales tax rate in Ohio is 5.75%. Local tax rates in Ohio range from 0% to 2.25%, making the sales tax range in Ohio 5.75% to 8%.

How much is a new title for a car?

4. Pay the Duplicate Title Fee.

State	New title fee	Duplicate title fee
California	$23	$23
Colorado	$7.20	$8.20
Connecticut	$25	$25
Delaware	$35-$55	$50