01Signing over the title
For a paper title, the seller completes the assignment of ownership on the back of the title (all owners sign), giving the buyer's name and address, the sale date and price, and the odometer reading, and has their signature notarized. Notarization is required when no licensed dealer is involved. Then hand the title to the buyer, who takes it to a county Clerk of Courts title office. For an electronic title, the seller completes page 1 of form BMV 3770 (Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale) and has it notarized.
Official source ↗02Bill of sale
The BMV's seller steps do not list a bill of sale. The title assignment (or BMV 3770) records the sale date and price under oath. A signed bill of sale is still a smart personal record. No official Ohio bill of sale form was found.
Official source ↗03License plates
Plates stay with the seller. Ohio law says that when ownership changes, the registration expires and the original owner must immediately remove the license plates. They can be moved to another vehicle you register, subject to the BMV's transfer rules.
Official source ↗04Smog, emissions or safety inspection
Ohio has no statewide safety inspection, and a private seller does not have to supply an emissions test. E-Check applies only to registration in seven northeast Ohio counties.
Official source ↗05If you still owe money on the car
On the title assignment the seller warrants the title is free of liens, so a loan must be paid off and the lien released first. A lender may keep the title electronic. You do not need a paper title to sell: an electronic title can be sold privately with form BMV 3770.
Official source ↗06Odometer disclosure
The seller must certify the mileage on the title or BMV 3770: actual mileage, exceeds mechanical limits, not the actual mileage, or exempt. Ohio uses the federal exemption: model year 2010 or older vehicles once 10 years past January 1 of their model year, and model year 2011 or newer once 20 years past. Ohio law also requires the seller to swear to the true selling price and odometer reading.
Official source ↗ Official sources checked October 30, 2026. This is a planning guide for an ordinary private sale, not legal advice or an official form. Follow the current instructions from the Ohio BMV for your vehicle, especially for lost titles, several owners, out-of-state buyers or a car that is not fully paid off.
