How to Gift a Car in Ohio
Last verified: October 2026 against Ohio BMV and Ohio Department of Taxation sources
In Ohio, any payment for a vehicle is taxed, even between family members. A transfer with no tax due needs an exemption certificate at the title office.
Here is how to transfer a car you are giving or receiving.
Step by step
- 1
Know when tax is due
If any money or other payment changes hands, the full amount paid is taxed, even between family members. Taking over a loan counts as payment.
- 2
Sign over the title
The person giving the car signs the title over, and the signature must be notarized.
- 3
Bring an exemption certificate if no tax is paid
The clerk will not issue a title without tax unless you, as the person receiving the car, sign an exemption certificate giving the reason the transfer is not taxable. Ask the title office which reason applies to your transfer.
- 4
Transfer the title within 30 days
Apply at a county clerk of courts title office within 30 days. The title fee is $18 ($23 in some counties).
- 5
Register the car
Register at a deputy registrar: $36 a year, plus an $8 deputy registrar fee and any local permissive tax.
Transfers Ohio lists as not taxed
- Inheritance through probate court where there is no clear payment.
- A transfer to the beneficiary named on a transfer-on-death title.
- A transfer under a divorce decree.
What to bring
- The title, signed over with the signature notarized
- An exemption certificate signed by the person receiving the car, if no tax is paid
- Payment for any tax due on an amount paid
- Payment for the $18 title fee (or $23)
- Payment for registration and the deputy registrar fee