Titling a Car in Ohio After Moving From Another State
Last verified: October 2026 against Ohio BMV and Ohio Department of Taxation sources
If you move to Ohio with a car from another state, you have 30 days after establishing residency to transfer your title and registration.
Here is what to do and what to bring.
Step by step
- 1
Mark the 30-day deadline
Transfer your out-of-state title and registration to Ohio within 30 days of establishing residency.
- 2
Get a VIN inspection
An out-of-state vehicle needs a VIN inspection, done at a deputy registrar license agency, a participating clerk of courts title office, or a participating Ohio dealer.
- 3
Convert your title at the clerk of courts
Take your out-of-state title to a county clerk of courts title office to get an Ohio title. The title fee is $18 ($23 in some counties).
- 4
Check whether sales tax applies
If you bought the vehicle at least six months before moving to Ohio, no Ohio tax is due. If you bought it more recently, Ohio tax is due with credit for sales tax paid to the other state.
- 5
Register at a deputy registrar
Bring your Ohio title and proof of identity. Registration is $36 a year plus an $8 deputy registrar fee and any local permissive tax. If your county requires E-Check, bring the certificate.
What to bring
- Your out-of-state title
- A completed VIN inspection
- Proof of identity
- Proof of sales tax paid to another state, if you bought within six months
- An E-Check certificate, if your county requires one
- Payment for the title fee and registration