AUTO TITLE MANUAL - Franklin County, Ohio

FRANKLIN COUNTY CLERK OF COURTS
AUTO TITLE MANUAL
Odometer Statement – The Federal Statement is required for vehicles less than 10
years old. No vehicle is exempt from Ohio odometer law due to age. No mileage
is required for vehicles with a gross weight of 16,000 pounds or more.
Power of Attorney – A person can appoint another person to act on the first
person’s behalf by signing a power of attorney form in the presence of a notary
public. Minors & Executors cannot give another person power of attorney.
Out of State Inspection – Any vehicle that was previously titled in another state is
required to be inspected for the year, make, model, VIN and mileage prior to an
Ohio title being issued.
Evidence of security interest – This evidence is simply the full name and address
of the secured party stated on the signed title application or loan agreement.
Bill of Sale – Required when a selling price error has been made on the title or
when applicable.
Receipts – When a title is issued for a self-assembled motor vehicle, the
documents presented to the Highway Patrol at the time of inspection must be
surrendered to the Clerk of Courts.
Sworn Statement – Indication of various sworn affidavits and lien releases.
In the following few pages, the various evidence types that can be used when applying
for an original Ohio title are listed, as well as the required pieces of supporting evidence.
Depending on the situation, other supporting evidence may also be needed.
Ohio Title Used as Evidence for an Original Title
An Ohio title is used as the evidence to issue an original title in these instances:
1. The owner of the property is transferring ownership to another by the owner’s
free will or by someone appointed to act on the owner’s behalf. If so;
Both the top and bottom of the back of the Ohio title must be completed.
Other than the case of an inheritance where an executor of an estate is assigning
the title, the odometer reading is required.
Other applicable supporting evidence.
2. The property is being transferred by “operation of law” such as an inheritance or
repossession. If so;
Only the application (bottom) portion of the Ohio title must be completed.
In the case of repossession, the security agreement must be surrendered along
with an Applicant’s Affidavit for disclosure of the mileage.
In the instance of an inheritance or bequest, a surviving spouse affidavit or
probate court order must be surrendered. No odometer disclosure is required.
Other applicable supporting evidence varies according to documents presented.
Non-Ohio Title Used as Evidence for an Original Title
Out-of-State title in applicant’s name or properly assigned to the applicant.
Out-of-State motor vehicle inspection
Ohio Title Application
Other applicable supporting evidence.
16 FRANKLIN COUNTY TITLE DIVISION CUSTOMER - CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE (614) 525-3090
462-3090