INSTRUCTIONS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS ON HOW TO TRANSFER MOTOR VEHICLE TITLES AFTER DEATH

When a family member or friend passes away, one of the difficult tasks for survivors is dealing with the individual's estate. If the deceased left a vehicle, the title must be transferred to a Surviving Spouse and/or a beneficiary to utilize or sell the vehicle. The State of Ohio allows Surviving Spouses of the deceased to transfer the title and keep the current license plates for a small transfer fee. Ohio requires new registration and license plates when transferring to an heir or beneficiary or a WROS (With Rights of Survivorship) or TOD (Transfer On Death) designee.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED

1. Original Certificate of Title (if available);

2. Certified Copy of  Death Certificate;

3. Release From Administration Entry; and/or

4. Letters of Authority and/or Certificate of Transfer Entry;

5. Driver’s License or Photo identification.

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FOR TRANSFER TO A SURVIVING SPOUSE

For Transfer to a Surviving Spouse (effective 4-6-2017)
(Unlimited Motor Vehicles, One (1) Boat and Outboard Motor)
O.R.C. 2106.18, 2106.19 and 4505.10

If the Death Certificate indicates that you are still legally married at the time of death, apply for a Certificate of Title as Surviving Spouse at the County Clerks of Court Title Office. The Surviving Spouse may transfer AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT OF MOTOR VEHICLES (cars, pick-up trucks, motorcycles),  provided the value of all vehicles being transferred does not exceed $65,000 to your name and one (1) watercraft (boat, motor or one (1) jet ski, wave runner or amphibious vehicle), which is exempt from the $65,000.00 limitation.. The County Clerk of Courts Title Office requires a photo identification card, a Certified Copy of the Death Certificate and the original title (if available). The Deputy Clerk will print a Surviving Spouse Affidavit (BMV 3773) for each of the vehicles that require ownership transfer. Provide all vehicle information, including make and model and the value of the vehicle(s) and the current Ohio Certificate of Title number. There will be a $17.00 fee for obtaining the new title.  The Trumbull County Clerk of Courts Auto Title Department accepts cash, debit/credit cards, certified check, or money order payable to Trumbull County Clerk of Courts

**O.R.C. Sections 2106.18, 2106.19 and 4505.10 do not apply to Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes, Recreational Vehicles, Travel Trailers, Campers, ATV’s, Gators, and Golf Carts. THESE VEHICLES ARE STILL REQUIRED TO BE PROBATED.

Take the NEW Certificate of Title to an Ohio Deputy Registrar License Agency to transfer the registration to your name. You do not need new license plates.  The transfer fee is $4.50. *Note: Some Title Offices are also Limited Authority Deputy Registrars and may be able to transfer the plates at the same time they are transferring the title into the Surviving Spouse’s name.  Trumbull County Auto Title Department is an LADR and this transaction can be completed at their office.

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FOR TRANSFER WHEN THERE IS NO SURVIVING SPOUSE

Decedents should abide by the direction of the Executor of the will if the deceased left a will. The Executor handles the Estate, which includes the transfer of the title from the Probate Court (where the deceased resided)  to the beneficiary based on the provisions of the will. A Decedent can obtain a Release from Administration with Authority to Transfer from the county Probate Court if the deceased did not leave a will.

Once completed, the Executor (and/or Administrator and/or Commissioner) should present the Release from Administration with Authority to Transfer form or the Certificate of Transfer form and the original title of the vehicle should be presented to the Clerk of Courts Title Office for transfer to the purchaser.  The Executor/Administrator/ Commissioner will need to sign off for the Estate in front of a Notary Public and/or Deputy Clerk.  The purchaser will need to sign off in front of a Notary or Deputy Clerk on the “application” part of the Ohio Title. There will be a $16.00 fee for obtaining the new title.  The Trumbull County Clerk of Courts Auto Title Department acceptscash, debit/credit cards, certified check, or money order payable to Trumbull County Clerk of Courts.

Once completed, the purchaser can take the title to an Ohio Deputy Registrar License Agency to register the vehicle in their name, and obtain new license plates. *Note: Some Title Offices are also Limited Authority Deputy Registrars and may be able to transfer plates that are currently unexpired (in the Purchaser’s name) and/or order new plates at the same time they are performing title transactions.  Trumbull County Auto Title Department is an LADR and this transaction can be completed at their office.

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FOR TRANSFER WHEN THERE IS A WITH RIGHTS OF SURVIVORSHIP AND/OR TOD DESIGNATION ON THE CERTIFICATE OF TITLE

Bring the original Certificate of Title with the WROS (With Rights of Survivorship) or TOD (Transfer On Death) designee and apply for a Certificate of Title as Surviving Spouse at the County Clerks of Court Title Office.  A certified copy of the Death Certificate is also required.  There will be a $16.00 fee for obtaining the new title.  The Trumbull County Clerk of Courts Auto Title Department acceptscash, debit/credit cards, certified check, or money order payable to Trumbull County Clerk of Courts.

Once completed, the designee can take their NEW title to an Ohio Deputy Registrar License Agency to register the vehicle in their name, and obtain new license plates. *Note: Some Title Offices are also Limited Authority Deputy Registrars and may be able to transfer plates that are currently unexpired (in the Purchaser’s name) and/or order new plates at the same time they are performing title transactions.  Trumbull County Auto Title Department is an LADR and this transaction can be completed at their office.

COUNTY OF RESIDENCE

You can apply for an original, duplicate or replacement title in any County in the State of Ohio. A photo ID or current Ohio Driver's License is required.

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WHEN YOU BUY A CAR

Never make any alterations or erasures on a Certificate of Title: if this done, the Title becomes null and void and a replacement title will have to be obtained.  Do not fill in any part of the assignment or application on the reverse side of the Title unless it is done in the presence of a Notary Public or other duly authorized officer with power to administer oaths. All signatures must be notarized.

If two names are to appear on the Title, both signatures are required for all transactions in the State of Ohio. It is required that a photo ID or Ohio License be presented to the Title Department at time of transfer.

Your Certificate of Title must be procured within 30 days after the assignment or you will be subject to the late fee of $5.00  which must be paid at the time the title is issued.

Always make a physical inspection of any automobile you buy, checking the serial number to see if it corresponds with serial number on your Certificate of Title. A Federal Odometer Statement is required for vehicles less that 10 years old.

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WHEN YOU SELL A CAR

Do not execute the assignment of the reverse side of the Certificate of Title until a bonafide sale has been made. Make certain that the buyer’s full name and address is inserted before you sign the title. Initials are not acceptable. Use full legal name, no “nicknames”.  This must be notarized. The seller must provide a Federal Odometer Statement if the title does not show Federal Odometer information.

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MEMORANDUM CERTIFICATE

You cannot transfer ownership of an automobile with the Memorandum Certificate of Title (white copy). It is issued only for the purpose of obtaining License Plates when the original title is held by the lienholder.

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DUPLICATE TITLES

If the original title is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may obtain a Duplicate Certificate of Title. If, after issuance of the Duplicate, the original if recovered, the Original must be returned to The Auto Title Department for cancellation. You must apply for the Duplicate Title in the County where it was originally issued. If the title was titled in joint names, both parties are required to be present to sign the application. Photo ID is required.

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WHEN YOU HAVE A LIEN ON YOUR CAR

If you apply for a loan using your car as collateral, always insist upon getting a Memorandum Certificate of Title with which you can obtain license plates.

Upon satisfaction of your loan, you should receive the original Certificate of Title from the bank or finance company, properly stamped “paid” and the lien cancelled by the Clerk of Courts.

REPLACEMENT TITLES FOR ELECTRONIC LIENHOLDERS

Upon satisfaction of your electronic lien, the Title Department can issue a replacement title for your vehicle. You will need to sign an Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (form BMV 3774) and pay the title fees of $16.00. If the title was titled in joint names, both parties are required to be present to sign the application. Photo ID is required.

A Replacement Title can also be requested by mail by sending the signed and notarized Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (form 3774) and a Money Order or Cashier's Check in the amount of $15.00.

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TRAILERS

A Certificate of Title is not required on any utility trailer weighing less than 4,000 pounds.  To obtain license plates you must get a weight card from a license bureau and have the trailer weighed.

Commercial trailers or semi-trailers weighing in excess of 4,000 pounds must have a Certificate of Title. To sell, transfer or file a lien on such trailers the Certificate of Title must be presented.

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MOTOR HOME

To convert a van to a motor home or after installation of a camping unit on your pick-up truck you must record this “body change” with your Clerk of Courts. Both original titles for the truck camper & pick up truck must be presented for this change.

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MANUFACTURED HOME

The owner of a manufactured home is required to obtain a Certificate of Title.  All manufactured home titles must have a Tax Approval Stamp from the County Treasurer’s Office where the manufactured home is located before transfer. They are transferred in the same manner as motor vehicles. The title is issued in the County of residence of the owner.  

Manufactured homes sold after January 1, 2000, also need a conveyance stamp from the Auditor's Office placed on the Title before transfer.  Sales tax is not collected on units sold after January 1, 2000.  After January 1, 2000, a $5.00 Archival fee is also charged.

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SALVAGE VEHICLE

When you dismantle, destroy or change the character of your car so that it no longer is a complete car, you must surrender your Certificate of Title to the Clerk of Courts for cancellation.

When you sell your car to a salvage dealer, you must surrender your Certificate of Title to that dealer with the assignment completely executed.

To convert a Salvage Title to a Regular Title, a HP 106 inspection must be made by the State Highway Patrol. A fee of $50.00 is charged. The HP-105 application for the inspection may be obtained at the State Highway Patrol.

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OUT OF STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION

Any vehicle transfer from out of state to an Ohio Title must be physically inspected by an authorized new car dealer in Ohio or an Ohio Deputy Registrar.  The customer pays $5.00 inspection fee to the Inspector and $1.50 fee at the Auto Title Department when the Ohio Title is issued.

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ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES AND OFF ROAD MOTORCYCLES

This title law is effective as of July 1, 1999. Acceptable evidence for the issuance of titles for Off Highway motorcycles and All Purpose Vehicles are one of the following:

1. Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin or Importer’s Certificate of Origin.

2. Another jurisdiction’s Certificate of Title in applicant’s name, or assigned to Ohio resident.

3. A current or expired registration issued by Ohio or any other jurisdiction.

4. A notarized bill of sale.

5. A current insurance policy or declaration page that described the vehicle by VIN, Year, Make and Model and issued to the applicant in this or another state.

6. A warranty order in applicant name that described the vehicle by VIN, Year, Make, Model.

7. A security agreement that lists the owner, lender, VIN, Year and Make.

An Out of State Inspection is required unless evidence is a newly assigned manufacturer Statement of Origin. Contact the Title Department for additional Titling requirements for the above.

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

No person can sign for you without a Notarized Power of Attorney. This Power of Attorney is attached to our files and becomes a part thereof. The forms are available at the Title Department. Trustees and Executors cannot complete title transactions by Power of Attorney.

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SECURITY AGREEMENT

Security Agreements are no longer required when processing titles with lien. The Lienholder information MUST APPEAR on the Application.

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SELF-ASSEMBLED

Self-assembled vehicles are assembled at a personal (non-manufacturing) level, that have no title and have been assembled together with various parts or through fabrication.  To convert a salvage Title or self-assembled vehicle to regular Title, an inspection must be made by the State Highway Patrol. You must purchase a salvage package from the BMV. A fee of $53.00 is charged.  Receipts for repairs and replacement parts are required.  The application for the inspection may be obtained at the State Highway Patrol Station.

BUYING A BOAT OR MOTOR

• A Certificate of Title is required on all boats 14 feet long or greater and all outboard motors 10 H.P. or greater. 

• A canoe or kayak is not Titled.

• Before purchasing a boat or motor be sure the seller has the Certificate of Title.  

• The seller is also required to assign the Ohio Watercraft Registration card to you. 

• No registration is required for outboard motors.

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TRANSFER OF TITLE

Your titles will be issued to you by the Clerk of Courts in the County of your residence regardless of the location of the boat.

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SELLING A BOAT OF MOTOR

• Do not accept a Title from the seller until he has his signature notarized and your name is shown as the buyer.

• Do not execute the assignment on the reverse side of the Certificate of Title until a bonafide sale has been made.  Make certain that the buyer’s full name and address is inserted before you sign the assignment.  Initials are not acceptable.

• You must have your signature notarized.

• If you do not have a Title for your boat or motor and have owned the boat or motor prior to October 10, 1963, your Clerk of Courts may issue a Title to you based on your registration or sworn statement.

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HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

• Federal Boating Acts require all boats manufactured after November 1972, to show a Hull Identification Number (serial number) of not less than 12 characters.

• If you have a 1973 or newer model boat, compare the Hull Identification Number with the number on  your Title.  If they differ, make a pencil tracing of the number and present tracing and Title to your Clerk of Courts Auto Title Department for Title correction.

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SERIAL NUMBER

• If there is no manufacturer’s serial number, or if the manufacturer’s serial number has been removed, a serial number must be affixed to the boat or motor before a Certificate of Title can be issued.

• Application for a serial number is made to the Division of Watercraft.  Forms may be obtained at your County Clerk’s Auto Title Department.

DOCUMENTATION

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Documented vessels are not titled in Ohio, but are registered by the U.S. Coast Guard.  To remove a boat from Documentation for titling purposes, contact the Title Department.

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PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (Jet Skis, Wave Runners, Jet Boats)

• Watercraft less than 14 feet with a permanently affixed motor of 10 HP or more will require a Title effective January 1, 2000.

• If the watercraft was owned prior to January 1, 2000, no Title is required until it is sold, a lien recorded, or otherwise disposed.

ABANDONED BOAT INFORMATION

• Instructions on how to get rid of an abandoned boat on your property

• Watercraft Records Search Request

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Contact the Title Department at (330) 675-2407 for additional information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TO OBTAIN A DUPLICATE/REPLACEMENT TITLE BY MAIL

To obtain a duplicate or replacement title by mail, please visit the Forms section of this website and print out and complete the Vehicle Application Section.  Forward the Application to our office, along with a Money Order or Cashier’s Check and a self-addressed, stamped envelope (using current address) for return to you.

VEHICLE APPLICATION

A multi purpose application that must be notarized and used for:

1. ORIGINAL TITLE- Use with an out of state title, a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.

2. SALVAGE TITLE- Complete to issue a salvage title from a regular title.

3. DUPLICATE TITLE- When a title has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the titled owner (if no lien), or the lienholder (if a lien) completes this section.

4. MEMORANDUM TITLE- Complete to apply for a memorandum if a lien is recorded on the title.  The memorandum is used by the owner to purchase a registration

5. REPLACEMENT TITLES FOR ELECTRONIC LIENHOLDER- Once your lien has been satisfied, the Title Department can issue a replacement title for your vehicle.

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FOR OUT OF STATE DEALERS PROCESSING A TITLE ON BEHALF OF AN OHIO RESIDENT

To obtain a title on behalf of an Ohio Resident that has purchased a vehicle in another state, please contact our office for the applicable title fees and Ohio State Tax due (6.75% for Trumbull County Residents). Please also visit the Forms section of this website and print out and complete the Vehicle Application (see above).

PLEASE NOTE THAT NEITHER THE CLERK OF COURTS AS A LIMITED AUTHORITY DEPUTY REGISTRAR OR ANY OF THE LOCAL DEPUTY REGISTRARS ARE AUTHORIZED TO SERVE AS AGENT FOR OBTAINING OHIO LICENSE PLATES.  THIS TRANSACTION MUST BE SENT FOR PROCESSING TO THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223. For more information, visit http://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov

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CHANGE OF NAME

If your name is changed through marriage or court proceedings, the name on your Certificate of Title does not need to be changed.  There is no authority in the law to issue a new title in your name, for the same vehicle.  Change of name is done only for a change of ownership.

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DEATH OF AN OWNER (See Probate transactions)

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DEATH OF A SPOUSE (See Probate transactions)

Upon presentation of a death certificate, the following titles may be transferred to the surviving spouse.  Up to two vehicles with a total value not in excess of $40,000, a boat, and a boat motor. Mobile homes, motor homes, motorcycles, ATV’s and semi trailers are among the vehicles that cannot be transferred to a spouse with a death certificate.  Additional information may be obtained from the Title Department.

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HOW TO PAY FOR TITLE FEES AND TAXES

Section 4505.06 O.R.C. requires that the Ohio Sales Tax and Use Tax must be paid in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, DRAFT OR MONEY ORDER to the Clerk of Courts before an application for an automobile title can be accepted.  The Clerk of Courts is required to administer this law and collect this tax for the State of Ohio.

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LATE FILING FEE

Titles must be issued in your name within 30 days of the date assigned to you to avoid an additional $5.00 fee. 

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MINOR CONSENT FORM

Effective July 1, 1990, Amended Sub. HB 88, enacted section 4505.031 ORC, prohibits a minor under 18 years of age from selling or purchasing or disposing of a motor vehicle without authorization from a parent or guardian.  The parent or guardian must fill out and sign a minor consent form.  The person signing the form must be present with identification when the title is transferred.

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SALES TAX

The Ohio State Legislature enacted a Sales Tax Law (effective 5-21-51) on a casual sale of any motor vehicle. Any person purchasing a motor vehicle from another person must state the purchase price upon which a 5.75% STATE SALES TAX and 1.0% TRUMBULL COUNTY SALES TAX (for a total of 6.75% for Trumbull County Residents) is levied. Effective August, 1981, all boats and motors became taxable the same as motor vehicles. Therefore, any person purchasing a boat or motor from another person must state the state the purchase price upon which a 5.75% STATE SALES TAX and 1.0% TRUMBULL COUNTY SALES TAX (for a total of 6.75% for Trumbull County residents). Because of the enactment of cross-county titling, residents of counties other than Trumbull County are subject to the 5.75% STATE SALES TAX and any additional taxes enacted by their resident county, when requesting titles in Trumbull County, Ohio.

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USE TAX

Effective 9/01/2013

A 5.75% STATE USE TAX AND 1.0% COUNTY USE TAX (for a total of 6.75% USE TAX FOR TRUMBULL COUNTY RESIDENTS) must be paid by a resident of Trumbull County, Ohio when he purchases a motor vehicle outside of the State of Ohio. This applies to the purchase of any motor vehicle either for use or storage in OHIO. If the tax had been paid out of state at the time of purchase then the customer must furnish the Title Department with PROOF that that tax had been paid and we would collect the difference (if any, if said tax less than 6.75%) of any use tax due. Because of the enactment of cross-county titling, residents of other counties within Ohio are subject to the 5.75% STATE USE TAX and any additional taxes enacted by their resident county when requesting titles in Trumbull County, Ohio.

 

The following forms are available to help speed up the process of your request.  Click on the link for the proper form related to your request and print it from your screen.  Fill out the form and bring it to the location indicated for that department.

VEHICLE APPLICATION

A multi purpose application that must be notarized and used for:

1. ORIGINAL TITLE- Use with an out of state title, a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.

2. SALVAGE TITLE- Complete to issue a salvage title from a regular title.

3. DUPLICATE TITLE- When a title has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the titled owner (if no lien), or the lienholder (if a lien) completes this section.

4. MEMORANDUM TITLE- Complete to apply for a memorandum if a lien is recorded on the title.  The memorandum is used by the owner to purchase a registration.

5. REPLACEMENT TITLE- Complete to apply for a Replacement Title when you lien has been satisfied and you need to obtain your physical paper title.

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CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION

This form is completed in duplicate by the titled owner or their power of attorney.  Information includes a signature and the reason for tax exemption. (ie PUCO, Church, Non-Profit, etc.)

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FEDERAL ODOMETER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The buyer and the seller complete this form showing the odometer reading.  To declare actual mileage do not check a box.  For a five digit odometer over 99,999 miles, show the mileage is in excess, by checking box (1).  If the odometer reads non-actual mileage check box (2).

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MINOR CONSENT FORM

Consent of parent, guardian, or other person having custody for a minor to acquire or dispose of a motor vehicle in a minor's name.

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SELLER'S AFFIDAVIT

The seller must complete this form indicating the correct mileage and have it notarized.  Check appropriate boxes for mileage.

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

This form allows the buyer or seller to appoint another person to sign title paperwork in their absence. The form must be completed, signed, notarized, and include the social security number where indicated. The vehicle information must also be included on the form. A separate Power of Attorney is needed for each transaction.

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POWER OF ATTORNEY (Acquisition and Registration of Plates)

Since our office is now a Limited Authority Deputy Registrar (LADR), we are able to issue plates and transfer plates from a current vehicle when completing the title work. This form allows the appointment of another person to sign paperwork for the acquisition and registration of plates (or transferring of current plates) in their absence. The form must be completed and signed and include the social security number where indicated. The vehicle information must also be included on the form, including the COLOR of the vehicle. NOTE: in the case of a lease or joint ownership, you may be required to provide the lessee/additional owner's social security number (SSN) OR Tax Identification Number (TIN). A separate Power of Attorney is needed for each transaction.

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WATERCRAFT APPLICATION

A multi purpose application that must be notarized and used for:

1. ORIGINAL TITLE- Use with an out of state title, a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.

2. SALVAGE TITLE- Complete to issue a salvage title from a regular title.

3. DUPLICATE TITLE- When a title has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the titled (if no lien), or the lienholder (if a lien) completes this section.

4. MEMORANDUM TITLE- Complete to apply for a memorandum if a lien is recorded on the title.  The memorandum is used by the owner to purchase a registration.

5. REPLACEMENT TITLE- Complete to apply for a Replacement Title when you lien has been satisfied and you need to obtain your physical paper title.

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AUTOMOBILE SURVIVING SPOUSE AFFIDAVIT

This form is used to transfer up to two vehicles (total value under $40,000) to the surviving spouse.  The surviving spouse completes the form, signs and has it notarized.  A death certificate must also be presented.

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WATERCRAFT SURVIVING SPOUSE AFFIDAVIT

This form is used to transfer a motor or a boat to the surviving spouse.  The surviving spouse completes the form, signs and has it notarized.  A death certificate must also be presented.  Boat trailers are not titled.

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AFFIDAVIT FOR TRANSFER ON DEATH

This form is used to transfer a vehicle, watercraft or outboard motor to a named beneficiary or beneficiaries upon the sole owner’s death. The form must be signed by the current owner and notarized. The Affidavit must be presented with an Application for Certificate of Title, or the bottom half of the original title must be fully completed. This Affidavit can only be used when the original title contains only ONE OWNER.

For titles with two owners, you must complete a new title under WROS (With Rights of Survivorship). There is NO SPECIAL FORM. The title will be signed properly by both owners.

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COURT ORDER INFORMATION PACKET

Application/Affidavit and Order to be used to obtain a State of Ohio Certificate of Title in the following circumstances:

1. Lost or stolen title: The Certificate of Title is lost or stolen and a duplicate is no longer available from the Trumbull County Clerk of Courts Title Division; or

2. Incomplete sale: There is proof of the transaction and the previous owner of record has not provided the Certificate of Title.

NOTE: YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE OSP INSPECTION REQUEST FORM (FROM THE COURT-ORDERED PACKET), SIGNED BY A DEPUTY CLERK AND PURCHASE A SALVAGE PACKET ($53.00 FEE) FROM A LOCAL DEPUTY REGISTRAR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE FILING OF THE APPLICATION FOR ORDER TO ISSUE TITLE.