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Clerk of Courts - Automobile & Watercraft Division

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1. Where are you located?

We have two branch offices. Our main office is located in downtown Toledo at 1600 Madison Ave. The telephone number is 419-213-8844. Our second office is located at 4900 N. McCord Rd. The telephone number is 419-213-2400. Need driving directions? Please use the link to Mapquest below to obtain directions and/or a map to one of our offices. More...

2. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, cash, check or money order in payment for all transactions. Please contact our other division for information regarding payment options as they are different.

3. You have moved to Ohio from another state. You own your vehicle free and clear of any liens and it is titled in your name only. What is needed to acquire and Ohio title?

The original out of state title, personal identification, information regarding who/whom you purchased the vehicle from and an OUT OF STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION.

4. You have moved to Ohio from another state. Your title is in more than one name and you are making payments to a lender. What is needed to acquire an Ohio title?

The original out of state title; anyone whose name appears on the title must be present. If everyone is not available, a notarized power of attorney may be used; personal identification, information regarding who/whom you purchased the vehicle from and an OUT OF STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION are also required.

5. You have moved to Ohio from another state and have a leased vehicle. What is needed to acquire an Ohio title?

You need the original out of state title in the leasing company's name, a notarized power of attorney from the leasing company allowing you to sign for them, information regarding who/whom you purchased the vehicle from and an OUT OF STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION, and some form of personal identification.

6. You have purchased a vehicle from an individual who lives in Ohio. What is needed to acquire an Ohio title?

You need the original Ohio title with the top half of the back filled out by the seller and notarized, and some form of personal identification.

7. You have purchased a used vehicle from an individual in another state. What is needed to acquire an Ohio title?

You need the original title from the seller's state of residence. The assignment must be completed and if the title document has a space for a notary public, the document must be notarized. You will need an OUT OF STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION, the appropriate mileage affidavit, the bill of sale if the title does not have a space for the price, and some form of personal identification.

8. You have purchased a vehicle from an out of state dealer. What is needed to acquire an Ohio title?

You need the manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) from the dealer, an ORIGINAL BILL OF SALE, ORIGINAL FEDERAL ODOMETER STATEMENT, and some form of personal identification. Additional documents may be required to complete your transaction.

9. You have purchased a used vehicle from a dealer in another state. What is needed to acquire a title?

You need the out of state title signed over to you from the dealer where you purchased the vehicle, the ORIGNIAL BILL OF SALE, the ORGINAL FEDERAL ODOMETER STATEMENT(if the vehicle is less than 10 years old), OUT OF STATE INSPECTION, and some form of personal identification. Additional documents may be required to complete your transaction.

10. How do I get a duplicate certificate of title?

Make application at any county title office. The fee is $ 15.00. Have some form of personal identification and documents that verify the vehicle identification number.

11. Where can I obtain an out of state vehicle inspection?

You can obtain an out of state vehicle inspection at any Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) License Agency. or at most new automobile dealers. Call ahead to check if the dealer performs vehicle inspections.

12. How do I correct a title if the vehicle identification number is incorrect?

Contact the nearest OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE and ask them to do a vehicle inspection on the car. They will provide yhou with a form to mail to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and provide you with a correction letter that you can provide to the county clerk's title office for a replacement title.

13. How do I transfer ownership of my vehicle to another person?

On the back and top of your current title, complete the new buyers name and address, including the purchase price. Complete the odometer certification stating the mileage as it appears on the odometer. Under the mileage area is the seller's notary section. This must be completed in the presence of a notary public and notarized. Next, the buyer must acknowlege the mileage as stated by the seller by affixing his/her signature and printed name. The seller should make a copy of both the front and back of the title and remove the license plates from the automobile.

14. How do you transfer an assigned title into my name?

Upon receiving the assigned title, the buyer may proceed to any BMV license agency with the title and purchase a 30 day license tag. Within 30 days, the buyer should visit any Clerk of Courts Auto Title office and apply for a title in their name. You will be required to pay sales and use tax on the purchase price at that time.

15. How do I record a lien on a motor vehicle?

The Clerk of Court's title office will require an application for title to record a lien. Once the application is filled out and the lien information provided, including the surrender of the owner's title, a new title will be issued to the lien holder. The fee is $ 15.00. The title holder should receive a memorandum title for registration and to obtain license plates. The BMV 3774 APPLICATION FORM for title can be found by clicking the link provided. This will connect you to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. More...

16. I just got married. Do I need to have my name changed on my title?

No. At the time the title was issued your maiden name was correct and the title office will not change your title. If you sell the vehicle, sign the title with your maiden name and your married name.

17. My spouse died and the vehicle is in his/her name. How do I transfer the title into my name?

Go to any title office and apply for a SURVIVING SPOUSE CERTIFICATE of title. Some counties require a certificate of death to process, so telephone the office prior to your visiting. You may apply for up to 2 vehicles on a surviving spouse benefit and estimated value of both cannot exceed $ 40,000.00. The surviving spouse can only transfer passenger vehicles, a 3/4 ton truck or smaller, or a motorcycle into their name. Commercial vehicles, motor homes, and recreational vehicles are not covered. For additional information please contact the Lucas County Probate Court at 419-213-4775.

18. I am moving abroad and wish to take my vehicle with me. What will I need?

Contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Title Administration and Customer Service Unit at 1-614-752-7671 and ask to speak to the export/import assistant. They will provide you with the necessary information.

19. Where should I store my title?

Never store your title in your car. Store your title with your other important documents in a fireproof storage box or a bank safety deposit box. Additionally, you have the option of asking the Clerk of Court's title office that you would like a non-printed title. It will still cost $ 15.00, but your title will be retained on the BMV database.

20. I would like to put my title in two names. How do I do this?

On the top back of the title assign and have notarized the names of the individuals who purchased the vehicle. The individuals will need to sign and apply for the new title at the county title office and new license plates and registration will be required.

21. I purchased a truck that weighs over 16,000 pounds. The seller did not indicate the mileage for the vehicle and I cannot locate him/her. What can be done?

By law, vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 16,000 pounds or more are exempt and therefore are not required to list the mileage in the mileage area.

22. What are the requirements for titling and registering trailers in Ohio?

All travel trailers are titled in Ohio at county title offices. You must have proof of ownership, make application for and pay all fees and taxes. If the travel trailer is on an out of state title, you must first obtain an Ohio out of state VIN (vehicle identification number) verification at any BMV license agency. If the trailer is not a travel trailer and weights 4,001 pounds or more, you must provide proof of ownership and apply for an Ohio title at any of our county title offices.

23. I have an off-road motorcycle titled in Ohio. It is now up to code and ready for road use. What is needed to obtain a title allowing the motorcycle to be driven on our public roadways?

Take the Ohio off-road motorcycle title, proof of the upgrade, and proceed to one of our county title offices and request to complete a BODY CODE CHANGE affidavit. If everything is correct and in order, the title will be replaced and reflect the body code as MC. The fee is $ 15.00 and you will take the new title to a BMV license agency and apply for your new plates. Remember you must have the motorcycle endorsement on your Ohio Drivers license in order to operate the motorcycle.

24. I'm an electronic dealer. What do I do with the evidence I scanned to process an electronic title application?

The Ohio Revised Code requires dealers to retain for 5 years the supporting evidence that was submitted electronically.

25. What is required if I am outside of Ohio and I am an ETA entity?

Submit the supporting evidence to the Clerk of Courts office that you have a signed agreement within 14 days of the title being issued.

26. How do I title a jet ski purchased from an individual who has no title?

First establish when the jet ski was purchased and whether it was purchased in Ohio or from another state. Some states do not require a title for Jet Skis. If it was prior to January of 2000 and purchased in Ohio you will need 2 pieces of evidence; a notarized bill of sale, picture, and registration. The seller will have to obtain an Ohio Title. The seller will need to provide the serial number, make of engine, horsepower and length of the jet ski. The title office will conduct a title search and determine if there is sufficient documentation to title the jet ski. Out of state the seller will have to provide the same information as above prior to the sale to obtain an Ohio title. Please contact one of our Auto Title branch offices for more information.

27. Does Ohio require a title for watercraft less than 14 feet in length?

Excluding jet skis, Ohio does not require watercraft less than 14 feet in length to be titled.

28. I just purchased a mobile home. How do I obtain a title?

After purchasing the mobile home, the seller or the buyer must go to their county auditor'soffice and pay whatever conveyance fee that is required and obtain the auditor's tax stamp. Upon leaving the county auditor's office proceed to one of our county title offices to obtain title to the mobile home.

29. What is required to title a self-assembled or salvage vehicle in the State of Ohio?

An inspection must be performed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The purpose of the inspection is to verify ownership of all the parts and to review all required documentation. Use the link provided to locate the nearest Ohio Highway Patrol Post. More...

30. What is the number to contact to have my license re-instated?

Contact the re-instatement office at 419-245-3010.

31. Where can I apply for a U.S. Passport?

You may visit one of our Automobile and Watercraft Title offices located in Lucas County. Our offices are located in downtown Toledo at 1600 Madison Ave., 419-213-8844 or 4900 N. McCord Rd., Sylvania;419-213-2400.
For more information regarding Passports use the link provided below to the U.S. Department of State website. More...

32. What is the cost of a U.S. Passport?

For an adult (age 16 and older), the cost is $ 110.68 which includes the required pictures and sales tax. For a child ( age 15 and younger), the cost is $ 95.68 which includes the required pictures and sales tax. Individuals may purchase a U.S. Passport Card which is valid for land and sea based travel only. The cost of the Passport Card is $ 45.00 for adults if purchased separately. If purchased with U.S. Passport Book the cost is $ 20.00. For Minor Children the cost is $ 35.00 is purchased separately. If purchased with U.S. Passport Book the cost is $ 10.00. Remember a U.S. Passport Book is required of all individuals for air travel. The passport card can only be used for land and sea based travel.

33. How many years is a U.S. Passport valid?

An adult passport is valid for 10 years. A child's passport is valid for 5 years.

34. Are all children required to have a valid passport to travel abroad?

Yes, all children regardless of age are required to present a valid U.S. Passport to customs officials upon re-entering the U.S. For more information regarding U.S. Passports and minor children use the link provided below to the U.S. Department of State's website. More...

35. Do minor children have to present when making application for their passport?

Yes, all minor children must be present and accompanied by their parents. Children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by both parents. If the parents are divorced, separated and one of the parents cannot be in attendance, the parent in attendance must provide documentation including a birth affidavit signed by the other parent authorizing the child to make application for a passport. For more information regarding minor children please use the link provided to access the United State Department of State's website for information on passports. More...

36. Are U.S. Passports required for travel outside the U.S.?

Yes and No. Anyone traveling outside the U.S. and traveling by air IS REQUIRED to have a valid U.S. passport. Anyone traveling by sea or land must have supporting documentation which includes a U.S. Passport or birth certificate, proof of citizenship, valid driver's license and photo identification. Always check with your travel agency, cruise line, or others as they may require a U.S. Passport for land or sea based travel. For more information regarding Passports and travel abroad please use the link provided below to the U.S. Department of State's website. More...

37. I currently have a valid U.S. Passport but it will expire soon. Am I required to renew my passport at a county title office or other acceptance agent?

The key here is if your passport is still valid. As long as the passport is currently valid or the expiration date is under 1 year, you may renew your passport by mail. The renewal form asks 4 basic questions. If you answer YES to all 4 questions you then qualify for renewal of your passport via U.S. mail. The forms for renewal are available at any of our two Auto Title offices or by visiting the United States Department of State's website using the link provided. More...

38. Does our office release personal information about individuals who make application for titles or other services we provide?

Our office is governed by the FEDERAL DRIVERS PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT. We never release personal identifiers such as social security numbers, a person's name, address, date of birth, drivers license, passport application photograph, or any medical or disability information, unless authorized to do so by the specific individual. Individuals must complete a form authorizing our office to release such information.