OH motor vehicle
Ohio Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale
Sold or bought a used vehicle in Ohio? Create a complete Ohio motor vehicle bill of sale, preview it as you type, and download a print-ready PDF - free, no signup, no watermark.
- 100% free
- No signup
- No watermark
Overview
Ohio at a glance
Reviewed July 2026
- Bill of sale
- Recommended
- Notarization
- Title required
- Transfer title within
- 30 days
- Sales tax
- 5.75% + county
- File at
- Clerk of Courts
The odometer disclosure is federal law (49 CFR Part 580). Confirm current fees and deadlines with your county Clerk of Courts title office.
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Ohio? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal - it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Ohio transfers ownership through the notarized title assignment at the County Clerk of Courts title office, but a bill of sale protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tickets, tolls, or accidents once the keys change hands.
State rules
Ohio requirements
The rules people ask about most, answered for Ohio.
Is a bill of sale required in Ohio?
It's commonly expected. Ownership transfers through the notarized title assignment at the County Clerk of Courts title office, and many county title offices ask for a bill of sale to verify the sale price. Either way, it's strongly recommended - it proves the price and sale date and shows you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Does it need to be notarized?
The bill of sale itself does not need to be notarized. Ohio does, however, require the seller's signature on the title assignment to be notarized, so plan to sign the title in front of a notary before the buyer files.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must apply for a new title at the County Clerk of Courts title office within 30 days of the sale. Applying after 30 days adds a $5 late penalty.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Ohio charges 5.75% state sales tax plus a county tax (roughly 6.5% to 8% combined), paid by the buyer at the Clerk of Courts title office. It's based on the vehicle's purchase price, so an accurate price on your bill of sale matters.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
Rules change. Confirm the current requirements with your county Clerk of Courts title office before you sign.
Step by step
How to fill it out
Enter the sale date and the Ohio county where the sale takes place.
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
Describe the vehicle - make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
Both parties sign - then the buyer files for a new title at the County Clerk of Courts within 30 days.
Document checklist
What to include
Parties and vehicle
- Seller and buyerfull legal names and mailing addresses
- Vehicle descriptionmake, model, year, color and VIN
- Odometer readingplus the federal disclosure
Price, terms and signatures
- Purchase pricein figures and words, plus a sales-tax note
- As-is or warranty termsstate clearly which one applies
- Date of sale and signaturesboth parties sign and each keeps a copy
Common questions
Ohio bill of sale FAQ
Does an Ohio motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Ohio does not require the bill of sale itself to be notarized. The legal transfer happens through the title assignment at the County Clerk of Courts - and the seller's signature on that title does require notarization, while notarizing the bill of sale is optional.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Ohio?
Ownership transfers through the notarized title assignment, but many county title offices expect a bill of sale to confirm the sale price, so it's strongly recommended. It proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in Ohio?
At your county Clerk of Courts title office - the Ohio BMV does not issue titles. The buyer brings the properly assigned, notarized title, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and payment for the title fee and sales tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Ohio?
The buyer has 30 days from the date of sale to apply for a new title at the County Clerk of Courts. After 30 days, Ohio charges a $5 late penalty, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Ohio?
Ohio charges 5.75% state sales tax plus a county tax, for a combined rate of roughly 6.5% to 8% depending on the buyer's county. The buyer pays it at the Clerk of Courts when titling, which is why an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Ohio?
Yes - Ohio doesn't mandate a specific bill of sale form, so a handwritten one is valid as long as it has the key details. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the title office.
Is this Ohio bill of sale really free?
Yes - completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.
Free builder
Ready to create your Ohio bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF - free, no signup.
Legal disclaimer
FormBarn is not a law firm, is not a substitute for an attorney or a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Using FormBarnor any document created with it does not create an attorney-client relationship. The forms, templates, and information on this site are provided for general informational purposes only and on an "as is" basis, without warranties of any kind, express or implied.
Laws differ from state to state and change over time. FormBarn makes no representation or guarantee that any document or information here is accurate, complete, up to date, or suitable for your specific situation, or that a document you create will be legally valid or enforceable. You are solely responsible for verifying the current requirements with the appropriate authority (such as your county Clerk of Courts title office) and for making sure any document fits your needs.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, FormBarn disclaims all liability for any loss or damage arising from your use of this site or any document created with it. If you need legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your state.