Divorce is not easy. Besides the emotional toll it takes on you, there are plenty of logistics to work through. The to-do list is a long and very personal one; no two divorces are the same. Some couples have to deal with child custody while others must put their home up for sale. Some have to split a savings account, while others have to earn more money to make it on their own.
Use eTags© to Quickly Complete Your DMV Service. Renewals, Title Transfers and More, All Online!
Ohio recognizes both fault and no-fault divorces
Do both names appear on your Ohio vehicle title(s)
One more decision you must take as a couple is what to do with your vehicles. You may each have your own and just decide to keep that way, with each ex-spouse making their own payments. But what happens if you share one vehicle, or you have two cars that you both own and pay for? In other words, what happens if you’re on each other’s car titles?
SEE ALSO: DID YOUR DOG EAT YOUR OHIO CAR TITLE? GET A DUPLICATE TITLE ONLINE!
Who’s the seller, who’s the buyer
Ohio law provides no provision to change your name on a vehicle title, so in case of divorce you must apply for a title transfer in OH. If both spouses appear on the title, you’re both recognized as “sellers.” Whoever keeps the car, wife or husband, becomes the buyer.
The person who “buys” the car and keeps it must apply for title transfer in Ohio
The “seller” must complete the “assignment of ownership” section on the back of the title, so “buyer” can easily transfer the title to his or her name only. The signature must be notarized. A title transfer in OH requires an application for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle, also known as Form BMV 3774. You can go in-person to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to transfer the title or do it online via eTags. The online titling and registration company also provides notary services online.
If there’s a lien holder for the car in question, you must declare that on the title and application
If there’s a name change with the divorce
If you’ve changed your last name due to the separation, you must provide the divorce decree for the car paperwork There may also be a few things you must take care of for your official name change before you can register your vehicle. The title gives you ownership, but it’s the registration that allows you to drive.
According to the World Population Review, the divorce rate in Ohio is 12%
You’ll need to get an official name change with the Social Security Administration so you can also change it on your driver’s license and auto insurance policy. Don’t forget, you can’t register with the deputy registrar office in OH without car insurance. You can get your registration replacement online with eTags or with the deputy registrar office in person.
