The other day here at eTags, we were marveling over how many songs there have been written about the great state of Ohio. We counted over fifty different tunes penned for the Buckeye State. Some happy, some sad, some nostalgic, some hopeful, but all pointing back to the heart-shaped place nestled on the southern shores of Lake Erie.
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Seeing as how we are fortunate enough to be a part of the automotive world up in the Midwest, we considered the fact that there could be quite a few of you moving to “The Heart of it All.” And these days, a move to another territory often means that a vehicle is moving along with you. Which, of course, begs the question:
If I’m moving to Ohio, how do I transfer my out-of-state vehicle to Ohio?
Well, since everyone loves a good set of FAQ’s let’s pull one together that’s tailored specifically for moving a vehicle to Ohio. Ready? Let’s go!
Do I actually need an Ohio title, or can I keep my out-of-state document?
In Ohio, in order to register your vehicle (and obtain Ohio registration and license plates) you are required to have an Ohio-issued title for your car, truck, or SUV. Meaning, you will need to swap your old title for an official Ohio certificate of title document.
What do I need in order to convert my out-of-state title to an Ohio one?
You will need several things. Here is the comprehensive list:
- Your actual, original certificate of title from your last state of residence OR your Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin from the dealer
- A current, valid government-issued driver’s license or acceptable government-issued ID card
- The Ohio Application for Certificate of Title
- The Applicant’s Affidavit Odometer Statement
- Your bill of sale from the original purchase of the vehicle
- Either a lien release letter from your lienholder (if you have one) that indicates that your lien has been satisfied, OR a letter from your lienholder granting permission if there is an active lien on your vehicle, or if you are changing your name and/or adding/removing an owner
- If your vehicle happens to be leased, then you will need the leasing company’s information, a notarized Power of Attorney from the leasing company allowing you to sign for them
- Any fees and/or taxes charged by the state and/or county
Will I need any sort of emissions testing done?
Yes. You are obligated to bring your out-of-state vehicle to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) license agency or almost any new car dealership to have your car inspected. Not all dealers perform these inspections, so it’s best to call ahead. This inspection should also provide a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification.
Do I need any other sort of identification other than a driver’s license or ID card?
Yes. You will be required to show proof of your social security number.
Can I keep my old insurance from my previous state of residence?
Unfortunately you cannot. When moving to Ohio, you can do one of two things:
- Contact your last insurance company and ask if they have a branch in Ohio. If so, ask if they can switch your coverage to Ohio. If this is possible, you can remain with your old brokerage and simply change your place of residence.
- Shop for a local Ohio insurance company and policy, as the law requires that you have local coverage that adheres to Ohio’s insurance regulations specifically.
How much time to I have from moving to Ohio until I’m required to title and register my vehicle there?
Ohio law states that new residents have thirty (30) days in which to title and register their out-of-state vehicle.
Once I have my Ohio title and Ohio insurance, what’s the next step?
You’re now ready to register your vehicle. You will need your new title (this must be notarized, by the way), proof of social security, and proof of financial responsibility – your Ohio insurance policy documents – in order to get your Ohio license plates.
Do I need an Ohio driver’s license in order to register my vehicle there?
It’s a smart idea to obtain a local driver’s license wherever you live. If you are a new resident to Ohio and are titling and registering your car, truck, or SUV there, it is highly recommended to get a local driver’s license.
What do I need to get an Ohio driver’s license?
You will need:
- Proof of your current legal name
- Proof of your date of birth
- Proof of your social security number
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship or legal presence in the United States
- Proof of address in the state of Ohio. You will need two different forms of this, such as your rental/lease agreement, pay stubs, utility bills, or car payment
- Proof of name change – only if applicable to you
How long does it take to get my new driver’s license?
After your application, new Ohio driver’s licenses usually arrive within ten (10) days after your application is accepted.
How long does it take for my new license plates to arrive?
New Ohio license plates can take anywhere from ten days to a few weeks to reach you. They will be mailed to your official Ohio address on file with the BMV. In the meantime, however, the BMV will issue temporary plates to you so that you may drive legally until your permanent registration arrives.
And that, folks, just about sums up all the ins and outs of transferring your ride to the Buckeye State. And perhaps our favorite part of this article is that we can help you with this process. Simply head over to our site, choose Ohio as your state from our drop-down menu, and select your task. We can assist with transferring your title and registration, as well as replacing lost or damaged titles (if you’re already an Ohio-titled vehicle owner). Basically, if you’re in Ohio and are looking for a hand with something tag or title related, as always, here at eTags, we’re here to help!
