Quickly, can you name where you have your car title stored? Now how about checking if it’s actually there? All too often people lose this rather important piece of paper, or worse yet, have it stolen. Your car title is a legal piece of paper that shows you are the registered owner of the vehicle. You’ll need this title if you ever plan to sell your vehicle or transfer ownership. So what happens when it does go missing? The good news is that you can apply for a duplicate car title.
In the state of Ohio this duplicate title can be obtained through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The state requires that all drivers who operate a vehicle within Ohio must possess a physical Ohio certificate of title. The reasons that qualify for a duplicate title are one that is damaged, lost, illegible, or stolen. Keep in mind this process can be done by the lienholder or the title owner. Here is a look at the process involved.
Make a trip to your local title office (Ohio Clerk of Courts Title Office) so you can pick up the Application(s) For Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (Form BMV 3774). When you are filing it out you can skip right over the first section, as it won’t apply to your request.
When you submit your form you will also need to bring your current vehicle registration, and proper ID.
There is a fee of $15 for the duplicate title.
You can find more information about replacing a lost or stolen car title in Ohio by visiting the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles site.
