Preble County Title Department
Welcome to the website of the Preble County Title Department. We are dedicated to serving the public by providing effective and efficient service. Our office currently accepts Cash, Preble County Resident Checks, and Credit Cards (a courtesy fee of 3% will be applied to all card transactions). Please call my office with any questions or concerns and one of my staff will be happy to assist you. Brionne Reynolds, Clerk of Courts.
The Preble County Clerk of Courts Title Department and Driver's Testing Station will be closed Thursday, November 28, 2024 and reopen Monday, December 2, 2024.
Address
542 N Barron Street
Eaton OH 45320
Our Hours
Monday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday - 8:00am - 4:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm
Contact
Phone: 937-456-8181Fax: 937-456-9702
Email: pcotitledept@woh.rr.com
Motor Vehicle
Service
Fee
Original Title
$15.00
Replacement Titles
$15.00
Duplicate Titles
$15.00
Lien Notations (with or without memo)
$15.00
Repossession Titles
$15.00
Leasing Dealer
$15.00
Dealer Resale w/Lien or Lien Notation
$15.00
Daily Rental, Company and Vendor
$15.00
Salvage with Lien (with or without memo)
$15.00
Memorandum Only
$5.00
Dealer Resale Titles
$5.00
Late Fee
$5.00
Archive Fee
$5.00
Salvage Titles
$4.00
Salvage Replacement
$4.00
Inspection Fee
$1.50
Affidavit Fee
$1.00
BUYING A MOTOR VEHICLE:
Buying your vehicle? Let us help make your titling experience as quick and efficient as possible!
What do I need to do to buy my vehicle?
The Seller must complete the assignment of ownership portion on the back of the title including purchase price, seller’s information, date of transfer and current mileage in the presence of a deputy clerk or notary public. The deputy clerk or notary public will verify that all fields are properly completed, witness the seller’s signature and notarize the document. Once the title is notarized, the seller can present the title to the buyer to finalize the transfer.
Ohio law does not require a seller to obtain a physical title prior to selling their motor vehicle when the title record was previously electronic. Seller must complete the Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale form (BMV 3770) in the presence of a deputy clerk or notary public. Upon completion, the seller can present the assignment form to the buyer in order to finalize the transfer. This form only permits the transfer of a motor vehicle defined in ORC 4505.01. Definition of motor vehicle includes manufactured homes, mobile homes, recreational vehicles such as travel trailers or motorhomes, and trailers and semitrailers whose weight exceeds 4,000 pounds. The BMV 3770 form may NOT be used to transfer ownership for ATVs, off- highway motorcycles, watercraft, outboard motors, or any unconventional vehicles (utility vehicles, under speed, and mini trucks) as these are not defined as motor vehicles. In these situations, a paper title must first be issued to the current owner, then it can be signed over to the new owner.
I would like to sell my vehicle, however, my Ohio title is lost,
A duplicate title can be obtained at one of our two Lake County, Ohio Title Offices. A valid government issued identification is required. Dual ownership requires both parties to be presents unless a notarized power of attorney is provided. Title fees apply.
I made an error on my Ohio Title. What do I do?
If an error is made, please do not attempt to alter the title, as doing such will void the title. In many instances a seller can correct an error by completing a sworn affidavit of correction; however, some instances require a title to be replaced. Please call our dedicated Deputy Clerks at line at 440.350.4471 or 440.918.3425 and allow us to assist you in addressing this issue.
I would like to sell my vehicle; however, I have not converted my out-of-state title to an Ohio title. What do I do?
The title can simply be assigned over to the new owner. Please ensure a purchase price is listed on the title or a separate bill of sale is provided. A valid government issued identification is required. Dual ownership requires both parties to be present unless a notarized power of attorney is provided. Title fees apply. An Out-of-State inspection is required and can be obtained by the buyer or seller at any deputy registrar or new car dealership in Ohio.
SELLING A MOTOR VEHICLE:
Selling your vehicle? Let us help make your titling experience as quick and efficient as possible!
What do I need to do to sell my vehicle?
The seller must complete the assignment of ownership portion on the back of the title including purchase price, buyer's information, date of transfer and current mileage in the presence of a deputy clerk or notary public. The deputy clerk or notary public will verify that all fields are properly completed, witness the seller's signature and notarize the document. Once the title is notarized, the seller can present the title to the buyer to finalize the transfer.
Ohio law does not require a seller to obtain a physical title prior to selling their motor vehicle when the title record was previously electronic. Seller must complete the Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale form (BMV 3770) in the presence of a deputy clerk or notary public. Upon completion, the seller can present the assignment form to the buyer in order to finalize the transfer. This form only permits the transfer of a motor vehicle defined in ORC 4505.01. Definition of motor vehicle includes manufactured homes, mobile homes, recreational vehicles such as travel trailers or motorhomes, and trailers and semitrailers whose weight exceeds 4,000 pounds. The BMV 3770 form may NOT be used to transfer ownership for ATV's, off-highway motorcycles, watercraft, outboard motors, or any unconventional vehicles (utility vehicles, under speed, and mini trucks) as these are not defined as motor vehicles. In these situations, a paper title must first be issued to the current owner, then it can be signed over to the new owner.
I would like to sell my vehicle, however, my Ohio title is lost, stolen or destroyed. What do I do?
A duplicate title can be obtained at any of our two Lake County Title offices. A valid government issued identification is required. Dual ownership requires both parties to be present unless a notarized power of attorney is provided. Title fees apply.
I made an error on my Ohio Title. What do I do?
If an error is made, please do not attempt to alter the title, as doing such will void the title. In many instances a seller can correct an error by completing a sworn affidavit of correction; however, some instances require a title to be replaced. Please call our dedicated Deputy Clerks at line at 440.918.3425 and allow us to assist you in addressing this issue.
I would like to sell my vehicle; however, I have not converted my out-of-state title to an Ohio title. What do I do?
The title can simply be assigned over to the new owner. Please ensure a purchase price is listed on the title or a separate bill of sale is provided. A valid government issued identification is required. Dual ownership requires both parties to be present unless a notarized power of attorney is provided. Title fees apply. An Out-of-State inspection is required and can be obtained by the buyer or seller at any deputy registrar or new car dealership in Ohio.
If you would like to apply by U.S. Mail, an application can be printed from our web site which is listed under Auto Title Forms. Complete the application and have your signature notarized. Mail your application, $15.00 and a self-addressed stamped return envelope to a Clerk of Courts Title Office.
Watercraft
The watercraft titling law went into effect on January 1, 1964. This law requires boats 14 feet and longer and outboard motors of 10 horsepower and greater to be titled. A title is not generally issued for a boat trailer only because titles are not issued to trailers weighing less than 4000 pounds. Effective in 1973, all certificates of origin for boats must have a 12 digit Hull Identification number. Effective January 1, 2000, Ohio law provides for the titling of personal watercraft (commonly called jet skis, wave runners. etc.). A title must be issued for one of these items regardless of length if the motor is 10 horsepower or greater. These vessels are titled as inboard boats. An outboard boat and outboard motor will have separate titles. Inboard or inboard/outboard boats have one title describing the boat. The title transfer process is completed and liens are filed in the same manner as motor vehicle titles with two exceptions:
*****No out of state inspection is needed on a boat coming in from out of state. If the boat doesn't have a 12 digit HIN then it must be inspected by a Watercraft Officer through the Ohio Dept. Natural Resources.
*****No odometer statement is required
*****Canoes and Kayaks are not titled in Ohio
Trailers, Travel Trailers and Motor Homes
Trailers must weigh over 4000 pounds to be titled in the state of Ohio. The titling process is the same for trailers as a vehicle. Travel Trailers, pop-up/fold down campers and Motor Homes are required to be titled in the state of Ohio. The title transfer process is completed and liens are filed in the same manner as a motor vehicle.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured Homes are required to be titled in the state of Ohio. Before transferring ownership the customer must obtain a conveyance fee and transfer stamp at the Preble County Auditior's office and obtain a "taxes paid" stamp at the Preble County Treasurer's office. These offices are both located on the 2nd floor of the Preble County Courthouse. Once a customer obtains both stamps the title transfer process is completed in the same manner as a motor vehicle.
Surviving Spouse, Rights of Survivorship & Transfer on Death
Our office strives to make title transferring easy but some situations can be a little more complicated. Feel free to
New Resident To Do List
In order to register your vehicle and obtain license plates in Ohio, your out of state title needs to be converted to an Ohio title. You will need to bring the following items to our office:
1. Physical Certificate of Title
Dual ownership requires both parties to be present unless a power of attorney is provided. Photocopies of titles are not accepted
2. Proof of Residency (Approved List)
3. A BMV Out of State Inspection
4. A Lien Release from your lien holder (if applicable)
5. Two Powers of Attorney for Lessor (Lease Transactions Only)
6. $16.50 title fee ($1.00 fee per notarization)
***Instructions if your lien holder is holding your title***
*** Lien Holder Request Form***
Ohio Title For Imported Vehicle
A Ohio customer may apply for an Ohio title for a motor vehicle imported to Ohio from Canada or another foreign country with the following documentation:
1. Bill of Sale
2. Canadian or foreign title or registration
3. United States Customs Entry Form 7501, stamped or signed.
4. USDOT Form HS-7
5. Odometer statement signed by both the seller and purchaser in accordance with federal and Ohio requirements
6. Out of State Inspection form BMV 3706 or BMV 4334
7. English translations of all documents written in a foreign language.
Military Conversion
If you are in the military and stationed out of state but your permanent residence is in Ohio you can have the out of state inspection done be a commanding officer on base using BMV Form 3787. You can also complete a Power of Attorney BMV Form 3771 assigning Power of Attorney to a friend or family member still living in Ohio. This will allow them to complete the paperwork for you. This form will not be necessary if you have already completed a Durable Power of Attorney.
The person with power of attorney will be able to bring the original out of state title, the BMV 3787, and their identification to apply for an Ohio title in your name. If you are stationed out of state and the vehicle will be driven out of state for at least 6 months no sales tax will be due. If the vehicle will be garaged in Ohio or your orders are for less than 6 months sales tax will be due at the time the title is processed.
Unconventional Vehicles
Coming Soon