Ohio BMV 1174 Form: Clerk of Courts Title Request

Ohio BMV 1174 Form: Clerk of Courts Title Request – Ohio residents and others needing official vehicle title information often turn to Form BMV 1174. This official document from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), allows qualified requesters to obtain a certified vehicle title record through Clerk of Courts title offices. Titles in Ohio are issued by county Clerk of Courts offices rather than the BMV itself, making this form especially relevant for title-related inquiries.

Governed by Ohio Revised Code sections 4501.15, 4501.27, 4505.14, and 4507.53, the form helps protect personal information under state law and the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). This guide explains what the form is, who qualifies, what information it provides, how to complete it, fees, and submission options using current official sources.

What Is Ohio Form BMV 1174?

Form BMV 1174 is the official “Clerk of Courts Vehicle Title Record Request” issued by the Ohio BMV (revision 8/22). It is designed for requesting a certified vehicle title record that includes details such as title number, title status, current and previous owner information, and lienholder data when applicable.

Unlike the more general Record Request Form BMV 1173 (used for driving records, registration records, and some title abstracts), BMV 1174 focuses specifically on vehicle title records handled in connection with Clerk of Courts title offices. Official copies of the form are available on the Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page and through the direct PDF link provided by the state.

Download the current official form here: Ohio BMV 1174 PDF.

You can also find it listed under Records forms on the official BMV site: Ohio BMV Documents & Forms.

What Information Does a Vehicle Title Record Provide?

According to the form, a Vehicle Title Record ($5.00 fee per record) typically includes:

• Title number and title status
• Vehicle owner name and address
• Previous owner name and address (when available)
• Lien holder information (when applicable)

Important note from the form: This record search may not provide the last known address of the vehicle owner(s). For additional clarification, contact the BMV Records Department. The information released depends on the requester’s qualification under Ohio Revised Code 4501.27 and applicable privacy protections.

For broader certified record options, including historical chain of ownership title records, the BMV also supports requests via Form BMV 1173 or the online certified record system. See the official overview of record types: Ohio BMV More Record Types.

Who Can Request a Vehicle Title Record?

Access to personal information in motor vehicle records is restricted. Section 4 of Form BMV 1174 requires the requester to select one qualifying purpose under R.C. 4501.27. Common options include:

• As an individual requesting their own record
• With written consent of the other person (attach the original completed, notarized, and signed BMV Notarized Written Consent form 5008)
• For use in connection with the operation of a private toll transportation facility
• By a government agency (or private entity acting on its behalf) carrying out official functions
• Pursuant to a court order (attach a certified copy of the order; a subpoena may sometimes substitute)
• For use in connection with motor vehicle or driver safety, theft, emissions, recalls, market research, or related activities (supporting documentation required)
• In connection with a civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding (provide court/agency name and case number when applicable)
• By a licensed private investigative agency or security service for permitted purposes
• In the normal course of business by a legitimate business for verification of personal information or to correct inaccurate information related to a debt or security interest (provide tax ID/license number)
• By an employer or insurer related to commercial motor vehicle safety requirements or towed/impounded vehicles
• By an insurer or insurance support organization for claims investigation, anti-fraud, rating, or underwriting (provide license numbers as required)

The form includes a certification that the requester understands restrictions on redisclosure of personal information and must maintain records of any permitted disclosures for five years. Providing false information can result in criminal penalties.

How to Complete Form BMV 1174?

Complete all sections carefully. Incomplete forms may be returned.

• Section 1 – Requesting Person: Provide full name (required), mailing address (required), company name if applicable, street address, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number. Indicate how results should be returned.
• Section 2 – Options and Identifiers: Choose Option 1 (requesting your own vehicle title record) or Option 2 (requesting another person’s). Supply applicable identifiers such as name of the other person, Ohio driver license number, date of birth, Social Security number (optional but helpful), Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and/or Ohio title number. Attach additional sheets if requesting multiple records.
• Section 3 – Type of Record: Mark Vehicle Title Record and note the $5.00 fee per record.
• Section 4 – Qualification: Check the appropriate box under R.C. 4501.27 and attach any required supporting documents (consent form, court order, etc.).
• Section 5 – Signature: Print name, sign, and date. The certification acknowledges legal restrictions on use and redisclosure of the information.

Social Security number is not mandatory but improves search accuracy when provided.

Fees and Payment

The certified Vehicle Title Record costs $5.00 per record. Payment must accompany the completed form. Acceptable methods vary by the receiving office (Clerk of Courts title office or BMV). For online certified record requests through the BMV system, credit/debit cards are accepted with an additional service fee (currently 1.95% with a $1.75 minimum).

Confirm current fees and payment options with the specific Clerk of Courts title office or the BMV, as local practices can differ slightly.

How and Where to Submit the Form?

Because Ohio vehicle titles are issued by county Clerk of Courts title offices, many requesters submit Form BMV 1174 (or an equivalent request) in person or by mail to the relevant county Auto Title office. Contact information and locations for county title offices can be found through the Ohio BMV title resources.

For BMV-processed certified records (including certain title abstracts), options include:

• Online certified record request portal: Ohio BMV Online Certified Record Request
• Mail using the general Record Request Form BMV 1173 to the address listed on that form (commonly Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Attn: BMV Records, P.O. Box 16520, Columbus, OH 43216-6520)

Always verify the preferred submission method with the specific office. For title-related questions, the BMV Title Support Section can be reached at (614) 752-7671 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). General BMV contact: (844) 644-6268 or visit Ohio BMV Contact Information.

A limited public title search is available online, but it provides only basic Ohio title details and does not replace a certified record request: Ohio BMV Vehicle/Watercraft Title Search.

Privacy Protections and Important Reminders

Ohio law and the federal DPPA strictly limit the release and use of personal information from motor vehicle records. Unauthorized disclosure can lead to civil penalties and fines. Requesters who receive personal information must retain records of any further disclosures for five years and make them available upon request by the Registrar or Clerk of Courts.

If you need the written consent of another person, use the official BMV Notarized Written Consent form (BMV 5008). Always download forms directly from official Ohio government sources to ensure you have the current version.

Related Resources and Next Steps

For general certified BMV records (driving, registration, or title abstracts), use Form BMV 1173, available on the same Documents & Forms page. Historical chain-of-ownership title records and other specialized requests are described on the BMV’s record types page.

County Clerk of Courts title offices handle day-to-day title issuance, corrections, and many local record requests. Locate your county office through official BMV resources or the county’s website.

To get started:

1. Download the official Form BMV 1174: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/publicsafety.ohio.gov/bmv1174.pdf
2. Gather required identifiers (VIN, title number, etc.) and any supporting documents.
3. Determine the correct submission location (local Clerk of Courts title office or BMV process).
4. Include the $5.00 fee per record and complete the certification.

For the most up-to-date instructions, always refer to the official Ohio BMV website at bmv.ohio.gov and the form itself. Information in this article is based on the current BMV 1174 form (8/22), the Ohio BMV Documents & Forms page, and official record request guidance as of the latest available state resources.

If you have questions about a specific vehicle title or eligibility, contact the BMV Title Support Section at (614) 752-7671 or your local Clerk of Courts Auto Title office for personalized assistance.