Ohio BMV 3774 Form: Title Application Guide

What Is Ohio Form BMV 3774?

Form BMV 3774 is the official application used to request a certificate of title for a motor vehicle in Ohio. Titles in Ohio are issued exclusively by County Clerk of Courts Title Offices—not by BMV deputy registrar locations that handle licenses and registrations.

The form covers several types of applications:

• Original Certificate of Title
• Duplicate Certificate of Title (lost, stolen, or destroyed)
• Replacement Certificate of Title
• Memorandum Certificate of Title
• Salvage Certificate of Title

It also includes fields for liens, sales tax information, right of survivorship, transfer-on-death designations, and special cases such as minor owners or replica vehicles.

You can download the current official PDF version (revised 12/25) directly from the Ohio Department of Public Safety here: Download Ohio Form BMV 3774 (PDF).

The form is also available on the official Ohio BMV forms page: Ohio BMV Documents & Fees.

When Do You Need Form BMV 3774?

Common situations that require this form include:

• Purchasing a new or used vehicle from a dealer or private seller
• Transferring an out-of-state title into an Ohio title
• Applying for a duplicate title when the original is lost, stolen, or destroyed
• Requesting a replacement title for corrections or alterations
• Titling a vehicle after a lien is released
• Surviving spouse or transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiary transfers
• Titling certain non-traditional vehicles such as mini-trucks, utility vehicles, or motor scooters that meet FMVSS standards

Important: Ohio law requires you to apply for a title within 30 days of the assignment or delivery of the vehicle. A $5 late fee applies if you miss this deadline.

Official guidance on titling procedures is available on the Ohio BMV website: Ohio BMV Vehicle Titles.

How to Fill Out Form BMV 3774?

Complete the form in ink or type the information. Accuracy is critical because false statements about purchase price or ownership can violate Ohio Revised Code section 2921.13.

Key sections include:

• Applicant Information – Printed name, address, city, state, ZIP, county, and SSN or EIN for the primary and any co-applicant.
• Type of Application – Check the appropriate box (Original, Duplicate, Replacement, Memorandum, or Salvage).
• Vehicle Details – Year, VIN, model, body type, make, and conversion information if applicable.
• Ownership and Acquisition – How you acquired the vehicle, previous owner details, and whether the seller is a minor.
• Liens – List all liens or write “none.” Attach additional statements if more than one lien exists.
• Purchase Price and Tax – Report the true selling price, trade-in amount, tax paid or exemption reason, and vehicle condition.
• Special Designations – Right of survivorship, transfer on death (requires Form BMV 3811), or minor applicant (requires Form BMV 3751).

Signatures must generally be notarized. Licensed Ohio motor vehicle dealers who own or purchase the vehicle are exempt from the notarization requirement under certain conditions.

For detailed field-by-field guidance specific to dealer transactions, refer to reliable secondary resources that cross-check the official form, but always verify against the current PDF from the state.

Required Supporting Documents

Documents vary by situation. Typical requirements include:

• Assigned original title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
• Bill of sale (especially for out-of-state or private purchases)
• Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form BMV 3724) when applicable
• Proof of identity (government-issued photo ID)
• Out-of-state VIN inspection (Form BMV 3787 or equivalent) for vehicles coming from another state
• Lien release letter if a previous lien has been paid off
• Death certificate and Surviving Spouse Affidavit (Form BMV 3773) for surviving spouse transfers
• Form BMV 3811 for transfer-on-death designations

Always contact your local County Clerk of Courts Title Office for the exact checklist, as requirements can vary slightly by county. Locate your office using the official search tool: Ohio County Title Office Search.

Fees for Form BMV 3774 and Title Issuance

As of 2026, the standard statewide fee for a certificate of title (including duplicates and replacements) is $18. Some counties may charge $23 if local commissioners have approved an additional $5 fee under Ohio Revised Code section 4505.09.

Additional common charges:

• $5 late fee if the application is filed more than 30 days after assignment
• Lien notation fee (often included or additional depending on timing)
• Sales/use tax based on the purchase price (state rate plus local county rate)
• Notary fees if completed outside a title office

Salvage titles and certain dealer resale titles may have different lower fees. Payment methods and exact totals should be confirmed with the specific County Clerk of Courts Title Office.

Fee information is maintained by the Ohio BMV: Ohio BMV Documents & Fees.

Where and How to File Form BMV 3774?

File the completed form at any Ohio County Clerk of Courts Title Office. You can usually receive a printed title on the spot when applying in person.

Mail-in options are available for duplicate or replacement titles. Mail the notarized Form BMV 3774, required supporting documents, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the appropriate county title office.

Note that titles are not issued by BMV deputy registrar agencies. Those locations handle driver licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registrations only.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

• Download the most recent version of the form directly from official Ohio sources to avoid outdated versions.
• Double-check the VIN and all personal information for accuracy.
• Report the true purchase price—Ohio’s Department of Taxation audits vehicle transfers.
• Apply within 30 days to avoid the late fee.
• Bring original documents; photocopies of titles are generally not accepted.
• If both owners are listed, both typically need to sign unless a valid Power of Attorney (Form BMV 3771) is provided.

Related Ohio BMV Forms

Depending on your situation, you may also need:

• BMV 3724 – Odometer Disclosure Statement
• BMV 3771 – Power of Attorney for Certificate of Title
• BMV 3751 – Minor Consent Form
• BMV 3811 – Affidavit for Designation of Beneficiary (Transfer on Death)
• BMV 3773 – Clerk of Courts Surviving Spouse Affidavit
• BMV 3770 – Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale (for electronic titles)

All current forms are listed on the official BMV page: Ohio BMV Forms.

Conclusion

Ohio Form BMV 3774 is the standard application required to obtain or replace a motor vehicle certificate of title in the state. By downloading the official form, completing it accurately, gathering the correct supporting documents, and filing it promptly at a County Clerk of Courts Title Office, most applicants can complete the process efficiently.

For the most up-to-date requirements and fees, always refer to the official Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and your local County Clerk of Courts Title Office. Start by downloading the form here: Official Ohio Form BMV 3774 PDF.