Ohio BMV 3778 Affidavit of Trailer Type Guide – Ohio Form BMV 3778, the Affidavit of Trailer Type, is an official document from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). It is required when applying for a certificate of title for certain trailers. This form confirms that the trailer is not one of the regulated types that must be sold by a licensed motor vehicle dealer under Ohio law.
The form became especially relevant after changes from Ohio House Bill 96 (136th General Assembly), effective September 30, 2025. These updates limited which trailers fall under motor vehicle dealer licensing requirements. Utility trailers, boat trailers, and many other common types can often be titled without dealer involvement, provided the affidavit is properly completed.
This guide explains what the form is, when you need it, how to complete it, and where to submit it. All information is based on official Ohio BMV resources and current state law for U.S. residents, particularly those in Ohio.
What Is Ohio Form BMV 3778?
BMV 3778 is a one-page affidavit (with FAQ on page 2) used during the trailer titling process. The applicant affirms that the trailer described is not a fifth-wheel trailer, park trailer, travel trailer, tent-type fold-out camping trailer, or semi-trailer as defined under Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) section 4517.01(B).
Key details from the official form (revised 10/25):
- It is required when applying for a certificate of title for the trailer.
- The applicant states they are not an Ohio licensed motor vehicle dealer and are not subject to dealer licensing requirements.
- The form must be signed and notarized.
Official source: Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page lists BMV 3778 under Titles as “Affidavit of Trailer Type.” Download the current PDF here: Ohio Form BMV 3778 PDF.
Why Was This Form Created? Understanding House Bill 96?
Ohio House Bill 96 updated the Motor Vehicle Dealers Law (Chapter 4517 of the Ohio Revised Code). Previously, more trailers required licensed dealers for sales. The bill expressly excludes most trailers from dealer licensing requirements, except for specific regulated types.
According to the Legislative Service Commission analysis of H.B. 96:
- Sale of trailers is generally excluded from the Motor Vehicle Dealers Law.
- Fifth-wheel trailers, park trailers, travel trailers, tent-type fold-out camping trailers, and semitrailers remain subject to dealer licensing.
The affidavit helps the Clerk of Courts or BMV confirm proper classification during title applications. It protects both buyers and the state by documenting that the trailer falls outside regulated categories.
Source: Official BMV form FAQ and H.B. 96 analyses from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
When Do You Need to Complete BMV 3778?
You typically need Form BMV 3778 when:
- Applying for an original or transfer certificate of title for a trailer in Ohio.
- The trailer is not one of the five regulated types listed below.
- The seller is a private party (not a licensed dealer) or you are the owner applying for title.
Trailers weighing over 4,000 pounds generally require a full certificate of title in Ohio. Lighter trailers (4,000 lbs or less) often need only registration, but title applications for heavier or certain recreational units may still trigger the affidavit.
Note: Travel trailers, park trailers, and similar recreational vehicles are treated differently and usually require dealer involvement if newly sold.
Regulated Trailer Types That Still Require a Licensed Dealer
If your trailer matches any of these definitions under R.C. 4501.01 and 4517.01, do not use BMV 3778 as an exclusion. The seller must be a licensed Ohio motor vehicle dealer:
- Fifth-Wheel Trailer — A vehicle movable without a special highway permit, constructed with a raised forward section allowing a bi-level floor plan, designed to be towed by a vehicle with a fifth-wheel hitch installed in the bed of a truck.
- Park Trailer — Commonly known as a park model recreational vehicle. Meets ANSI A119.5 (1988) standards, built on a single chassis, gross trailer area of 400 square feet or less when set up, designed for seasonal or temporary living quarters, and may connect to utilities.
- Travel Trailer — A non-self-propelled recreational vehicle that does not exceed 40 feet in overall length (exclusive of bumper and tongue or coupling). Includes tent-type fold-out camping trailers.
- Tent-Type Fold-Out Camping Trailer — Intended as a temporary shelter with living and sleeping facilities. At least 25% of the fold-out top and sidewalls must be canvas, vinyl, or fabric. When folded: max 15 feet length (exclusive of bumper/tongue), 60 inches height from ground, 8 feet width, and one-ton gross weight at time of sale.
- Semi-Trailer — Any trailer without motive power designed so that part of its weight or load rests upon and is carried by the towing vehicle.
These definitions come directly from the official BMV 3778 form and Ohio Revised Code.
How to Fill Out Ohio Form BMV 3778 Step by Step?
The form is straightforward. Complete it accurately to avoid delays.
- Applicant Information — Enter the owner name(s). Use the business address if the title will be in a company name. Include street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
- Vehicle Details — Provide the full Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year, make, and model of the trailer.
- Trailer Classification — Affirm by completing the section that the trailer is not one of the regulated types listed (fifth-wheel, park trailer, travel trailer, tent-type fold-out camping trailer, or semi-trailer).
- Applicant Acknowledgment — Confirm you are not an Ohio licensed motor vehicle dealer. Note that applying for title on a regulated trailer may trigger additional review, and the affidavit confirms exclusion from dealer licensing under R.C. 4517.01.
- Signature Block — Print your name. If company-owned, list your position. Sign and date.
- Notary Section — The form must be sworn to and subscribed before a notary public. The notary completes the date, county, state, applies the seal, signs, and notes commission expiration.
Falsifying an affidavit can result in penalties under Ohio law. Always sign in the notary’s presence.
Where to Submit Form BMV 3778 and Related Titling Steps?
Submit the completed, notarized BMV 3778 along with your title application (usually BMV 3774 — Application for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle) to your local County Clerk of Courts Title Office.
Additional common requirements for trailer titling in Ohio:
- Proof of ownership (Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin for new trailers, or properly assigned previous title).
- Bill of sale or other proof of purchase if applicable.
- Odometer disclosure if required (though many trailers are exempt).
- Payment of title fees (typically around $15–$23 depending on the county) and any applicable taxes.
- For homemade trailers: Ohio State Highway Patrol inspection and VIN assignment if needed.
After obtaining the title, register the trailer at a deputy registrar license agency if it will be operated on public roads. Registration fees for non-commercial trailers are based on unladen weight.
Find your local title office or deputy registrar through the official Ohio BMV website: www.bmv.ohio.gov.
Download the Official Ohio Form BMV 3778
Always use the most current version of the form. The official PDF is available directly from the Ohio Department of Public Safety:
Download Ohio Form BMV 3778 — Affidavit of Trailer Type (PDF)
You can also access it (and related forms such as BMV 3774) from the Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/doc-forms.aspx.
Frequently Asked Questions About BMV 3778
Why am I being asked to complete this affidavit?
Ohio House Bill 96 limited the types of trailers that require licensed dealers. The form confirms your trailer is excluded from those requirements under R.C. 4517.01(B).
I’m not a dealer. Why does this matter?
You are not subject to dealer licensing if you are only applying for a title and not selling trailers as a business. The affidavit ensures proper classification and helps avoid later delays or seller investigations if the trailer is misclassified.
What happens if the trailer is misclassified?
The title application may be delayed or reviewed. The seller could face investigation for selling a regulated trailer without a license.
Do all trailers need a title in Ohio?
Trailers over 4,000 pounds generally require a certificate of title. Those 4,000 pounds or less usually require only registration. Always verify with your local Clerk of Courts, as recreational units have special rules.
Where can I get more help?
Contact your county Clerk of Courts Title Division or visit the official Ohio BMV site for forms, fees, and office locations.
Key Takeaways for Ohio Trailer Owners
Ohio Form BMV 3778 streamlines titling for non-regulated trailers following the 2025 updates from House Bill 96. By affirming the correct trailer type, private sellers and buyers can complete the process more efficiently without unnecessary dealer involvement.
Always download the latest form from official sources, complete it accurately, have it notarized, and submit it with your title application. For the most current requirements, refer to the Ohio BMV and your local title office, as laws and procedures can be updated.
Official resources: