Ohio BMV 4205 Form: Unclaimed Vehicle Affidavit Guide – Ohio towing services, storage facilities, and related businesses often deal with vehicles that remain unclaimed after being towed by order of law enforcement, a motor vehicle dealer, or a repair facility. In these situations, Form BMV 4205 serves as the official affidavit that allows eligible businesses to obtain a certificate of title for the unclaimed motor vehicle.
This guide explains the purpose of the form, eligibility requirements under the Ohio Revised Code, key sections of the affidavit, supporting documentation, fees, and the filing process. Information is drawn from official Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) resources and the Ohio Revised Code to help towing and storage operators in the United States, particularly those operating in Ohio, complete the process accurately.
What Is Ohio Form BMV 4205?
Form BMV 4205 is the official “Unclaimed Motor Vehicle Affidavit for Tows Ordered by Law Enforcement, Dealer, or Repair Facility” issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The current version is labeled BMV 4205 1/26.
The form is used by a towing service, storage service, or storage facility to affirm that all statutory requirements have been met so the business can obtain a certificate of title for an unclaimed motor vehicle. It specifically addresses vehicles towed or stored under certain provisions of the Ohio Revised Code.
You can download the official form directly from the Ohio Department of Public Safety here: Download Ohio Form BMV 4205 (PDF).
The form is also listed on the official Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page under Titles: Ohio BMV Forms.
Purpose of the Affidavit
The primary purpose of Form BMV 4205 is to allow a towing service or storage facility to obtain a clean certificate of title (free and clear of liens and encumbrances) for an unclaimed motor vehicle when specific legal conditions are satisfied. This process helps businesses clear space and recover costs associated with towing and storage.
The form is prescribed under Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) sections 4505.104, 4513.62, 4513.602, and 4513.603. By signing the affidavit, the business owner or authorized agent affirms that all notice, records-search, waiting-period, and other statutory requirements have been completed.
Providing false information on the form may constitute the criminal offense of falsification under R.C. 2921.13, a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Who Can Use Form BMV 4205?
Eligible users are towing services, storage services, or storage facilities that are in possession of a motor vehicle under one of the following scenarios:
- The vehicle was towed or stored by order of law enforcement pursuant to R.C. 4513.60, 4513.61, 4513.62, or 4513.66.
- The vehicle was obtained from a motor vehicle dealer or repair facility after the dealer or facility followed the removal process under R.C. 4513.602, and the towing service or storage facility then seeks title under R.C. 4513.603.
Note that this form is distinct from the general Unclaimed Motor Vehicle Affidavit (BMV 4202), which applies to other situations such as repair garages or private tow-away zones with different value thresholds and waiting periods.
Section A: Vehicles Towed by Order of Law Enforcement
Section A applies when the motor vehicle was obtained by order of law enforcement under R.C. 4513.60, 4513.61, 4513.62, or 4513.66 and has remained unclaimed for 60 days or more after the date of the signed receipt or undeliverable notice.
Key requirements under R.C. 4505.104 include:
- A records search was performed to identify the owner and any lienholder (using BMV records, approved vendors, or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System).
- Notice was sent to the last known address of the owner and any lienholder by certified or express mail with return receipt requested, certified mail with electronic tracking, or a commercial carrier requiring a signed receipt. The notice must state that the towing service or storage facility will obtain title if the vehicle is not claimed within 60 days after the notice is received.
- The vehicle remained unclaimed for 60 days after the date the notice was received (or after notification that delivery was not possible).
- A sheriff, chief of a law enforcement agency, state highway patrol trooper, natural resources officer, or wildlife officer has determined that the vehicle or items in it are not necessary to a criminal investigation.
Copies of the notices and certified return mail receipts must accompany the affidavit.
Official statutory text is available at: Ohio Revised Code Section 4505.104.
Section B: Vehicles Towed by Order of a Motor Vehicle Dealer or Repair Facility
Section B covers vehicles obtained from a motor vehicle dealer or repair facility after the vehicle was left unclaimed for 14 days or more following the date of the signed receipt or undeliverable notice sent by the dealer or facility.
Under R.C. 4513.602, the dealer or repair facility must first conduct a records search and send proper notice before ordering the tow. Then, under R.C. 4513.603, the towing service or storage facility that takes possession may seek title if:
- It performs its own records search to identify the owner and any lienholder.
- It sends notice to the owner and lienholder stating that it will obtain title if the vehicle is not claimed within 60 days after the notice is received.
- The vehicle remains unclaimed for 60 days after the date of the signed receipt or undeliverable notice.
Again, copies of notices and certified return mail receipts are required. Importantly, under R.C. 4513.603 the certificate of title may be obtained regardless of the motor vehicle’s value.
Statutory references: Ohio Revised Code Section 4513.602 and Section 4513.603.
How to Complete Form BMV 4205?
The form requires the following information:
- Business name, street address, city, county, state, ZIP code, P.O. Box (if any), telephone, and alternative telephone of the towing/storage service or facility.
- Name of the business owner or authorized agent.
- Vehicle information: owner’s name and address on title (from the BMV records search), lienholder’s name and address (if applicable), VIN, year, make, model, and whether it is a replica motor vehicle (with additional year/make/model if yes).
- Completion of either Section A or Section B with the relevant dates (date vehicle was towed or stored, dates certified mail was sent, dates of signed receipt or undeliverable notice).
- For Section A, an affirmation regarding the criminal investigation determination.
- Signature of the business owner or authorized agent and date of application.
- Notarization (unless the motor vehicle dealer licensed under R.C. Chapter 4517 is the owner or purchaser of the vehicle, in which case notarization is not required under R.C. 4505.063).
Days referenced on the form are calendar days unless otherwise specified.
Required Supporting Documentation
In addition to the completed and signed (and typically notarized) Form BMV 4205, the Clerk of Courts will generally expect:
- Copies of all required notices and certified return mail receipts (or proofs of undeliverable status).
- Evidence of the records search performed to identify the owner and any lienholder.
- Application for Certificate of Title (typically Form BMV 3774) completed in the name of the towing service or storage facility.
- Any other documentation the specific county Clerk of Courts may request. Acceptance of documentation is at the discretion of the Clerk.
Additional documentation may be required upon request of the Clerk of Courts. Ohio titles are issued by County Clerk of Courts title offices; the BMV itself does not issue titles. Contact information for county title offices is available through the Ohio BMV: County Title Office Search.
Towing and Storage Fees
The form includes maximum fees established under the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulatory authority (Ohio Administrative Code 4901:2-24-03). These maximums apply to removal and storage:
Removal of Vehicle
- Vehicles less than 10,001 lbs. (manufacturer’s GVW): maximum fee listed on the form.
- Vehicles greater than 10,001 lbs. and less than 26,000 lbs.: $247.
- Vehicles greater than 26,000 lbs.: $410.
Storage of Vehicle (per 24-hour period)
- Vehicles less than 10,001 lbs.: maximum fee listed on the form.
- Vehicles greater than 10,001 lbs. and less than 26,000 lbs.: $22–$38 range as shown on the current form.
- Vehicles greater than 26,000 lbs.: higher maximum as shown on the form.
Always refer to the current official Form BMV 4205 and PUCO regulations for the exact maximum allowable fees, as these are subject to update.
Where and How to File?
Submit the completed Form BMV 4205, supporting documents, and the appropriate title application and fees to the County Clerk of Courts title office in the county where the vehicle is located or as directed by that office. Title fees vary by county (typically around $18–$23 statewide base, plus any local additions).
After obtaining title, the towing service or storage facility must notify the entity that ordered the vehicle into storage that the vehicle has been disposed of, on the last business day of the month in which title was obtained (for law-enforcement ordered tows under R.C. 4505.104).
For general unclaimed-vehicle guidance from the Ohio BMV, see: Ohio BMV Vehicle Titles – Unclaimed Motor Vehicles.
Related Ohio BMV Forms
Depending on the situation, other forms may be relevant:
- BMV 4202 — Unclaimed Motor Vehicle Affidavit (general repair garage / storage / certain private tows).
- BMV 1173 — Record Request Form (for title/owner searches).
- BMV 3774 — Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle.
- BMV 4209 — Unclaimed Salvage Motor Vehicle Affidavit.
- BMV 4208 — Board of Township Trustees Junk Motor Vehicle Affidavit.
All current forms are available on the official Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page.
Important Tips for Successful Filing
- Always use the most current version of Form BMV 4205 downloaded from an official Ohio government source.
- Keep thorough records of every notice, mailing receipt, and records search.
- Confirm with the specific county Clerk of Courts whether any local requirements or additional forms apply.
- If a signed receipt or undeliverable notice is never received in certain other unclaimed scenarios, a court-ordered title may be required instead.
- Consult legal counsel if the situation involves complex liens, out-of-state titles, or disputed tows.
Conclusion
Ohio Form BMV 4205 provides a clear statutory pathway for towing services and storage facilities to obtain title to unclaimed motor vehicles that were ordered towed by law enforcement, dealers, or repair facilities. By carefully following the notice, waiting-period, records-search, and documentation requirements in R.C. 4505.104, 4513.602, and 4513.603, businesses can complete the process efficiently and lawfully.
Download the official form today: Ohio Form BMV 4205 PDF.
For the most up-to-date information, always verify details with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles or your local County Clerk of Courts title office, as statutes, forms, and fees can be updated.