Ohio BMV 3770 Form Guide for Casual Sale Titles

Ohio BMV 3770 Form Guide for Casual Sale Titles – If you are buying or selling a used vehicle privately in Ohio and the current title is held electronically (no paper certificate), you will need Ohio Form BMV 3770. This official Bureau of Motor Vehicles form allows a casual (non-dealer) transfer without first obtaining a physical title. It serves as both the seller’s ownership assignment and the buyer’s application for a new certificate of title under Ohio Revised Code Section 4505.032.

This guide is written for U.S. residents, particularly Ohio buyers and sellers handling private-party motor vehicle transfers. All information is based on current official sources from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and county Clerk of Courts title offices.

What Is Ohio Form BMV 3770?

Form BMV 3770 is the “Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Casual Sale.” It is a two-page document issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The current version is dated 12/25.

Page 1 is completed by the current owner (seller) and includes vehicle details, buyer information, purchase price, odometer disclosure, and the seller’s notarized signature. Page 2 is completed by the buyer and includes the application for the new certificate of title, sales tax information, any lien details, and the buyer’s notarized signature.

The form is required only when the title exists solely in electronic form and the transaction is between private parties (neither is a licensed Ohio dealer).

When Can You Use BMV 3770?

You may use Form BMV 3770 only when both of the following conditions are met:

The certificate of title is held electronically — no physical (paper) title has been issued.
Neither the seller nor the buyer is a licensed Ohio motor vehicle dealer.

This form is designed specifically for casual sales of motor vehicles as defined in Ohio law. It cannot be used by dealerships or insurance companies.

Vehicles and Situations Where BMV 3770 Cannot Be Used

According to the Ohio BMV, Form BMV 3770 is not permitted for the following:

All-purpose vehicles (ATVs)
Off-highway motorcycles (dirt bikes, etc.)
Watercraft
Outboard motors
Unconventional vehicles (utility vehicles, under-speed vehicles, mini trucks)

In these cases a physical title must first be issued to the current owner before any transfer can occur. The form also cannot be used if the purchaser is not an Ohio resident.

For official details, visit the Ohio BMV Titles page.

How to Complete Ohio Form BMV 3770?

Print the form clearly in ink. Erasures or alterations void the assignment. Insert “NA” or “NONE” in any field that does not apply.

Seller’s Portion (Page 1)

The seller must fully complete:

Vehicle information (year, make, model, body type, VIN, title number, control number)
Whether the vehicle is a replica, law enforcement vehicle, flood vehicle, or taxi
Current owner’s printed name and address
Date of transfer and exact purchase price
Buyer’s full legal name and address
Odometer reading and the required certification (actual mileage, exceeds mechanical limits, or not the actual mileage)
Seller’s signature(s) — all owners listed on the title must sign

The seller’s signature must be notarized by a notary public or authorized deputy clerk. Power of attorney is allowed only with the original Form BMV 3771. If the seller is a minor, Form BMV 3751 is required.

Buyer’s Portion (Page 2)

The buyer completes:

Acknowledgment of the odometer disclosure
Type of title requested (Original or Salvage)
Applicant’s full legal name, SSN or EIN, address, and county of residence
Purchase price and sales tax paid (or exemption reason)
Lienholder information (or “none”)
Condition of the vehicle
Buyer’s signature(s) — also notarized

Both parties should carefully review the warning about stating the true selling price. False statements are subject to criminal penalties under Ohio Revised Code 2921.13 and are audited by the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Step-by-Step Process for Transferring Title with BMV 3770

Confirm the title is electronic and the sale qualifies as a casual sale.
Download and print the current Form BMV 3770.
Seller completes Page 1 completely and has the signature(s) notarized.
Seller gives both pages of the completed form to the buyer.
Buyer completes Page 2 and has the signature(s) notarized (many Clerk of Courts title offices provide notary service).
Buyer takes the original completed form (photocopies are not accepted) to any Ohio County Clerk of Courts title office within 30 days of the transfer date.
Buyer presents valid photo ID, Social Security numbers for all owners, payment for the title fee, and sales/use tax based on the purchase price.
The Clerk issues the new certificate of title in the buyer’s name.

Title offices can be located through the official search tool on the Ohio BMV website.

Fees, Sales Tax, and Deadlines

As of 2026, the standard certificate of title fee is $18 statewide. Some counties may charge up to $23 if a local surcharge has been approved. An additional $5 late fee applies if the title application is not filed within 30 days of the assignment date.

Sales or use tax is due on the true purchase price at the time of title application. The state base rate is 5.75 percent; counties add local rates, resulting in combined rates typically between approximately 6.5 percent and 8 percent depending on the buyer’s county of residence. Tax is collected by the Clerk of Courts. Certain gifts or exempt transfers may qualify for tax relief when properly documented.

Lien notation, if applicable, carries an additional fee. Notary fees (when charged separately) are usually modest.

Download the Official Ohio Form BMV 3770

Always use the most recent official version directly from the State of Ohio. Download the current PDF here:

Download Ohio Form BMV 3770 (PDF)

You can also access it and related title forms from the Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving any field blank or making alterations after notarization
Failing to have all owners sign and notarize
Using the form for prohibited vehicle types or dealer transactions
Missing the 30-day filing deadline
Understating the purchase price (subject to audit and penalties)
Submitting a photocopy instead of the original completed form
Forgetting required supporting forms such as BMV 3771 (power of attorney) or BMV 3751 (minor consent)

Additional Resources for Ohio Vehicle Title Transfers

Always verify the latest requirements with your local County Clerk of Courts title office, as procedures and exact fees can have minor county variations. Completing Form BMV 3770 correctly ensures a smooth, legal transfer of ownership for private vehicle sales involving electronic titles in Ohio.