Ohio BMV 3717 Export Application for Motor Vehicle – The Export Application for a Motor Vehicle (Form BMV 3717) is the official Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles document required when you permanently or temporarily export a vehicle titled in Ohio to a destination outside the United States. This guide is written for U.S. vehicle owners and explains the current process using information from the Ohio BMV and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
What Is Form BMV 3717?
Form BMV 3717 is issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It allows the owner of an Ohio-titled motor vehicle to surrender the certificate of title so the vehicle can be exported. After processing, the BMV issues a certified receipt of title surrender (or cancellation) and certified copies of the surrendered title. These documents serve as proof of ownership for export purposes.
Official source: Ohio BMV – Exporting a Vehicle from Ohio.
When Do You Need This Form?
You must complete BMV 3717 if you are shipping or transporting an Ohio-titled motor vehicle from anywhere inside the United States to a point outside the United States. This includes permanent relocation, sale, lease, or personal use abroad. Operating the vehicle under its own power solely to avoid the export process does not qualify as an exception under Ohio Revised Code 4505.21.
How to Complete Form BMV 3717?
Type or print clearly. Key sections include:
- Certificate of Title Number and date.
- Owner Section – Name(s) exactly as they appear on the title, address, city, state, ZIP code, signature(s), date, and phone number.
- Secured Parties – Name, address, and signature of any lienholders or secured parties (space for more than one).
- Vehicle Information – VIN, make, model, year, color, license number, current odometer reading, and whether the vehicle is a replica (with details if yes).
- Purpose of Export – Check Sale, Lease, Personal Use, or Other (explain if Other).
- Destination / Receipt Information – Name and address where the certified receipt should be delivered, plus any secured parties to note on the receipt.
- Declaration – Choose Temporary Export (include return date) or Certified Receipt of Title Cancellation (Permanent).
- Date of Export (and Date of Return if temporary).
All owners and secured parties must sign where indicated.
Required Documents to Submit
Mail the following together:
- The original Ohio certificate of title (make copies for your records first).
- Completed and signed Form BMV 3717.
The Ohio BMV Title Support Section will place the title in inactive status and retain it. You will receive a certified receipt of title surrender and two certified copies of the surrendered title for use with U.S. Customs and the destination country.
Official instructions: Ohio BMV Exporting a Vehicle page.
Where to Mail the Application?
Send the original title and completed BMV 3717 to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Title Support Section
P.O. Box 16520
Columbus, OH 43216-6520
(Note: The current form PDF lists P.O. Box 16521; the official BMV website lists 16520. Use the address shown on the BMV website for current submissions.)
Temporary vs. Permanent Export
The form lets you declare either:
- Temporary Export – Provide both the date of export and the expected date of return.
- Permanent Export – Request a certified receipt of title cancellation.
Choose the option that matches your plans. Permanent cancellation means the Ohio title is surrendered and will not be returned in active status.
Federal Requirements (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Ohio’s process satisfies state title requirements, but you must also comply with federal rules when the vehicle leaves the United States:
- Present the vehicle and documentation to CBP at the port of export.
- For U.S.-titled vehicles: original certificate of title (or certified copy) plus two complete copies.
- If a lien or lease exists, provide written authorization from the secured party.
- Documentation must generally be presented at least 72 hours before export (vessel/aircraft or land border rules may vary by port).
Contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection at (800) 227-5511 or visit the official page: CBP – Exporting a Motor Vehicle.
Download Form BMV 3717
Download the current official PDF directly from the Ohio Department of Public Safety:
Download BMV 3717 – Export Application for a Motor Vehicle (PDF)
You can also find PDF and Word versions listed on the official BMV forms page: Ohio BMV Documents & Fees.