Ohio BMV Form 3754: Insurance Title Application Guide – Insurance companies operating in Ohio must follow specific procedures when taking ownership of a motor vehicle after a total-loss claim. The official document for this process is Form BMV 3754, titled “Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Insurance Companies.” This form, issued by the Ohio Department of Public Safety Bureau of Motor Vehicles, combines a power of attorney, ownership transfer, odometer disclosure, and application for a certificate of title (most often a salvage title).
This guide explains the purpose of Form BMV 3754, when it is required, how to complete it, the underlying Ohio law, and where to download the current version. Information is drawn from official Ohio government sources current as of 2026.
What Is Ohio Form BMV 3754?
Form BMV 3754 is a two-page official form published by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Its full title is “Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Insurance Companies.” The form serves as:
- A power of attorney authorizing the insurance company to transfer ownership
- An attestation of vehicle mileage and identity
- The application for a new certificate of title (commonly a salvage certificate of title)
The current revision is dated 12/25 (December 2025). It is specifically designed for insurance companies and is distinct from the casual-sale form (BMV 3770) or the general title application (BMV 3774).
You can download the official fillable PDF directly from the Ohio Department of Public Safety:
Download Ohio Form BMV 3754 (Official PDF)
The form is also listed on the official Ohio BMV forms page: BMV Forms – Titles.
Purpose of the BMV 3754 Form
Under Ohio law, when an insurance company declares a vehicle economically impractical to repair and pays the insured or claimant an agreed settlement amount, the insurer must obtain a salvage certificate of title. Form BMV 3754 provides the standardized mechanism to:
- Assign ownership from the previous titled owner to the insurance company
- Disclose the odometer reading
- Apply for the appropriate type of title (Salvage, Salvage Replacement, Salvage Duplicate, etc.)
The form is used pursuant to Ohio Revised Code sections 4505.07 and 4505.11.
When Is Form BMV 3754 Required?
Form BMV 3754 is required in the following common scenarios governed by R.C. 4505.11(C)(1):
- Scenario (b): The insurance company has possession of the vehicle and a physical title was previously issued, but the insurer cannot obtain the properly endorsed title within 30 business days after the owner or lienholder accepts payment. Only the Vehicle Information and Application for Certificate of Title sections need to be completed.
- Scenario (c): The insurance company has possession of the vehicle and no physical certificate of title was issued (electronic title only). All sections of the form must be completed, including a properly executed power of attorney or other authorizing document from the owner.
In both cases the insurer is applying for a salvage certificate of title. The form is not used when the owner retains the vehicle; in that situation the owner must apply for the salvage title themselves before receiving the insurance settlement.
How to Complete Form BMV 3754?
The form must be typed or printed in ink. Key sections include:
- Vehicle Information — Year, make, model, body type, VIN, title number, control number, and whether the vehicle is a replica.
- Power of Attorney — Appointment of the insurance company as attorney-in-fact to execute the assignment of the certificate of title (this section may be skipped if a separate power of attorney is submitted).
- Transfer of Ownership / Seller Information — Printed name and address of the transferor/seller, signatures, and dates.
- Odometer Certification — Disclosure of the current mileage with the required federal and state statements, plus buyer acknowledgment.
- Application for Certificate of Title (page 2) — Type of title requested (Salvage, Salvage Replacement, Salvage Duplicate, Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed), applicant (insurance company) name, SSN/EIN, address, purchase price, tax information, vehicle condition, and any lien details.
An additional $5 late fee applies if the title application is not filed within 30 days of assignment.
Key Legal Provisions and Notarization Exemption
Ohio Revised Code section 4505.11 provides important exemptions for insurance companies. An insurance company is not required to have the application for a salvage certificate of title, any supporting power of attorney, or other appropriate documents notarized. Electronic signatures are also permitted.
The clerk of courts charges a $4 processing fee for each salvage certificate of title. The salvage title will bear the bold notice: “SALVAGE MOTOR VEHICLE – PURSUANT TO R.C. 4738.01.”
Full statutory text is available at the official Ohio Laws website: Ohio Revised Code § 4505.11.
Filing the Completed Form
Submit the completed Form BMV 3754 (and any required supporting documents such as proof of total-loss payment or the electronic title control number) to a county Clerk of Courts Title Office. Processing is typically completed at the counter. After the salvage title is issued, the insurance company may assign it to a salvage dealer or other purchaser.
Title fees are set by statute. The standard certificate of title fee is $18 statewide (some counties may charge $23 with local authorization). Salvage titles carry a $4 processing fee. Confirm exact fees with the specific county Clerk of Courts office, as minor variations can occur.
Important Notes for Insurance Companies and Claimants
- The form cannot be used by dealerships or for casual private sales (use BMV 3770 instead).
- If the insurance company allows the owner to retain the vehicle, the insurer may not pay the settlement until the owner obtains a salvage title and provides a copy to the insurer.
- False statements on the form or odometer disclosure can result in criminal penalties.
- Always use the most recent version of the form (currently 12/25). Older versions may be rejected.
Where to Get Help?
For official forms and general guidance, visit the Ohio BMV website: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
For title-specific questions, contact your local county Clerk of Courts Title Office or the BMV Title Support line at (614) 752-7671 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
Download the current official form here: Ohio Form BMV 3754 PDF.