Vehicle Titles

Transferring Ownership of Deceased’s Vehicle

Transfer to a Surviving Spouse

Upon the death of a married resident who owned at least one automobile at the time of death, the surviving spouse may transfer an unlimited number of vehicles valued up to $65,000 and one boat and one outboard motor.

• Vehicles may not be disposed of by a will or transferred to the surviving spouse due to joint ownership With Rights of Survivorship (WROS), transferred to a Transfer On Death (TOD) beneficiary or specifically disposed of by Testamentary Disposition.
• This transfer does not affect any liens upon the vehicle. If a lien exist, it will be carried forward.

What Do I Need to Bring to the Title Office?

• Acceptable identification (please contact your County Clerk of Courts Title Office for details)
• Certified copy of the death certificate
• Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (Form BMV 3774)
• Original Ohio Certificate of Title number (if applicable)
• Clerk of Courts Surviving Spouse Affidavit (form BMV 3773) listing vehicle make, model, year, body type, and vehicle identification number (VIN) and the value of the vehicle
• Payment for title fees
• Copy of the security agreement (if applicable)

Ohio Revised Code: 1548.11 2106.18 2106.19 4505.10