What is an Ohio Bill of Sale?
The motor vehicle bill of sale is a legal document between two parties that validates the transfer of ownership from the seller to the purchaser.When buying a car from a dealership or a private seller, a bill of sale is an important document to obtain. The bill of sale is considered proof of ownership in the event that a title is not preset; however, it cannot take the place of a Certificate of Title. It is also necessary in many states to present a bill of sale to register the car in the new owner’s name and to transfer the title.
Generic DMV bill of sale templates are available, or the document can be created as long as it outlines the information regarding the transaction. Various states require a bill of sale to be issued, and some have specifications on the type of information that should be included.
Is a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Necessary for OH?
The state of Ohio requires purchasers to obtain a motor vehicle bill of sale in order to validate the ownership transfer, as well as to calculate the amount of sales tax owed on the vehicle. Once the bill of sale has been signed and notarized, the legal document can be taken to the County Clerk of Courts office to obtain a title for the vehicle.
As a purchaser or a seller, information that should appear on the DMV bill of sale includes:
- The name and address of the seller and the purchaser
- Amount paid to the seller
- Accurate odometer reading
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Make, model, year, series number, body type
- Date of sale
- Seller and purchaser signatures