Ohio: notifying the DMV after you sell

Ohio requires you to remove your plates when the car changes hands. Filing anything else is optional.

At a glance

• Required? Plate removal is required. A sale filing is optional.
• Deadline: Remove your plates when the car changes hands (before pickup)
• Form: Optional: registration cancellation (Form BMV 4311)
• Where to file: Ohio BMV

What to do

1. Remove your plates before pickup. Ohio requires this.
2. If you want, cancel your registration with Form BMV 4311.
3. Keep a signed Bill of Sale and a photocopy of the signed title.

Your license plates

• Remove your plates before pickup. They're yours, not the car's.
• Transfer them to another vehicle.

Keep for your records

• A photocopy of the signed title
• Your signed Bill of Sale
• Your BMV 4311 confirmation, if you filed one

Official source

Ohio BMV: Titles

← Back to all states · Related: After the sale: insurance, registration and plates

DMV rules change. Last reviewed October 2026. Check the Ohio BMV site for the latest requirements.