Buying a Used Car from a Private Seller in Ohio

When you purchase a used car from a private seller, there are several steps you'll need to complete. Here's everything you need to know to do a deal in Ohio.

When you buy a car from a private party, you’ll need to handle a layer of complication yourself. PrivateAuto has figured out how to make this process much easier. Read on to learn the steps you’ll need to take to buy a used car from a private seller in Ohio—and how we improve the car buying experience.

Firstly you need to find a car to buy. Based on your budget, and other factors, you should have a good idea of what you’re looking for. Now, it’s time to find it.

When it comes to finding that perfect car in your price range, here are some of your options:

a. National classifieds such as AutoTrader.
b. Local classifieds.

While these are a great place to find that snazzy Jeep Wrangler, they fall short when it comes time for the transaction. That’s why we refer to them as “meetingplaces” rather than true marketplaces.

We are the only transactional marketplace that offers self-serve technology solutions for every part of the deal. If you’d like to see how fast and simple private buying can be with PrivateAuto, shop our used cars for sale and begin the car buying process.

By the way, we don’t hate other listing sites. Sure they have more inventory than we do (we’re still young and gaining traction), but we offer the transactional security and convenience that other websites don’t.

That’s why DealNow was created—a fast-track dealflow that allows you to start a deal on another platform and finish it with our transactional infrastructure.

Get your deal started now!

You want to get the very best car for your budget. PrivateAuto empowers you to negotiate pricing, no awkward convos needed. Just offer what you’re willing to pay with our offer feature. If they accept, score! If not, no sweat—the owner can bounce back a counteroffer in a snap.

Savvy buyers want to know as much as possible about a vehicle. There are two ways to learn about a vehicle’s background.

1. Title research
2. Vehicle history report

Before you move forward with a vehicle purchase, do some preliminary research on the car title.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau website allows you to research the title of any car. You might just avoid being the next victim of some car scam.

Good title research will help you check for:

1. Reports of the car having been stolen.
2. The car has been declared a total loss in an insurance claim.
3. An outstanding lien (or lien release).

Ask the seller for their full name and the vehicle identification number (VIN). Run the title check, and have one less thing to worry about.

A vehicle history report is always a good idea when buying a used car. It covers ownership history and maintenance records and shows how well the seller cared for their car.

PrivateAuto provides a vehicle history report for all premium listings.

Here are some reasons a vehicle history report helps you have one less thing to worry about.

1. You are aware of any accidents or insurance claims.
2. You know how well the car has been cared for.
3. You can see service records, major repairs, and other work that has been done.

Unless you’re buying a car long-distance, you’re going to want to test-drive it personally. PrivateAuto lets you arrange the test drive in a safe, easy, and convenient manner that protects your personal information.

1. Our in-app scheduler allows you to pick from the time slots the seller has chosen. No awkward back-and-forth conversations. You'll also see the seller's preferred meetup location.
2. You can choose to transact with verified sellers, which helps to weed out scammers and crooks who want to conceal their identity.

You’ve test-driven the car and you’re ready to buy. It’s time to handle the documentation. Here are the key documents involved in a private-party vehicle transaction in the state of Ohio.

1. Certificate of title
2. Emissions testing
3. Bill of sale

An Ohio certificate of title will require both you and the seller to complete the following information at the time of the sale:

Ohio takes clean air seriously and requires emissions testing to make sure that your car meets state and federal emissions standards. The following counties require emissions testing:

1. Cuyahoga
2. Geauga
3. Lake
4. Lorain
5. Medina
6. Portage
7. Summit

In the counties listed above, cars are required to undergo emissions testing every two years. This includes both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, as well as hybrids and electric cars. The fee for emissions testing in Ohio is $18 for most vehicles, but some larger commercial vehicles may be subject to higher fees.

Exempted vehicles include the following:

While Ohio doesn't require a bill of sale, we recommend you always complete one with the seller. This form protects you by memorializing the terms of the sale, the VIN, the selling price, mileage, and the names and signatures of both parties. If the seller ever wants to contest the transaction or any part of it, you have their signature on a legal document with all of the terms and details to back you up.

PrivateAuto makes it easy with an official Ohio bill of sale in the mobile app. Both you and the seller review the details and then digitally sign after inspecting the vehicle. No scanning or printing is needed. It’s stored in your PrivateAuto account as a reference, should you ever need it.

There weren't any great ways to pay for a car until we arrived on the scene.


We got tired of the limitations of existing payment methods, so we created PrivateAuto Pay. Here’s how it works:

1. No exchange of contact or banking info.
2. No transfer fees.
3. Instantaneous transfers. Close the deal when you meet for the test drive.
4. Works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No coordinating around bank hours.
5. Enjoy escrow-like safeguards without the expense and hassle of an actual escrow service.

After the seller signs over the title, you’ll go to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office (BMV) to finish the title transfer process. You’ll also register the vehicle in your name, get new license plates, and pay Ohio sales tax.

Here’s what you’ll need to provide when you visit your local BMV office:


Read our complete guide to an Ohio title transfer for more info on the subject.

Traditionally, dealerships have offered more convenience, while private sales have offered better value.

Here at PrivateAuto, we’re big fans of the private seller route. Here are the advantages:

1. Get a better price by cutting out the middleman and going straight to the source. Dealers must buy low and sell high to make a profit and keep the lights on.
2. Avoid fees. Car dealers charge fees that range from $50 to over $1,000.
3. You drive the deal on your terms. PrivateAuto allows you to make offers and negotiate the best deal directly with the seller.
4. In some states, buying from a private seller means no vehicle sales tax. For example, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii charge sales taxes on retail vehicle purchases, but not private-party ones.

We believe in making private-party transactions as easy as buying a used car from a dealership. That’s what we’re all about.