Sell Your Car Privately in Ohio
Sell your used car to a private buyer and pocket more than a dealer trade-in could get you. PrivateAuto makes it easy to sell your car on your terms and get paid.
Begin the first simple step: enter your vehicle’s VIN.
Begin the first simple step: enter your vehicle’s VIN.
Get started by entering your vehicle's plate or VIN
License plate
VIN
Step One: Gather Documents
You can’t sell your car without the proper documentation. Take time to gather it up in advance so you aren’t scrambling to find it when you need it most.
Here are the documents you need when selling a car in Ohio:
1. Certificate of title
2. Vehicle history report (optional but recommended)
3. Bill of sale (mandatory in some states, recommended in all)
4. Release of liability form
5. Odometer disclosure form
6. Valid driver's license (to verify your identity as the seller)
Here are the documents you need when selling a car in Ohio:
1. Certificate of title
2. Vehicle history report (optional but recommended)
3. Bill of sale (mandatory in some states, recommended in all)
4. Release of liability form
5. Odometer disclosure form
6. Valid driver's license (to verify your identity as the seller)
Title
Your car’s title serves as proof of ownership, and after you transfer the title to the buyer, it will prove that they are the vehicle owner.
Locate the original title before listing your car for sale. If you can’t find it, get a replacement paper title certificate ASAP.
Replacing a lost vehicle title is a straightforward process:
Once you have the replacement title in hand, listing you as the owner, you can sign it over to the buyer when selling your car, just like with any other title transfer.
Locate the original title before listing your car for sale. If you can’t find it, get a replacement paper title certificate ASAP.
Replacing a lost vehicle title is a straightforward process:
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Contact your local county clerk of courts title office.
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There is a small fee of around $15 to obtain a duplicate title.
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You'll need to provide your ID, VIN, current registration, and possibly an odometer disclosure statement with the current mileage.
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After submitting the application, the county clerk's office will mail you a new title in your name, typically within two weeks.
Once you have the replacement title in hand, listing you as the owner, you can sign it over to the buyer when selling your car, just like with any other title transfer.
Vehicle History Report
A vehicle history report covers ownership history and service records and demonstrates how well you’ve cared for your car. While it’s not mandatory, it gives potential buyers peace of mind and helps you justify your ask price.
We provide a vehicle history report for all premium listings when you sell your car on PrivateAuto.
Here’s why a vehicle history report is a good idea:
1. Demonstrates you have nothing to hide: Providing a report shows transparency and proactively addresses any concerns about the vehicle's history.
2. Builds trust and credibility as a seller: A detailed report proves you're forthcoming about the car's background.
3. Verifies maintenance and repairs: A history report lists service records, oil changes, major repairs, and other work.
4. Justifies your asking price: Documentation of maintenance and improvements support pricing.
5. Highlights that the car was well cared for: Regular servicing and repairs indicate responsible ownership.
6. Eases buyer concerns about accidents or damage: The report documents any collisions or insurance claims.
7. Provides legal protection: A thorough history provides proof if questions arise after purchase.
8. Makes your car stand out: Providing a report shows your willingness to go the extra mile as a seller.
We provide a vehicle history report for all premium listings when you sell your car on PrivateAuto.
Here’s why a vehicle history report is a good idea:
1. Demonstrates you have nothing to hide: Providing a report shows transparency and proactively addresses any concerns about the vehicle's history.
2. Builds trust and credibility as a seller: A detailed report proves you're forthcoming about the car's background.
3. Verifies maintenance and repairs: A history report lists service records, oil changes, major repairs, and other work.
4. Justifies your asking price: Documentation of maintenance and improvements support pricing.
5. Highlights that the car was well cared for: Regular servicing and repairs indicate responsible ownership.
6. Eases buyer concerns about accidents or damage: The report documents any collisions or insurance claims.
7. Provides legal protection: A thorough history provides proof if questions arise after purchase.
8. Makes your car stand out: Providing a report shows your willingness to go the extra mile as a seller.
Bill of Sale
While Ohio does not require a bill of sale, having one is a smart idea. It protects you in case the buyer ever wants to contest the sale. It records the vehicle identification number, selling price, vehicle mileage, and other key details—and it has the buyer’s signature.
PrivateAuto provides a digital bill of sale in our app. You and the buyer simply review the details, then digitally sign the bill of sale after the buyer inspects the car. No printing or scanning; just sign electronically in the PrivateAuto app.
PrivateAuto provides a digital bill of sale in our app. You and the buyer simply review the details, then digitally sign the bill of sale after the buyer inspects the car. No printing or scanning; just sign electronically in the PrivateAuto app.
Release of Liability Form
File a release of liability form when selling privately. This notifies Ohio that you no longer own the vehicle. It protects you from legal and financial liability for the car after the transfer. It releases you from responsibility if the vehicle is damaged or involved in an accident after you close the sale.
You can find this form on the Ohio BMV website.
You can find this form on the Ohio BMV website.
Odometer Disclosure Form
Per the federal Truth in Mileage Act, private sellers must reveal in writing the exact mileage of the car at the moment of transfer of ownership.
Never round up or estimate when filling out this document; if the buyer suspects odometer fraud, they can use this document as evidence. Both you and the buyer will need to sign this at the time of sale.
Never round up or estimate when filling out this document; if the buyer suspects odometer fraud, they can use this document as evidence. Both you and the buyer will need to sign this at the time of sale.
Step Two: Set Your Asking Price
Determine your car's fair market value (FMV) using Kelly Blue Book or another valuation tool. Then decide your asking price:
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If your car is in good condition, a sought after model year, or you’ve put effort into presentation, you can try pricing it above FMV.
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FMV is the most common route to take for a balance between sale speed and profit.
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If you’re in a hurry to sell, or your car has some issues, below FMV is the way to go.
Step Three: Make Your Car Look Good
Private buyers are willing to pay more for a car that looks and smells good. The most obvious way to spruce up the appearance of your used car is to get it detailed.
You can erase shallow scratches with an artist brush and a small vial of matching body paint, which you can purchase fairly cheaply at most auto shops. You can also pop out small dents and dings with inexpensive at-home repair kits.
Read the instructions or watch an instructional video before you attempt to use these tools, as incorrect use can make matters worse.
Last but not least, don’t forget the air freshener. Scent marketing is a very real thing, and studies show that the “new car smell” increases vehicle sales.
You can erase shallow scratches with an artist brush and a small vial of matching body paint, which you can purchase fairly cheaply at most auto shops. You can also pop out small dents and dings with inexpensive at-home repair kits.
Read the instructions or watch an instructional video before you attempt to use these tools, as incorrect use can make matters worse.
Last but not least, don’t forget the air freshener. Scent marketing is a very real thing, and studies show that the “new car smell” increases vehicle sales.
Step Four: List Your Car
It's time to list your car for sale. You’ll need to choose a platform.
You want one that fits the following criteria:
In other words, you want a fully transactional online marketplace that gives you end-to-end tools to get the deal done.
List your car on PrivateAuto today and experience the future of private car sales!
Get started with PrivateAuto.
You want one that fits the following criteria:
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Self-serve technology that gives you convenience and security
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An intuitive dealflow that takes you through every step of the process
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In-app messaging and scheduling that keeps your personal information private
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An integrated payment gateway that lets you receive large sums of money instantly and fee-free
In other words, you want a fully transactional online marketplace that gives you end-to-end tools to get the deal done.
List your car on PrivateAuto today and experience the future of private car sales!
Get started with PrivateAuto.
Step Five: Choose a Buyer
When you've set a competitive price for your car and promoted it online, you'll likely attract interested buyers. Given the rise of vehicle scams and clever fraudsters, you should distinguish between genuine prospects and potential scammers. Here's how you can effectively screen potential buyers:
1. Pre-qualify financially: Consider asking for proof of funds (like a bank statement with sensitive information redacted). Be wary of buyers who immediately offer to pay more than your asking price.
2. Verify their identity and location: Request a phone call instead of just texting or emailing. Scammers often avoid direct communication. Be cautious of out-of-state buyers, especially for lower-priced vehicles. Consider using a reverse phone lookup to verify their identity.
3. Watch for red flags: Be skeptical of buyers who refuse to meet in person or want to rush the sale. Be cautious of overly elaborate stories or excuses for why they can't meet or pay normally. Avoid buyers who offer to overpay or ask you to wire money to a third party.
4. Use secure communication and payment methods: Stick to secure platforms for communication and avoid sharing too much personal information.
5. Trust your gut: If something feels off about a potential buyer, it probably is. Don't be afraid to politely decline if you're uncomfortable.
PrivateAuto offers powerful tools to screen and interact with prospective buyers:
These features work together to create a secure environment for your transaction. With PrivateAuto, you can navigate the screening process efficiently and confidently, setting the stage for a successful sale.
1. Pre-qualify financially: Consider asking for proof of funds (like a bank statement with sensitive information redacted). Be wary of buyers who immediately offer to pay more than your asking price.
2. Verify their identity and location: Request a phone call instead of just texting or emailing. Scammers often avoid direct communication. Be cautious of out-of-state buyers, especially for lower-priced vehicles. Consider using a reverse phone lookup to verify their identity.
3. Watch for red flags: Be skeptical of buyers who refuse to meet in person or want to rush the sale. Be cautious of overly elaborate stories or excuses for why they can't meet or pay normally. Avoid buyers who offer to overpay or ask you to wire money to a third party.
4. Use secure communication and payment methods: Stick to secure platforms for communication and avoid sharing too much personal information.
5. Trust your gut: If something feels off about a potential buyer, it probably is. Don't be afraid to politely decline if you're uncomfortable.
PrivateAuto offers powerful tools to screen and interact with prospective buyers:
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In-app offers: Buyers can make offers directly through the app, allowing you to quickly gauge their interest and budget.
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Identity verification: Both parties undergo a thorough identity check, preventing the use of aliases common among scammers.
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Secure messaging: Communicate with buyers without revealing personal contact information.
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Offer management: Easily reject lowball offers, make counteroffers, or accept offers that meet your expectations.
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Verified buyers option: Choose to deal only with verified buyers for added security.
These features work together to create a secure environment for your transaction. With PrivateAuto, you can navigate the screening process efficiently and confidently, setting the stage for a successful sale.
Step Six: Meet For The Test Drive
Once you've found a potential buyer, it's time to arrange the test drive.
1. Choose a safe, public location for the meeting.
2. Plan the test drive route in advance, incorporating various driving conditions.
3. Verify the potential buyer's driver's license and insurance.
4. Always accompany the buyer during the test drive.
5. Be prepared to answer questions about the vehicle's history and features.
6. Allow the buyer to test all vehicle functions for transparency.
7. Follow up after the test drive to address any additional questions.
PrivateAuto offers features that streamline the test drive arrangement and improve safety:
By using PrivateAuto, you can focus on showcasing your vehicle while the app handles scheduling logistics and helps protect your privacy. Even if you encounter an untrustworthy user, your personal information remains secure within the platform.
1. Choose a safe, public location for the meeting.
2. Plan the test drive route in advance, incorporating various driving conditions.
3. Verify the potential buyer's driver's license and insurance.
4. Always accompany the buyer during the test drive.
5. Be prepared to answer questions about the vehicle's history and features.
6. Allow the buyer to test all vehicle functions for transparency.
7. Follow up after the test drive to address any additional questions.
PrivateAuto offers features that streamline the test drive arrangement and improve safety:
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Built-in scheduler: Set your available times and preferred locations when listing your car. Buyers can select from these options with a single click.
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Instant confirmations: Receive automatic notifications with meeting details once a buyer chooses a time slot.
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Secure messaging: Communicate with buyers before and after the test drive without sharing personal contact information.
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User verification: PrivateAuto verifies user identities, adding an extra layer of security to your interactions.
By using PrivateAuto, you can focus on showcasing your vehicle while the app handles scheduling logistics and helps protect your privacy. Even if you encounter an untrustworthy user, your personal information remains secure within the platform.
Step Seven: Sign Over the Title and Get Paid
You're in the home stretch of selling your car. With the deal agreed upon and the paperwork prepared, it's time to transfer ownership and complete the payment.
Here's how to sign over the title:
1. Locate the title transfer section on your vehicle title, typically on the back of the document.
2. Fill out the seller's section:
3. Have the buyer complete their section of the title:
Now it’s time to get paid for your car. Depending on what you and the buyer agreed upon, this can be a quick or lengthy process. Payment also requires one party to trust the other a little bit more, since either they hand you the money before the title is transferred, or you sign over the title before they pay you.
Here’s why traditional payment methods are less than ideal:
PrivateAuto Pay is our built-in banking integration that enables instant, secure, and fee-free funds transfers up to $1M. It’s a dream come true for any seller.
Here's how to sign over the title:
1. Locate the title transfer section on your vehicle title, typically on the back of the document.
2. Fill out the seller's section:
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Enter the sale price and date of sale
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Sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the title
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Provide your current address
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They should enter their full name and address
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The buyer must sign and date the title
Now it’s time to get paid for your car. Depending on what you and the buyer agreed upon, this can be a quick or lengthy process. Payment also requires one party to trust the other a little bit more, since either they hand you the money before the title is transferred, or you sign over the title before they pay you.
Here’s why traditional payment methods are less than ideal:
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Cash: inconvenient and risky. It could get lost, the buyer could take the title and refuse to pay, or it could include fraudulent bills.
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Check: inconvenient and slow. They can also bounce, leaving you with nothing.
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Bank transfer: inconvenient, slow, and includes fees.
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Peer-to-peer payment apps such as Venmo or Paypal: transaction limits, sometimes fees (inconvenient)
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Escrow service: very slow, includes fees, requires both parties to invest more time.
PrivateAuto Pay is our built-in banking integration that enables instant, secure, and fee-free funds transfers up to $1M. It’s a dream come true for any seller.
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Your PrivateAuto Pay account is a bank account that you own, accessed via your PrivateAuto profile.
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Easily move money between your PrivateAuto Pay account and your external bank account via a balance transfer.
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Receive up to $1 million instantly from the seller into your PrivateAuto Pay account.
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Instant payments arrive any time of day, every day of the year.
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No exchange of contact information or banking info.
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Encrypted info protects your data from hackers.
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Conclude the entire transaction when you meet the buyer for a test drive.
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Sell a car to a remote buyer and forgo costly and inconvenient escrow services.
Step Eight: Finalize the Sale
Before you celebrate your sale, there are a final tasks that will protect you from future liability and ensure a clean break from your old vehicle:
1. Remove your license plates before handing over the car. In Ohio, this is a requirement. You can either keep them for your next vehicle or turn them in to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Removing your plates means that you won't receive tickets or violations for a vehicle you no longer own.
2. Go online to the BMV website and submit the release of liability form. This officially notifies the state that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.
3. Contact your insurance company to either cancel your policy or transfer your insurance to another vehicle.
By completing these steps, you protect yourself from future liability and unnecessary expenses, properly concluding the sale process.
1. Remove your license plates before handing over the car. In Ohio, this is a requirement. You can either keep them for your next vehicle or turn them in to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Removing your plates means that you won't receive tickets or violations for a vehicle you no longer own.
2. Go online to the BMV website and submit the release of liability form. This officially notifies the state that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.
3. Contact your insurance company to either cancel your policy or transfer your insurance to another vehicle.
By completing these steps, you protect yourself from future liability and unnecessary expenses, properly concluding the sale process.
Would You Like to Sell Your Car on PrivateAuto?
It's easy. Here’s how the our selling process works:
1. Create an account on PrivateAuto.
2. List your car with our easy, step-by-step guided process.
3. Set your pricing and terms and screen would-be buyers.
4. Vet incoming offers and choose a buyer.
5. Meet the buyer for a test drive.
6. You and the buyer e-sign documents from your PrivateAuto mobile app.
7. Get paid instantly.
Ready to sell your car in Ohio?
1. Create an account on PrivateAuto.
2. List your car with our easy, step-by-step guided process.
3. Set your pricing and terms and screen would-be buyers.
4. Vet incoming offers and choose a buyer.
5. Meet the buyer for a test drive.
6. You and the buyer e-sign documents from your PrivateAuto mobile app.
7. Get paid instantly.
Ready to sell your car in Ohio?
FAQ on Selling a Car in Ohio
Do both parties have to be present to transfer a car title in Ohio?
The seller doesn't have to be present when the buyer is transferring the title at their local county clerk's office.