How duplicate titles and temporary tags work in Ohio.
Dealer-focused reference for Ohio duplicate title requirements, temporary tag rules, and title submission deadlines. Administered by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Always confirm current fees and forms at the official state site linked below.
Duplicate title: $15Temp tag: 45 daysDealer title deadline: 30 days
County title office (county clerk of courts) or BMV deputy registrar
Turnaround
Same-day at county office
Notarization required
No
Temp tag duration
45 days
Dealer title deadline
30 days after sale
Temporary tags / permits
Ohio temporary tag rules
Temporary tags in Ohio are valid for 45 days from the date of issue.
Transit plates valid 45 days; dealer in-transit permits available
Dealers in Ohio must submit title paperwork within 30 days of the date of sale.
Stacking temporary tags — issuing a second consecutive temp tag to extend a vehicle's operation beyond the initial permit period without resolving the underlying title — is prohibited.
Dealer playbook
Keep a title-pending log sorted by temp tag expiration date. Review it every Monday.
Flag any vehicle where the title has not been applied for within half of the allowed deadline (Ohio's window is 30 days).
Never issue a second temp tag as a workaround for an unresolved title problem — this is prohibited and auditable.
If you receive trade-ins with no title in hand, start the duplicate process immediately rather than waiting for retail sale.
Ohio state quirk
Ohio issues titles through the county clerk of courts office — not the BMV directly. Dealers with title problems should contact their county clerk. Same-day service is standard.