Ohio · Titles & temporary tags

Ohio Duplicate Title & Temporary Tag Guide

A quick operational guide for Ohio dealers managing duplicate titles and 45‑day temporary tags for retail buyers.

Duplicate / replacement title workflow

Use this checklist when a customer reports a lost title or when you’re cleaning up paperwork before a sale:

Duplicate and replacement titles in Ohio are requested using form BMV 3774, Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle.
The applicant identifies that the request is for a duplicate title and certifies the original title is lost, stolen, or destroyed.
All registered owners listed on the record must sign, and any existing lienholder must be reflected correctly on the new title.
Dealers commonly help the buyer complete BMV 3774 and submit it to the appropriate County Clerk of Courts Title Office with the required fee.
If the vehicle is being titled into a dealership’s name first, ensure the dealer reassignment chain and odometer disclosure are complete before asking for a duplicate.

Temporary tags / permits

Use this when the buyer needs to drive on a temporary plate or permit while you finish title and registration work:

Ohio allows 45‑day temporary tags that must be obtained before a new Ohio title is issued in the buyer’s name.
Once an Ohio title has been established, permanent plates must be purchased; the 45‑day temp tag is meant to bridge the gap between purchase and full registration.
Dealers should confirm that the buyer has proper insurance and ID before issuing a temp tag and should keep copies of all supporting documents.
The expiration of the 45‑day tag is tied to the date of issuance, so staff should calculate the correct end date and print it on the tag and registration slip.
Buyers should be instructed to complete any required inspection and registration steps well before the 45‑day tag expires.

Official references & forms