Register & Title a Motorcycle in Ohio
This page will cover the street legal requirements and registration and title process in Ohio and provide some tips on how to register if you bought the motorcycle without a title.
Ohio Title & Inspection Requirements for Old Motorcycles
- Does Ohio have an equipment/safety inspection?
- Yes, periodic motorcycle safety inspection conducted.
- Does Ohio require VIN Inspections for motorcycles bought out of state?
- VIN verification required for out of state motorcycles.
- Does Ohio require a title for old motorcycles?
- All Ohio motorcycles are titled.
Title and Register a Motorcycle in Ohio
You’ll need to provide the following:
- Signed over title
- Bill of sale and old registration if bought in a state that doesn’t issue titles.
- Application for Certificate of Title
- VIN verification for out of state motorcycles.
- Title and registration fees.
- Sales tax.
Notarization Required on the following documents in Ohio:
- Bill of Sale
- Title
How to Register a Motorcycle with No Title in Ohio
Option 1: Bikes bought in Ohio
Before sale is complete, ask previous owner to get a duplicate title:
Option 2: Bikes from out of state
If the motorcycle was bought in a state that requires motorcycle titles:
- Have the previous owner request a duplicate title in that state.
- Find motorcycle registration and title details for all states here.
Option 3: Register in a No-Title State
Register the bike in a non-title, no residency requirement, mail-in registration application state, such as Vermont.
- Follow the registration requirements in Vermont.
- Transfer your registration to your own state.
Ohio Street Legal Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Street legal motorcycles in Ohio must have:
- Rearview mirrors.
- Handlebar height maximum 15” above seat and not above shoulder height.
- Passenger footrests when carrying passengers.
- Horn.
This information was correct at the time of writing it, but state laws are subject to change.
I am a resident of OHIO but working in Nogales Mexico. I want to buy a motorcycle in Arizona or New Mexico. I don’t know how to do this and register it in Ohio without physically going back to Ohio. Any suggestions would help. I don’t have an address in Arizona to register it to.
Best be will be to contact Ohio BMV to see what registration steps apply for out-of-state residents.