FAQs (Ohio Registration & Titling Service Fee Rule — Effective March 1, 2026)
What does the Ohio rule change allow starting March 1, 2026?
Effective March 1, 2026, Ohio’s amended Motor Vehicle Dealer Vehicle Registration and Titling Service Fee Rule allows dealerships to charge customers up to $50 for certain qualifying dealer-provided registration services and/or third-party electronic titling services paid for by the dealer, when disclosed properly.
Is the $50 service fee required?
No. The service fee is optional, not mandatory. Ohio dealerships may choose whether to charge a service fee, and if they do, the fee may be any amount up to $50.
Can a dealership charge separate fees for registration and titling?
No. Dealerships may charge only one service fee per vehicle. The rule does not allow charging multiple service fees on a single transaction.
Can dealerships charge the titling service fee if they use Ohio BMV’s free electronic titling tools?
No. Dealers using Ohio BMV’s free electronic titling options (Ohio Title Gateway / ETS) may not charge the $50 titling service fee for transmitting title applications electronically.
How should the service fee be disclosed on paperwork?
If the service fee is charged, it must be disclosed in writing and separately itemized as its own line item. It should not be combined into Ohio state title or registration fees.
Ohio Electronic Titles & ELT Basics
Is Ohio an electronic title state?
Yes. Ohio supports electronic titles (e-titles) and electronic lien & title (ELT) for faster, paperless processing. Dealers can create, hold, transfer, and print when needed using approved systems. Electronic Titles in Ohio
What is an e-title in Ohio?
An e-title is a secure digital Ohio title—no paper needed until you choose to print. It speeds retail delivery, reduces errors, and simplifies lien release. Electronic Titles explainer
How do I get an electronic title in Ohio?
Dealers issue e-titles through approved software during delivery. Private parties can convert to paper later if needed. Ohio Electronic Title System
How do I transfer an electronic title to a buyer?
Initiate the transfer in your titling software, confirm buyer/seller data, liens, and taxes, then finalize. If paper is requested, you can print after the electronic transfer completes. How to Transfer Electronic Title
Ohio Title Portal vs. Title Gateway—what’s the difference?
The Ohio Title Portal is the public-facing tool for consumers; Title Gateway supports dealers and partners. Dealers should use software that aligns with Gateway workflows for speed and accuracy. Ohio Title Portal & Gateway
What is ELT (Electronic Lien & Title) and who participates?
ELT lets lenders and dealers manage liens digitally; participants are approved by the state. It shortens cycle times and reduces paper handling. ELT Participants & Workflow
Title, VIN & Registration Lookups
How do I do an Ohio vehicle title lookup?
Use our step-by-step guide to check title status, ownership, and related records the right way. How to Do an Ohio Title Lookup
Can I search an Ohio title by VIN?
Yes—VIN is often the most reliable starting point. Our guide covers the exact steps and where to query. VIN/Title search
Can I search an Ohio title by name?
Some information is restricted by law. Our lookup guide explains what’s accessible and the compliant way to request records. Name search considerations
How do I run an Ohio lien search?
Follow the official process to verify active liens and release status before retail delivery or trade-in. Title Lien Search Ohio
Is there a free Ohio title search?
See what to expect on modern titles (owner, VIN, brands, liens) and how e-titles change the process. Title visuals & fields
Dealer Process, Fees & Scenarios
How do Ohio dealerships process titles—from sale to memo title?
Capture accurate deal info, submit e-title, and print a memorandum title when a paper copy is needed. Dealer workflow
What is a memorandum title in Ohio?
A memorandum (memo) title reflects ownership/interest without transferring full paper title—useful for certain financing or interim needs. Memo Title primer
How do out-of-state title transfers to Ohio work?
Bring the out-of-state title, ID, and required docs; inspection may be required. EZ INTERSTATE integrates out-of-state titling. OOS Transfer steps
How much does an Ohio title cost and what about doc fees?
Title fees are set by the state; dealership doc fees are separate. Doc fee & costs
How do I replace a lost or damaged Ohio title?
Request a duplicate/replacement through the proper channel. Duplicate/Replacement
How do I look up or renew Ohio vehicle registration?
Use the official registration lookup and renewal process. Registration lookup/renewal
EZ E-Title Software, Integrations & Training
What makes EZ E-Title the best titling software for Ohio dealerships?
Ohio-first: instant memo printing, error-proof workflows, and speed. What We Do
How fast can we onboard—and what training is included?
Guided setup, live training for title clerks, and on-call support. Premier Title Training
Do you integrate with Dealertrack, CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, and others?
Yes — we minimize rekeying and errors. Ohio BMV Services + EZ E-Title
How is pricing structured?
Simple, transparent per-title pricing. Book a demo for a quick cost walk-through. Home/Demo CTAs
