Driving Resources

Car Ownership

Getting a Title for a Car

Obtaining a Car Title and License Plates

There are two ways to obtain license plates for a new or used car you have purchased:

1. Transfer current year registration from the car you no longer own or
2. Purchase a new set of plates

Certificate of Title

If you bought your car somewhere other than Ohio:

1. The seller of the car must give you the car title which has been signed in front of a notary. A notary can be found at any license bureau.
2. Take your car and title to a license bureau for inspection. They will check the car for the mileage number and serial number. This will cost very little.
3. Take the inspection papers and out-of-state title to the title office of the county in which you live. You will then receive an Ohio state title.
4. Go to a local license bureau and buy your license plates. You will need to show your title and driver's license in order to get license plates.

If you bought your car in Ohio:

1. Again, the seller must have the title signed in front of a notary (see above).
2. You have 30 days from the date that your title was notarized to register your car at the title office. Failure to do this will cost you a fine.
3. Take the signed and notarized title to the title office and get the title typed in your name.
4. Go to the license bureau and buy your plates. You will need your title and driver's license for this. The cost of the title will be the percent sales tax on the price of your car. License plates and registration cost for a full year is approximately $50. Be sure to know when your plates will no longer be valid. Remember to renew your automobile registration at the specified time.

Third Party Temporary Tags

If you are unable to pay for the sales tax for your car title, or you want to drive your car now but have to wait for the title to be issued, or if you do not have the license plates to transfer, you can obtain a temporary tag.

How to Renew Your Plates

Go to an area license bureau. Take both your title certificate and your previous year's registration card. If your title has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you must obtain a duplicate from your county clerk before you will be able to register and obtain new plates or stickers.

Transfer of Plates

When you change vehicles you may, in most circumstances, transfer license plates from the old to the new vehicle. In all transfers, both the old and the new vehicles must be titled in the name of the same owner. Transfer of plates may be made only on vehicles in the same class passenger car to passenger car, motorcycle to motorcycle, truck to truck, trailer to trailer, etc.

Estimated Expenses of Owning a Car

Frequently students underestimate the actual cost of car ownership. An individual should expect the average cost to be more than $3,000 a year. Before one decides to purchase a car, careful consideration should be given to expenses. If you intend to keep the car for more than two years, do not buy an old car with high mileage. In addition, costly routine, maintenance charges exist. Your vehicle will need oil changes, tires, and unexpected repairs.

You cannot buy a "dependable" car for less than $2,000. Buyer beware! Costly, unexpected maintenance or repair work may be required on used cars which frequently can cause major problems for the student owner. Car ownership is a responsibility.

Mandatory Automobile Insurance

Ohio law requires every car owner to have liability insurance and financial responsibility insurance. Car owners may drive a car legally in Ohio after both types of insurances are purchased. Driving without this insurance coverage is a serious offense involving a large fine and possible jail sentence. To find out more information on policy rates, look in the yellow pages of the telephone book under "Insurance" or follow these links to Progressive,  Prudential, Allstate, SafeAuto,  Farmers Insurance Services.

Driving Offenses and Accidents

Driving Offenses

Another cost associated with driving a car occurs when a student disobeys or is unaware of the driving laws. When a driver is stopped by a police officer and receives a ticket for a driving offense, the driver is frequently required to appear in court. The driver must pay a minimum court fee plus the fine for the offense. Even if you are not required to appear in court, the court fee will still be charged to you for the processing of the ticket. WARNING: If a student disobeys the traffic laws, he or she will have to pay the consequences. The consequences may include expensive fines, loss of license, or possible jail sentence. Follow all driving laws. Don't drive without your license and insurance coverage.

What to Do in Case of an Accident

In case of an accident, try to remain calm. Do not leave the scene. Immediately contact the police and your insurance company. You may need to file a traffic accident report within two days. The report form is available at the police station.

Cost of Car Ownership