I just purchased a vehicle from Snyder Auto Group. How do I handle the title, registration, and license plates?

After you purchase your vehicle from Snyder Auto Group, it is the customer's responsibility to properly register and permanently plate the vehicle. The process can be confusing for first-time buyers and seasoned buyers alike. The questions and answers below explain how vehicle title, registration, and license plates work in the state of Ohio.

What is a certificate of title?

A certificate of title is the legal document that shows proof of ownership for a vehicle. To register your new vehicle and get license plates, you will need to provide either the certificate of title or a memorandum title at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

What is the difference between a certificate of title and a memorandum title?

A certificate of title is issued when a vehicle is free and clear of all liens, and it can be used to transfer ownership. If you took out a loan to purchase the vehicle, there is a lien against it, and a memorandum title is issued instead. A memorandum title is essentially a temporary title issued for the sole purpose of getting your license plates. It comes through the county title office, usually within 10 to 14 days. In most cases, the dealership handles this for you and will notify you once the memorandum title has been received.

What happens when I pay off my loan?

Once you have satisfied the loan with your lender, you will receive a lien release or an electronic title. Take the lien release documentation to your local county title office to get an original certificate of title. Keep in mind that the county title office is a separate office from the BMV.

What if I paid cash or have no loan?

If you paid cash or there is no lien on the vehicle, the dealership can put your name on a new certificate of title for you. A new title in your name should be available within 24 to 48 hours of purchase, depending on the day of the week you bought the vehicle.

How do I register and plate my new vehicle?

With the certificate of title or memorandum title in hand, you can go to the BMV to register the vehicle and either get new plates or transfer your existing plates to the new vehicle. We recommend contacting the BMV or visiting their website ahead of time to confirm any additional documentation you may need.

Is my vehicle legal to drive at the time of purchase?

To legally drive your new vehicle off the lot at Snyder Auto Group, you need a temporary tag. That is satisfied either by an Ohio temporary tag issued by the dealership or by using the plates and tags from your trade-in, as long as that registration is current. If you did not trade in a vehicle with active plates, the dealership will issue a new temporary tag. Either way, the temporary tag is valid for 45 days, and you must register and permanently plate your new vehicle before it expires.