Title, Registration & Plates

I just purchased a vehicle from Snyder Auto Group. How do I handle the title, registration, and license plates?After you purchase your new vehicle from Snyder Auto Group it is the customers responsibility to properly register and permanently plate the vehicle.  This process can be confusing for first time buyers and even seasoned buyers.  We hope the questions and answers below provide you with some clarity regarding vehicle title, registration, and plates in the State of Ohio.

What is a certificate of title?The certificate of title is a legal document that shows proof of ownership for a vehicle.  In order to register your new vehicle and get license plates you will need to provide 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?The certificate of title will be issued when a car is free and clear of all liens against the vehicle.  The certificate of title can be used to transfer ownership of a vehicle.  If you have taken out a loan to purchase a vehicle, there is now a lien against the vehicle.  If this is the case, a memorandum title will be issued.  A memorandum title is essentially a temporary title and is issued only for the purpose of getting your license plate.  A memorandum title is issued through the county title office usually within 10-14 days.  In most all cases the dealership will take care of this for you and will notify you once we have received the memorandum title.

What happens when I pay my loan off?Once you have satisfied the loan with your lender you will receive a lien release or an electronic title.  You can take the lien release documentation to your local title office to get an original certificate of title. Note that the county title office is different from BMV.

What if I Paid Cash or Have No Loan?If you paid cash or have no lien on the new vehicle, the dealership will be able to switch your name onto a new certificate of title for you.  A new title in your name should be available within 24 - 48 hours from time 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 now go to the BMV to register the vehicle and either get new plates or transfer your old plates over to the new vehicle.  We suggest contacting the BMV or visiting their website to confirm any additional required documentation.

Is my vehicle legal to drive at the time of purchase?In order to legally drive your new vehicle off the lot at Snyder Auto Group you need a temporary tag.  This can be satisfied by the dealership issuing an Ohio temporary tag, or use of your trade-in plates/tags.  If you are using old plates from your trade-in vehicle the registration must be current.  Whichever is the case, the temporary tags will be valid for 45 days.  You must register and permanently plate your new vehicle before the 45 day temporary tags expire.   If you did not trade in a vehicle with active plates a new temporary tag will be issued by the dealership.