Ohio trailer — quick answer
In Ohio, a trailer bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is required. The state form used for titled vehicles is BMV 3770. Titling and registration are handled by the Ohio BMV.
Is a trailer bill of sale required in Ohio?
Situational. For casual private sales the seller assignment (or BMV 3770 when the title space is full) must be notarized.
Seller signs the title assignment before a notary; the buyer titles at a County Clerk of Courts Title Office.
Does a Ohio trailer bill of sale need to be notarized?
Required. Ohio is a title-notary state: for private sales the seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized. Dealers are exempt.
Because Ohio requires notarization for the title transfer, do not sign the title until you are in front of a notary.
What to include on a Ohio trailer bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, and trailer type
- VIN or serial number
- Length, number of axles, and empty weight
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a trailer in Ohio
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Sign the title before a notary, as Ohio requires.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title assignment before a notary; the buyer titles at a County Clerk of Courts Title Office.
- 3Register with the Ohio BMV.
The buyer titles and registers the trailer, bringing Ownership Assignment & Title Application for Casual Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Ohio BMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Ohio Trailer Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a trailer bill of sale required in Ohio?
A bill of sale is situational in Ohio. For casual private sales the seller assignment (or BMV 3770 when the title space is full) must be notarized.
Does a Ohio trailer bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. Ohio is a title-notary state: for private sales the seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized. Dealers are exempt.
Do I need to title a trailer?
It depends on the trailer’s weight and your state. Heavier trailers usually require a title and registration; many small utility trailers only need registration. Check your state page.
What if my trailer has no VIN?
Homemade or older trailers may need a state inspection to be assigned a VIN before they can be titled. The bill of sale still documents the sale in the meantime.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.