Rights of Survivorship

A title may be issued to two individuals “With Rights of Survivorship”(WROS). This is commonly used for individuals without a spouse. The signature of each party is required if both are living. If one party is deceased, the surviving party applies for the certificate of title and the title is issued in the survivor’s name showing "acquired by right of survivorship". The surviving party will need to bring the following to a Title office:

  • Original Ohio title
  • Certified copy of the deceased’s death certificate
  • A government-issued driver’s license or ID card
  • Payment for title fees

Transfer on Death

In order to designate a beneficiary* or beneficiaries to an Ohio title, you will need to:

A replacement title will then be issued with the Transfer on Death on record.

If you are a Transfer on Death beneficiary, you will need to bring the following to one of our Title offices:

*A beneficiary may be an individual, corporation, organization, trust, or other legal entity.

Surviving Spouse

A surviving spouse may transfer an unlimited number of vehicles valued up to $65,000 and one boat and one outboard motor without having to go through Probate Court.

The surviving spouse will need to bring the following to a Title office:

This transfer does not affect any liens upon the vehicle. If a lien exists, it will be carried forward.