Ohio ATV title requirements

[LD1]

Gonna be buying a used 4-seat side by side.

Wondering what the issues or ramifications are if I leave the title in the open state, rather than transfer to my name....and subsequently pay lots of tax?

Probably gonna have this vehicle forever until it's worthless really. And if I ever gange my mind and want to sell, ok so I pay a $15 or whatever fee for not registering in 30 days. (Done that before).

I am not "tax exempt" for farm use. But that's the primary use here. Hunting, around the farm, cutting wood, etc. No trail riding on public land.

So what's the reason to bother with a title?

 

[bigtiller]

If you think you might drive it on the road to the neighbors, you need a title and liability insurance or deep pockets if something bad happens. I don't have either on my 2005 Gator and I drive it once every couple of months on the lonely gravel road picking up empty beer cans but I spend a lot of time watching my mirrors and stop to let cars go by. I never get more than 1/3 mile away from home and it is always within sight. I'm not going to register it until a cop tells me to.

 

[LD1]

Illegal in Ohio to drive it on road anyway unless activly using for farm purposes. So title/liability would be least of concerns if something happens.

Don't have liability insurance on my current atv (that is titled in my name). So not gonna get liability on this one either.

 

[2ndhalf]

If it is stolen there is nothing in "the" records tying it to you. It is gone! It is the very reason they started titling them. Also, the guy who sold it to you could say he lost the title to it and go get a new one and say you stole it.

I wouldn't do it.

If you do decide to leave it open; at the very least get the seller's signature on a bill of sale with the VIN printed on it. Ask him for that info prior to the sale and come with printed up documents for you both to sign. I do this on everything big ticket that I sell or buy.

 

[Fossil Farm]

Since it will only be used on your property, there really is no reason to title and get the registration sticker,
except in case of theft as noted above. At least get a bill of sale from the seller if it is a private sale.
If you were going to use it on public trails, then yes, you would need to title and register it. I think the
registration sticker was good for 3 years when we had ours. May be different now. Have fun !!

 

[LD1]

ITs not like I dont have the title. The ORIGINAL title is signed over by the seller, and my part filled out. THATS my proof of ownership in event of theft.

My only delima is do I either

A. Take said title to BMV, pay a few hundred in tax and associated fees just so they have it on "their" records....even though I will never "register/license" it for public land...

or

B. Just tuck title away in safe. Forget BMV and being taxed on a used piece of equipment that I am just gonna use around here for chores. Probably own for the next 20 years or more. And in the even that I ever do decide to sell it... at THAT point in time I can pull title out of safe and go to BMV....pay their additional $15 fee for waiting more than 30 days.

 

[LD1]

If it is stolen there is nothing in "the" records tying it to you. It is gone! It is the very reason they started titling them. Also, the guy who sold it to you could say he lost the title to it and go get a new one and say you stole it.

I wouldn't do it.

If you do decide to leave it open; at the very least get the seller's signature on a bill of sale with the VIN printed on it. Ask him for that info prior to the sale and come with printed up documents for you both to sign. I do this on everything big ticket that I sell or buy.

No, nothing in the "public" or "BMV" records tying it to me.

But what info is gonna be on a bill-of-sale that isnt on the "open" and notarized title now?
Vin #.....yep its on there
Selling price.....yep its on there
Date of transaction.....yep its on there
Sellers address.....yep its on there
Sellers signature....yep....

Its all on the title that is in my possession. Pretty well proves beyond doubt that this is now my machine. For a vehicle that is to be used more like a small tractor than a recreational fun-wagon.....why do I want to go donate a few hundred bucks to the BMV so they can tax a used piece of "farm" equipment? If this was a used tractor we wouldnt even be having this conversation as they dont have titles.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Just my opinion LD.

We don't have that requirement here in NC to my knowledge. We bought a Toro Workman for the Optimist Park used. Bill of sale only. I liked it so much I found one myself. Stays on the farm.

I would not register it.

 

[RandyT]

I know atv's and side by side get sold without titles being transfers all the time, but just keep in mind that in some states they are classified as vehicle and possession of an "open" title is a criminal offence punishable by possible jail time. now the chances of getting caught are slim and none, If it gets stolen and then they recover it they will contact the owner on the title, not you.

 

[2ndhalf]

I know atv's and side by side get sold without titles being transfers all the time, but just keep in mind that in some states they are classified as vehicle and possession of an "open" title is a criminal offence punishable by possible jail time. now the chances of getting caught are slim and none, If it gets stolen and then they recover it they will contact the owner on the title, not you.

I now remember why I do the bill of sale and it is actually when I sell something to someone that it is most important. If someone were to leave the title open and do something illegal with that vehicle etc.

I as the seller would want proof that I sold it. So it is more seller beware than buyer; because you are right you have the title as proof. The guy who sold it to you has no proof unless he got a bill of sale.