Ohio: titling an imported car

Ohio titles imports through county Clerk of Courts offices and lists exact customs, HS-7 and VIN-inspection paperwork.

Sources checked 2026-10-17. Not legal advice; rules change.

At a glance

• Import ease (where verified): Process documented; 25-year treatment not stated in the sources read. Documents listed; 25-year treatment not stated.
• Kei / mini-truck: No kei or mini-truck rule found in the sources read. No kei or mini-truck rule found in the official pages read.

What the official sources say

1. A county Clerk of Courts Title Office issues a title for an imported vehicle only on proof the vehicle complies with federal motor vehicle safety requirements; Ohio titles are issued by Clerk of Courts offices, not the BMV.
   Source: Ohio BMV: Title Processes
2. Needed: bill of sale; foreign title or registration; CBP Form 7501 stamped and signed verifying EPA 3520-1 or 3520-21 and DOT HS-7 were viewed and approved; the HS-7; an out-of-state VIN inspection (deputy registrar, participating clerk office or dealership); accredited English translations on institution letterhead; and title fees and sales tax.
   Source: Ohio BMV: Title Processes
3. If HS-7 box 3 is checked, a copy of the NHTSA bond release letter must generally be presented; evidence of timely certification to NHTSA (within 120 days of entry) may be used if NHTSA did not respond within 30 days.
   Source: Ohio BMV: Title Processes

Not verified (do not rely on ImportClock for these)

• Ohio's page does not say how a 25+ year old, FMVSS-exempt car (HS-7 box 1) is handled; ask a county Clerk of Courts Title Office.
• Ohio E-Check coverage (limited counties) and fee amounts were not verified.
• Kei-vehicle policy was not verified.

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