We all know the drill: you accept a trade-in vehicle and want to turn it around to sell, but now you’re waiting on lien payoffs, title release and all the extra requirements that accompany the entire trade-in process. This could take weeks or, at times, even months.

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To learn more about how Accelerated Title™ redefines how dealerships manage trade-in and title release and what it can bring to your dealership, reach out to your Account Executive, visit our website or schedule a demo using the link below.

If your title clerks are still notarizing documents unnecessarily, it’s time to update your process — HB 567 changed the game. You could be saving your title clerks a lot of time and hassle.

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What changed?

Effective April 6, 2023, Ohio House Bill 567 introduced significant changes to the notary requirements for motor vehicle transactions. Most notably, the bill eliminates the need for notarization on certain title-related documents when a licensed motor vehicle dealer (that’s you) is involved in the transaction — either as the buyer or the seller.

This streamlining effort means that documents such as powers of attorney and title assignments no longer require a notary seal when executed by or on behalf of a licensed dealer. The goal is to reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency in the titling process. As a dealer, ensure your staff is trained on the updated procedures and confirm that their document workflows reflect these changes to remain compliant and avoid unnecessary delays.

The Ohio BMV amended the following forms to reflect this change:

• BMV 3722 – Affidavit for Titling Mini-Truck, Utility Vehicle, and Under-Speed Vehicle
• BMV 3724 – Odometer Disclosure Statement
• BMV 3751 – Minor Consent Form
• BMV 3754 – Ownership Assignment and Title Application for Insurance Companies
• BMV 3771 – Power of Attorney for Certificate of Title
• BMV 3772 – Application for Dealer Assignment (Notary section removed entirely)
• BMV 3774 – Application for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle
• BMV 4202 – Unclaimed Motor Vehicle Affidavit
• BMV 4205 – Unclaimed Motor Vehicle Affidavit for Tows
• BMV 4209 – Unclaimed Salvage Motor Vehicle Affidavit

The BMV 3772 has been amended to delete the notary acknowledgement in its entirety. The remainder of the forms, which are also used by the public, will be amended to include the following statement: “A motor vehicle dealer licensed under section 4517 of the R.C., who is the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle, is not required to have this document notarized under section 4505.063 of the R.C.”

Please keep the following in mind:

• Clerks of Court may continue to accept older versions of these forms with or without notarization when submitted by a licensed motor vehicle dealer.
• Licensed motor vehicle dealers are not required to notarize the back of the certificate of title or MCO. There is no plan at present to make changes to the Ohio Certificate of Title.
• The Ohio Department of Taxation is also updating its tax exemption forms. The STEC-NR and STEC-MV will no longer require notarization.
• Casual sales or other transfers where a dealer is not a buyer or seller will still be required to have the title transfer documents notarized.
  
  • For example, if you have to obtain a duplicate title for a customer, include both the title application and supporting documents (POA BMV 3771 or 3772)

Out-of-state considerations

While Ohio has removed the notary requirement, not all states or jurisdictions may be aware of this change. The title and supporting documents still include a space for notarization, which can cause confusion.

If you send an Ohio resale title to auction, or collect supporting documents for a non-resident (NR) Ohio title, it may still be beneficial to notarize those documents to avoid delays or rejections from other states that have not yet updated their processes or are unaware of HB 567.