How to Buy a Car in Ohio if You’re from Pennsylvania

Introduction

Are you a Pennsylvania resident thinking of buying a car in Ohio? You're not alone—many buyers cross state lines for better prices or a wider selection. But before you drive away with a new car, there’s a crucial legal step you can’t skip: getting the vehicle title properly notarized by an Ohio Notary Public.

As a commissioned notary in Ohio, I often assist with out-of-state vehicle title transfers. Here's a complete, real-world guide to help you complete the process legally, securely, and without delays—including how to handle seller name mismatches like maiden vs. married names.

Why Buy a Car in Ohio?

Many Pennsylvania residents shop in Ohio because:

• Better pricing compared to in-state markets

• More private seller listings and dealership inventory

• Lower mileage or better vehicle condition

It can be a smart decision—but only if the paperwork is done right.

Key Legal Differences: Ohio vs. Pennsylvania

🧾 Sales Tax

• Ohio does NOT charge you sales tax at the time of purchase if you’re an out-of-state buyer.

• Instead, Pennsylvania will collect 6% (or 7%) sales tax when you register the vehicle at PennDOT.

📄 Title Transfer & Notarization

Ohio law requires that the seller sign the title in front of an Ohio notary. This is not optional—even for out-of-state buyers.

⚠️ Without an Ohio-notarized title, you cannot register the car in Pennsylvania.

Seller’s Name Must Match the Title

One of the most common issues I encounter as a notary involves name mismatches—especially when the title is in the seller’s maiden name, but their ID shows a married name.

✅ What Ohio Notaries Are Required to Verify:

• The seller’s ID must be valid, government-issued, and unexpired.

• The name on the ID must match the name on the title exactly.

• If it doesn’t match, the seller must provide legal proof of a name change.

📌 Common Scenario:

• Title shows: “Jane Doe” (maiden name)

• ID shows: “Jane Smith” (married name)

• Notary cannot proceed unless Jane brings a certified marriage certificate or court order showing the name change from Doe to Smith.

Without this proof, the notary must refuse the notarization, and the sale is stalled.

Buying a Car in Ohio as a Pennsylvania Resident: A Detailed Guide from an Ohio Notary Public

Notarization Checklist for Out-of-State Buyers

What to Bring:

• ✅ Ohio vehicle title

• ✅ Seller's valid photo ID

• ✅ Buyer’s info for title transfer

• ✅ Legal proof of name change (if applicable)

• ✅ Bill of Sale (optional but recommended)

• ✅ Lien release document (if there was a loan on the car)

📝 As your notary, I’ll verify ID, witness the seller’s signature, and notarize the title according to Ohio law.

Dealership vs. Private Sale

💼 Dealership:

• Typically handles title transfer and notarization

• Issues a 30-day temporary Ohio tag so you can drive home

• Still good practice to double-check the title for errors

👥 Private Seller:

• Must meet with an Ohio Notary

• Must bring valid ID

• Title must be notarized before leaving Ohio

🚘 Taking the Car Home

• Get a temporary tag from the dealership or Ohio BMV

• Contact your insurance provider and add the car to your policy

• Drive safely back to Pennsylvania

🏠 Registering the Car in Pennsylvania

Once back in PA, here’s what to do:

1. Complete state inspection and emissions testing

2. Bring the notarized Ohio title to PennDOT

3. Pay PA sales tax and registration fees

4. Receive your PA license plates and new title

Final Key Takeaways

• Do not leave Ohio without notarizing the title—PA will reject it.

• Seller's ID must match the title name, or they must bring legal name change documents.

• Always bring a bill of sale and confirm there’s no lien on the vehicle.

• Work with a licensed Ohio Notary Public who understands out-of-state title transfers.

Need Help? I’m Here for You.

If you're buying a car from a private seller in Ohio and need your title notarized properly—I can help. I offer flexible appointments and can guide both the buyer and seller through the process with care and accuracy.

📍 Serving buyers and sellers in Central Ohio – including Columbus, Lewis Center, Delaware, and nearby areas.

Legal Disclaimer

This blog is provided for general information purposes and is not legal or financial advice. Laws and procedures may change or vary by county and situation. Always verify requirements with the Ohio BMV or PennDOT, or consult an attorney for case-specific advice.