Buying and Maintaining the Car 

Getting a Title for the Car

Obtaining a Car Title and License Plates

There are two ways to obtain license plates for a new or used car you have just purchased:
 

1. Transfer current year registration from the car you no longer own  or
2. Purchase a new set of plates.

Certificate of Title

If you bought your car somewhere other than Ohio:

1. The seller of the car must give you the car title which has been signed in front of a notary. A notary can be found at any license bureau.

2. Bring your car and title to a license bureau for inspection. They will check the car for the mileage number and serial number. This will cost very little.

3. Bring the inspection papers and out-of-state title to the title office of the county in which you live. You will then receive an Ohio state title.

4. Go to a local license bureau, and buy your license plates. You will need to show your title and driver's license in order to get license plates.

If you bought your car in Ohio:
 

1. Again, the seller must have the title signed in front of a notary, which you can find at any license bureau.

2. You have 30 days from the date that your title was notarized to register your car at the title office. Failure to do this will cost you $5.

3. Bring the signed and notarized title to the title office and get the title typed in your name.

4. Go to the license bureau and buy your plates. You will need your title and driver's license for this. (The cost of the title will be a 6% or 6-1/2% sales tax on the price of your car.) License plates and registration cost for a full year is approximately $38. Be sure to know when your plates will no longer be valid, and remember to renew your automobile registration at the specified time.
 

Third Party Temporary Tags

If you are unable to pay for the sales tax for your car title, or you want to drive your car now but have to wait for the title to be issued, or if you do not have the license plates to transfer, you can obtain a temporary tag for $3.50.

How to Renew Your Plates

Go to an area license bureau. Bring both your title certificate and your previous year's registration card. If your title has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you must obtain a duplicate from your county clerk before you will be able to register and obtain new plates or stickers.

You must obtain a duplicate title from the county clerk of courts.  

Bring enough cash to pay the fees. The fee will vary depending on the city in which you live; however, an estimated cost would be $36.

Transfer of Plates

When you change vehicles, you may, in most circumstances, transfer license plates from the old to the new vehicle. In all transfers, both the old and the new vehicles must be titled in the name of the same owner. Transfer of plates may be made only on vehicles in the same class passenger car to passenger car, motorcycle to motorcycle, truck to truck, trailer to trailer etc.,

Estimated Expenses of Owning a Car

Frequently students underestimate the actual cost of car ownership. An individual should expect the average cost to be over $2000 a year. When compared to an estimated annual bus fare of less than $400, car ownership is expensive. Before one decides to purchase a car, careful consideration should be given to expenses. If you intend to keep the car for more than two years, do not buy an old car with high mileage. In addition, costly, routine, maintenance charges exits. Your vehicle will need oil changes, tires, and unexpected repairs. The outline below provides a realistic guide for expected yearly automobile expenditures.
You cannot buy a "dependable" car for less than $2000. Buyer Beware! Costly, unexpected maintenance or repair work may be required on used cars, which frequently causes major problems for the student owner. Car ownership is a responsibility! You can save money and headaches when you learn to use the bus, and rent a car for those special weekend vacation trips.

Mandatory Automobile Insurance:

Ohio law requires every car owner to have liability insurance and financial responsibility insurance. Car owners may drive a car legally in Ohio after both types of insurances are purchased. Driving without this insurance coverage is a serious offense involving a large fine and possible jail sentence. To find out more information on policy rates, look in the yellow pages of the telephone book under "Insurance" or follow these links to Progressive, Prudential, Allstate, Safeauto, Farmers Insurance Services.

Cost of Car Ownership

Driving Offenses and Accidents

Driving Offenses

Another unwelcomed cost associated with driving a car occurs when a student disobeys or is unaware of the driving laws. When a driver is stopped by a police officer and receives a ticket for a driving offense, the driver is frequently required to appear in court. The driver must pay a minimum $30 court fee plus the fine for the offense. Warning: If a student disobeys the traffic laws, he or she will have to pay the consequences . The consequences may include expensive fines, loss of license, or possible jail sentence. Follow all driving laws, don't drive without your license and insurance coverage and never ever drink alcohol and drive!

What to do in Case of an Accident

In case of an accident, try to remain calm. Do not leave the scene. It is suggested that you keep a copy of this form with your insurance information and car registration. Immediately contact the police and your insurance company. You may need to file a traffic accident report within two days and the report form is available at the police station.