Lake County Title Fee Increase Effective January 1, 2026

Lake County Title Fee Increase Effective January 1, 2026

The Lake County Board of Commissioners has adopted a resolution authorizing the certificate of title fee to increase from $18 to $23 effective January 1, 2026. 

As dealers may recall, the title fee for consumers will increase from $15 to $18 effective this January.  However, the fee may also increase from $18 to $23 if a Board of County Commissioners adopts a resolution authorizing the increase. The increase does not affect dealer-paid titles, which remain at $5.

Going forward, the Ohio BMV has asked that county clerks give thirty (30) days' notice to the BMV once the county commissioners have authorized the increase fee to $23. The notice will allow the BMV time to reprogram before the increase becomes effective.

Dealers should be aware that the increase is specific to the county where the title is issued, not where the consumer resides. For example, if the Franklin County Board of Commissioners votes to increase title fees to $23, customer titles processed through the Franklin County Clerk of Courts will cost $23. However, if a Franklin County resident is issued a title in another county that charges $18 per title, the resident will pay $18 regardless of their county of residence.

OADA will keep dealers apprised if a county increases its fee.

If you have any questions please contact Sara Bruce at sbruce@oada.com or Joe Cannon at jcannon@oada.com