How To Transfer Property Ownership in Hamilton County Ohio (2026)

Transfer Property Ownership in Hamilton County Ohio (2026) involves a legally defined process that every buyer and seller must understand. Property transfers require filing deeds with the Hamilton County Auditor to update ownership records and pay conveyance fees, typically $3.00 per $1,000 of the sale price plus $0.50 per parcel. The process includes DTE forms, fee calculations, possible exemptions, and official recording with the County Recorder under Ohio Revised Code.

Step-by-Step Process to Transfer Property

Step 1: Prepare the Deed (Legal Document)

The deed is the legal document showing the transfer of property from the grantor to the grantee. It must:

• Include the legal names of all parties
• Provide a complete property description
• Be notarized and signed by the grantor

Common deed types:

• Warranty Deed: Guarantees a clear title to the new owner
• Quitclaim Deed: Transfers any ownership interest without guarantees

Tip: Using the correct type of deed is important to avoid future legal issues.

Step 2: Complete Transfer Forms for County Auditor

Before recording the deed, you must submit transfer forms to the Hamilton County Auditor:

Form	Purpose	Notes
DTE 100	Standard conveyance fee statement	Required for most sales
DTE 100 EX	Exempt transfers (gifts, inheritance, family transfers)	Check exemption rules
DTE 101 / 102	Special property statements	Optional for trusts or homesteads

Standard conveyance fee statement form

The Standard Conveyance Fee Statement Form is a required document used during property transfers to disclose the sale price and calculate applicable conveyance fees. It is filed with the County Auditor to ensure accurate tax assessment, legal compliance, and proper recording of ownership under Ohio law.

Exempt transfers (gifts, inheritance, family transfers) form

The Exempt Transfers (Gifts, Inheritance, Family Transfers) Form is used when a property transfer qualifies for a conveyance fee exemption. It documents the reason for exemption, confirms eligibility under Ohio law, and allows the County Auditor to update ownership records without applying standard transfer taxes.

Special property statements form

The Special Property Statements Form is required for unique or non-standard property transfers. It provides additional details about the transaction, ownership conditions, or valuation factors, helping the County Auditor accurately assess the transfer, verify compliance, and properly record the property under Ohio conveyance regulations.

Required Information:

• Grantor and grantee names
• Property address and parcel number
• Sale price or reason for transfer
• Mailing address for tax purposes

The auditor reviews these forms to ensure the transfer complies with county records and fees.

Step 3: Pay Transfer Fees

Hamilton County requires transfer fees based on the property value:

Fee Type	Amount
Conveyance Fee (Calculate Your Fee)	Around $3 per $1,000 of sale price
Per Parcel Fee	Around $0.50 per parcel
Recorder Recording Fee	Around $34 minimum for first 2 pages, $8 per additional page

Optional fees may include certified copies or extra pages. Payments are usually accepted via check or cash.

Step 4: Record the Deed at Hamilton County Recorder’s Office

Recording the deed finalizes the property transfer in the public record. Steps:

1. Submit notarized deed to the Recorder’s Office
2. Pay recording fees (as above)
3. Receive a certified copy of the recorded deed for your records

Office	Address	Hours
Hamilton County Auditor – Transfer Desk	138 E. Court Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202	Mon–Fri: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Hamilton County Recorder’s Office	Same address	Mon–Fri: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

 Contact the main Auditor’s Office at (513) 946-4000

Department	Category	Phone
Recorder	R	(513) 946-4600
Reentry	R	(513) 946-4304
Risk Management	R	(513) 946-4322
River City Correctional Center	R	(513) 946-6800

Documents submitted after 3:20 PM may be processed the next business day.

Risks and Common Mistakes

• Unrecorded deeds can leave legal ownership in question
• Incorrect or incomplete forms may delay the process
• Fee miscalculations may result in rejected documents
• Skipping professional review can cause title or legal disputes
• Probate transfers may take longer without proper documentation

Hiring a title company or real estate attorney is optional but highly recommended for complex transfers.

Conclusion

Transferring property ownership in Hamilton County, Ohio is a legally regulated process designed to protect ownership rights and maintain accurate public records. By preparing the correct deed, completing required Auditor conveyance forms, paying applicable transfer and recording fees, and recording the deed with the Hamilton County Recorder’s Office, buyers and sellers ensure full compliance with Ohio law. Proper execution helps prevent title disputes, tax issues, and costly delays while securing a smooth and legally valid property transfer.

Pro Tip: Double-check forms, use certified copies, and consider professional guidance for smooth property transfer.

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