Non-Resident Alien Land Registration

Under R.C. 5301.254, registration is required for:

• Individuals who are not U.S. citizens and do not live in the United States (non-resident aliens).

• Businesses or entities—including corporations, partnerships, trusts, or estates—when:

• A non-resident alien who owns 10 percent or more of the interest or stock, or

• Multiple non-resident aliens who together own 40 percent or more of the interest or stock.

Download the registration form from the Ohio Secretary of State’s website and mail it to:

Ohio Secretary of State

Client Service Center

180 Civic Center Dr.

Columbus, Ohio 43215

For questions, please contact our office.

Download Non-Resident Alien Land Registration Form

Nonresident aliens must register acquisitions of:

• Real property

• Mineral rights

• Mining rights

This includes purchases, life estates, trusts, options, long-term leases (lasting 10 years or more), or other noncontingent interests.

Real property includes:

• Land and all crops, buildings, and improvements on it

• Structures and fixtures

• All rights and privileges belonging to the property (R.C. 5701.02)

Mineral rights cover any naturally occurring inorganic chemical elements or compounds, such as oil, gas, or metals. 

(O.A.C. 111:1-1-01)

Mining rights allow excavation or development of materials such as coal, gypsum, rock, or asphalt. 

(O.A.C. 111:1-1-01)

No. Registration is only required for:

• Real property over three acres or with a market value above $100,000

• Mineral or mining rights worth more than $50,000

(R.C. 5301.254(B)–(C))

You must register within 30 days of acquisition.

(R.C. 5301.254)

The cost is $5 for individuals and $25 for corporations or businesses. There is no cost for a change to existing registrations.

(R.C. 5301.254)

You must re-register within 30 days if:

• You become a U.S. citizen or resident alien, or

• You sell the registered property or rights.

Businesses must re-register if:

• Ownership or control changes so that the prior registration is inaccurate, or

• The business sells the registered property or rights.

(R.C. 5301.254(D))

If a non-resident alien acquires 10 percent or more, or multiple non-resident aliens acquire 40 percent or more of the ownership of a business holding property or rights, the business must register within 30 days.

(R.C. 5301.254(D))

Violating the Non-Resident Alien Land Registration Act can result in a fine of $5,000 or up to 25 percent of the property’s market value, whichever is greater.

(R.C. 5301.99(A))

Yes. The Secretary of State maintains and makes all registration information publicly accessible.

(R.C. 5301.254(E)(2))

The Secretary of State must report annually to the Ohio General Assembly, summarizing all registrations that have been filed.

(R.C. 5301.254(E)(3))