What goes in each blank on a car title
A car title is a legal document that proves who owns a vehicle. When you buy a used car, inherit one, or receive one as a gift, you will need to fill out the title to transfer ownership to your name. The title itself is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency — some states call it the Secretary of State or Registry of Motor Vehicles).
The title form varies slightly by state, but most ask for the same basic information: the vehicle identification number (VIN), the current owner's name and signature, the new owner's name and address, the sale price or gift notation, the odometer reading, and the date of transfer. Some states print titles on a single page; others use a multi-part form. You will receive the blank title from the seller, or you can request one from your state's motor vehicle agency if the seller has lost theirs.
The most common mistake is leaving a section blank or writing in the wrong section. Each line has a specific purpose, and the motor vehicle office will reject the title if required fields are incomplete or illegible. Taking time to read the labels and fill in the correct information the first time saves you a trip back to the office.
Key Takeaways
- The seller must sign and print their name in the owner section, and you must sign and print your name in the new owner section — both signatures are required for the transfer to be valid.
- The VIN (vehicle identification number) must match exactly on both the title and the vehicle itself, usually found on the driver's side dashboard or door jamb.
- The odometer reading at the time of sale must be entered, and the seller should certify that the reading is accurate by signing an odometer statement.
- Your state's motor vehicle office will not process a title with blank required fields, crossed-out sections, or information that does not match the vehicle registration.
- After both parties sign, you typically have 10 to 30 days (depending on your state) to submit the title to the motor vehicle office to complete the transfer.
Finding and reading the title form for your state
Each state designs its own title form, so the layout and field names differ. Before you start filling anything in, read or print a blank copy of your state's title form from the motor vehicle agency website. This step prevents you from writing on the seller's copy and making it unusable.
Once you have the blank form, read through every label and section heading before you write anything. Look for sections labeled "Current Owner" or "Seller," "New Owner" or "Buyer," "Vehicle Information," and "Odometer Reading." Some states include a section for lien holders (a bank or finance company that holds a loan against the car); if the seller still owes money on the car, that lender's name will already be printed on the title, and you cannot take ownership until the lien is removed.
If you cannot find your state's form online or are unsure which version to use, contact your state's motor vehicle office by phone or visit in person. They can tell you which form to use and whether your state requires notarization or any other step before you submit it.
Filling in the vehicle information section
Start with the vehicle information section, which is usually at the top of the form. Write the VIN (vehicle identification number) exactly as it appears on the vehicle itself. The VIN is a 17-character code that identifies the specific car. You can find it on the driver's side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver's side door jamb, or on the vehicle registration document.
Write the VIN slowly and carefully, character by character. A single wrong letter or number will cause the motor vehicle office to reject the title or delay processing. If the VIN on the title does not match the VIN on the vehicle, the office will not process the transfer.
Next, fill in the vehicle description: year, make, model, body style (sedan, truck, SUV, etc.), and color. This information is usually printed on the registration or the title itself, so you can copy it directly. Some states also ask for the engine size or transmission type; use the vehicle's registration or owner's manual if you are unsure.
Enter the odometer reading — the number of miles shown on the vehicle's odometer at the time of sale. The seller should provide this number, and they will need to sign a statement certifying that the reading is accurate. Federal law requires this step to prevent odometer fraud. Write the exact number you see on the odometer, not an estimate.
Filling in the owner and new owner sections
The seller (current owner) must fill in their section of the title. They should print their full legal name exactly as it appears on their driver's license, and then sign their name below. If the car is owned by two people, both must sign. Some states require the seller to print their address as well.
You (the new owner) fill in your section with your full legal name, printed clearly and matching your driver's license. Write your current address, including street, city, state, and ZIP code. Then sign your name below your printed name. Use the same signature you use on legal documents — it does not have to match your printed name exactly, but it should be recognizable as your signature.
If you are buying the car with another person and both names will be on the title, both of you must sign the new owner section. Check your state's rules about how multiple owners are listed — some states use "and" (meaning both owners must agree to sell), while others use "or" (meaning either owner can sell without the other's permission).
Entering the sale price and date
Write the sale price or the actual amount paid for the vehicle. If the car was a gift, write "gift" or "$0" depending on what your state's form instructs. Some states use the sale price to calculate sales tax, so accuracy matters. If you and the seller agreed on a price but the seller is asking you to write a lower amount to reduce taxes, do not do this — it is tax fraud and can result in penalties for both of you.
Write the date of the sale or transfer in the format your state's form shows (usually MM/DD/YYYY). This is the date you and the seller agreed on the transfer, not the date you submit the title to the motor vehicle office. The seller should fill in this date, or you can agree on it together.
Getting signatures and submitting the title
Before either of you signs, review the entire form together to make sure all information is correct. The seller should verify their name, address, and signature section. You should verify your name, address, and signature section. Check that the VIN, vehicle description, and odometer reading are all accurate.
The seller signs first, then you sign. Some states require signatures to be notarized — a notary public witnesses the signatures and stamps the form. If your state requires notarization, the seller and you must both go to a notary together, or you must arrange separate notarizations. Notaries are available at banks, UPS stores, and some government offices; there is usually a small fee (typically $5 to $15).
After both parties have signed (and the form is notarized if required), you submit the title to your state's motor vehicle office. You can usually mail it, submit it in person, or submit it online through your state's website. Include any required documents, such as a bill of sale or proof of insurance. Your state's motor vehicle office will send you a new title in your name within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on processing time.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not use pencil — use black or blue pen only. Pencil can fade or be erased, and the motor vehicle office will reject a penciled title. Do not cross out mistakes and initial them; instead, request a new blank title and start over. A title with strikeouts or corrections may be rejected, even if you initial the changes.
Do not leave any required field blank. If a field does not explore to your situation (for example, if there is no lien on the car), write "N/A" or "none" rather than leaving it empty. Do not assume the motor vehicle office will figure out what you meant.
Do not sign before all other information is filled in. Once you sign, you are certifying that the information is accurate. If you sign a blank title or a title with incomplete information, you may be held liable if something is wrong.
Do not submit the title without keeping a copy for your records. Make a photocopy or take a photo of the completed, signed title before you mail it or submit it to the motor vehicle office. You will need proof of submission if there are any questions later.
What happens after you submit the title
After you submit the completed title to your state's motor vehicle office, the office will process the transfer and issue a new title in your name. Processing times vary by state — some take 1 to 2 weeks, while others take 4 to 6 weeks. You can usually check the status of your title online through your state's motor vehicle website.
While you are waiting for the new title, you can still register and insure the vehicle. Most insurance companies will accept a copy of the signed title or a bill of sale as proof of ownership. When the new title arrives, store it in a safe place — you will need it if you sell the car, explore for a loan against it, or renew your registration.
If you do not receive your new title within the expected timeframe, contact your state's motor vehicle office. Bring a copy of your submitted title and any confirmation number or receipt you received. They can tell you whether the title is still processing or if there was a problem that needs to be corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the seller will not sign the title?
The seller must sign the title for the transfer to be legal. If the seller refuses, you do not have legal ownership of the vehicle. Contact the seller and explain that you cannot register or insure the car without their signature. If the seller is unresponsive or uncooperative, you may need to consult a lawyer about your options, including whether you can recover your money.
Can I fill out the title before I pick up the car?
No. You should not fill in the odometer reading until you actually see the vehicle's odometer, and you should not sign until you have inspected the car and confirmed it matches the description on the title. Fill out the title in person with the seller, after you have agreed on the final price and condition of the vehicle.
What if the seller's name on the title does not match their driver's license?
The seller must sign using the name that appears on the title, not their current legal name. If the name on the title is outdated (for example, due to marriage or a legal name change), the seller should contact the motor vehicle office and update their title before selling the car. This prevents confusion and delays when you submit the title.
Do I need a bill of sale if I have a signed title?
A signed title is usually sufficient, but some states require or recommend a bill of sale as well. A bill of sale is a separate document that records the sale price, date, and both parties' names and signatures. Check your state's motor vehicle office website or call to ask whether a bill of sale is required. If it is, you and the seller can create a straightforward one using a template from your state's website.
What if I bought the car from a private seller and they lost the title?
The seller can request a duplicate or replacement title from the motor vehicle office. They will need to provide proof of ownership (such as a registration or insurance document) and pay a fee, usually $10 to $30. Once they receive the replacement title, they can sign it over to you. If the seller is unwilling or unable to get a replacement title, contact your state's motor vehicle office to ask about alternative procedures for transferring ownership.