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 or sell a car, transfer ownership between family members, or report a change, you fill out specific sections of the title form your state provides. The form itself varies slightly by state, but the basic sections are the same: seller information, buyer information, odometer reading, sale price, and signature lines.
Most states use a single-page form with boxes for printed information and blank lines for handwritten entries. Some states have moved to electronic titles, but the information you provide stays the same. You'll need the current title document in front of you, the vehicle's odometer reading, and identification for both the person transferring the title and the person receiving it.
The most common mistake is leaving a section blank or writing information in the wrong box. Title offices reject incomplete forms and send them back, which delays registration and can create problems if a sale has already happened. Reading the instructions on the back of the form before you start writing prevents most of these rejections.
Key Takeaways
- The seller writes their name, address, and signature in the "seller" or "transferor" section; the buyer writes the same information in the "buyer" or "transferee" section.
- The odometer reading must match the vehicle's actual mileage at the time of transfer, and some states require a separate odometer statement if the car is over a certain age.
- Sale price and date go in designated boxes, though some states do not require the price to be listed.
- Both the seller and buyer must sign and date the form in front of a notary public in most states, or the title office will reject it.
- After you complete the form, you submit it to your state's motor vehicle department along with any required fees and supporting documents.
Filling in the seller's information
The seller (the person currently listed on the title) writes their full legal name exactly as it appears on the current title document. If the name on the title is "Robert James Smith," do not write "Bob Smith" or "R.J. Smith." Mismatched names are a common reason titles are rejected. Write the seller's current mailing address in the address section, including street, city, state, and ZIP code.
If there are two names on the current title (for example, a married couple), both names must appear in the seller section, and both people must sign. Some states have a separate line for a co-owner; others require both names on the same line. Check your state's form to see which applies. If the title is held by a business or estate, the person signing must have legal authority to transfer it, and you may need to provide additional documentation like a power of attorney or court order.
Filling in the buyer's information
The buyer writes their full legal name in the buyer or transferee section. This is the name that will appear on the new title, so it must match the name on the buyer's identification document. Write the buyer's mailing address where they want the new title sent. Some states mail the title to the address listed on the form; others mail it to the address on file with the motor vehicle department, so check your state's rules.
If two people are buying the vehicle together, both names go in the buyer section. Decide beforehand whether you want the title to say "and" (both own it together) or "or" (either one can transfer it alone). This choice affects what happens if one owner wants to sell later. Most states default to "and," so if you want "or," you may need to write it in or request it specifically.
Recording the odometer reading and sale details
Write the vehicle's current mileage in the odometer section. This number must be accurate—it is a legal statement. If the odometer is broken or you cannot read it, some states allow you to write "exempt" or "unknown," but you may need to provide a separate statement explaining why. Check your state's form for the exact language to use.
The sale price goes in a designated box if your state requires it. Not all states ask for this information on the title itself; some collect it separately for tax purposes. Write the date of the sale or transfer in the date section. Use the format your state specifies—usually month/day/year. If you are transferring the title without a sale (for example, as a gift or to a family member), write the date the transfer is happening, not the date you originally bought the vehicle.
Signing and notarizing the title
Both the seller and buyer must sign the title in the designated signature lines. The signature must match the name written in each person's section—if you printed "Robert James Smith," you must sign as "Robert James Smith," not "R.J. Smith" or "Bob Smith." Print your name below or next to the signature line if the form asks for it. Write the date you signed next to your signature.
Most states require the signatures to be notarized, meaning a notary public must witness both people signing and verify their identities with a government-issued ID. Some states allow the title office to notarize it when you submit the form, but many require it to be notarized before you turn it in. Call your state's motor vehicle department or check their website to confirm whether notarization is required and whether it must happen before or after submission. A notary typically charges $5 to $15 per signature.
If the seller and buyer cannot sign in person together, some states allow the seller to sign first and the buyer to sign later, as long as both signatures are notarized. Other states require both signatures at the same time. Check your state's rules before you separate—signing out of order can invalidate the transfer.
Submitting the completed title to your state
Once the form is complete and signed, gather any additional documents your state requires. Most states ask for a bill of sale (a document showing the sale price and date), proof of insurance, and a completed registration process. Some states require an inspection report or emissions test results. Check your state's motor vehicle website for the exact list before you submit.
Submit the title form and supporting documents to your state's motor vehicle department in person, by mail, or online if your state offers it. Include the required fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $15 to $50 for a title transfer. Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records. The motor vehicle department will process the form, issue a new title in the buyer's name, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing usually takes two to four weeks by mail, or same-day if you submit in person.
Common mistakes that cause rejections
Leaving any section blank is the fastest way to get a title rejected. Even if a section seems optional, fill it in or write "N/A" if it truly does not explore. Mismatched names between the signature and the printed name section cause rejections—the title office will not assume "Bob" is short for "Robert." Writing in pen when the form requires pencil, or vice versa, can also result in rejection, though this is less common now.
Signing without a notary when your state requires it is a frequent problem. The title office will not notarize it for you; they will send it back unsigned. If you cross out a mistake and initial it, some states accept it; others require you to start over on a fresh form. When in doubt, request a new blank form and start over rather than trying to correct errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the seller's name on the title does not match their ID?
Contact your state's motor vehicle department before you submit the form. You may need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name-change order to prove the name change is legal. The title office can then issue a corrected title in the seller's current legal name before the transfer happens.
Can I fill out the title if I am buying the car but the seller is not present?
No. The seller must sign the title themselves; you cannot sign for them. If the seller is unavailable, they can sign the title in advance and have it notarized, then send it to you. You then sign it in front of a notary and submit both signatures together. Check your state's rules on whether both signatures must be notarized.
What happens if I write the wrong odometer reading?
Contact the motor vehicle department when ready if you discover the error before the new title is issued. If the title has already been issued, you may need to file an amended title or odometer statement, depending on your state. Intentionally writing a false odometer reading is fraud and can result in fines or criminal charges.
Do I need to fill out a title if I am trading in my car at a dealership?
No. The dealership handles the title transfer as part of the trade-in process. You sign a power of attorney or assignment form that allows the dealership to transfer the title on your behalf. Bring your current title and ID to the dealership, and they will manage the paperwork with the motor vehicle department.
How long does it take to get the new title after I submit the form?
Processing time varies by state. If you submit in person, some states issue a temporary title the same day and mail the permanent title within two to four weeks. If you submit by mail, expect four to six weeks. Check your state's motor vehicle website for the current processing time, as it can change during busy periods.