What you need to do to change a vehicle title

Changing a vehicle title means updating the ownership record with your state's motor vehicle department — usually called the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or Department of Transportation depending on where you live. The process itself is straightforward: you fill out a form, provide documents that prove your ownership and identity, pay a fee, and submit everything to your state agency. The title is then reissued in the new name or with updated information.

The exact steps and documents you'll need depend on why you're changing the title. Adding a spouse's name, removing someone after a divorce, transferring ownership to a family member, or correcting a misspelled name each follow slightly different paths. Your state's DMV website will have the specific form and checklist for your situation, but the general timeline is two to four weeks from submission to receiving your new title in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit a title change request to your state's motor vehicle department, not to your lender or insurance company.
  • The form you need depends on your reason for changing the title — adding an owner, removing an owner, or correcting information — so check your state DMV website first.
  • You will need your current title, a government-issued ID, proof of residency, and usually a notarized signature or notarized form, depending on your state.
  • The fee ranges from $10 to $50 in most states, and the new title arrives by mail in two to four weeks.
  • If your title is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate or corrected title using a separate form before making other changes.

Common reasons to change a vehicle title

The most frequent reason people change a title is marriage or divorce. When you marry, you may want to add your spouse's name to the title so you both own the vehicle equally. When you divorce, you typically need to remove your ex-spouse's name if they're no longer an owner, or transfer the vehicle entirely to one person if it was jointly owned.

Other common reasons include correcting a misspelled name (yours or a co-owner's), adding a family member as a co-owner, removing a co-owner who no longer wants to own the vehicle, or transferring the title to a trust or business. Each of these changes requires the same basic documents — your current title, ID, and a form specific to the change — but the supporting paperwork differs. For example, a divorce requires a copy of your divorce decree, while adding a spouse requires a marriage certificate.

Documents you'll need to gather

Start by collecting your current vehicle title. If you've lost it, you'll need to request a duplicate title first (a separate process that takes a few weeks) before you can make other changes. You'll also need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Beyond those basics, gather documents specific to your change. If you're adding or removing an owner, you'll need that person's signature on the form, and most states require it to be notarized. If you're correcting a name, bring a document that shows the correct spelling — a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order. If you're transferring the title after a divorce, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree. Check your state DMV website for the exact checklist, because some states ask for additional items like a bill of sale or odometer reading.

How to find and complete the right form

Your state's DMV website has a forms page where you can search by what you're trying to do. Most sites let you filter by "title changes" or "ownership changes." read the form that matches your situation — for example, "process for Title with Name Change" or "Removal of Co-Owner from Title." Read the instructions carefully, because they often specify which sections you must fill out and which you can leave blank.

Fill out the form in black or blue ink, print clearly, and don't cross out mistakes — start over if you make an error. Most forms ask for your vehicle identification number (VIN), current title number, and the names and signatures of all owners. If a signature needs to be notarized, the form will say so. Some states let you notarize the form at a bank, library, or notary public's office; others require it to be done in front of a DMV employee. Check the instructions to see which applies to you.

Where to submit your paperwork

You can submit your title change request in three ways: in person at your local DMV office, by mail to your state's motor vehicle department, or online if your state offers it. In-person submission is fastest — you'll know when ready if you're missing something and can fix it on the spot. By mail typically takes longer because you won't know about missing documents until the DMV contacts you, which can delay the whole process by weeks.

Check your state DMV website for the mailing address and whether your state accepts online submissions. Some states let you upload documents and pay the fee online, then mail in the original title and notarized form. Others require everything by mail. A few states have begun accepting title changes through their online portals, but this varies widely. If you're unsure, call your local DMV office — they can tell you the fastest route for your specific change.

Fees and timeline for receiving your new title

Title change fees vary by state and by the type of change. Most states charge between $10 and $50 for a title change. Some states charge the same fee regardless of whether you're adding one owner or correcting a name; others charge different amounts. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee, and bring a check or money order if you're submitting by mail, or be prepared to pay by card if you're going in person.

After you submit, expect to wait two to four weeks for your new title to arrive by mail. During that time, you can still drive the vehicle — your current title remains valid until the new one is issued. If you need to sell or transfer the vehicle before the new title arrives, contact your DMV to ask about getting a temporary document or expedited processing. Some states offer rush processing for an additional fee if you need the title sooner.

What to do if your title is lost or damaged

If your title is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you'll need to request a duplicate or corrected title before you can make any other changes. This is a separate process from a title change. Look for a form called "process for Duplicate Title" or "process for Corrected Title" on your state DMV website. You'll need your ID, proof of ownership (such as registration or insurance documents), and the fee, which is usually $10 to $25.

Once you receive the duplicate title, you can then proceed with any other changes you need to make — adding an owner, correcting a name, or removing someone. Some states let you request both the duplicate and the change on the same form, so check the instructions carefully. If you're unsure whether you need a duplicate or a change, call your DMV and describe your situation; they can tell you which form to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notify my lender or insurance company when I change the title?

If you have a loan on the vehicle, your lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder, and you cannot remove it until the loan is paid off. However, you can add or remove owners without notifying the lender. You should notify your insurance company of any ownership changes so your policy stays current and covers the right people.

Can I change the title if the vehicle has a lien on it?

Yes, you can add or remove owners even if a lender holds a lien. The lender's name stays on the title until the loan is paid off. However, some states require the lender's written permission before you can add a co-owner. Contact your lender to ask before you submit your request.

What if the other owner won't sign the form?

If a co-owner refuses to sign, you cannot remove their name from the title without a court order. If you're going through a divorce, your divorce decree may grant you sole ownership, which you can use instead of the co-owner's signature. Otherwise, you'll need to pursue a legal remedy through the courts.

How long does it take to get the new title if I submit in person?

If you submit in person and everything is correct, the DMV will process your request on the spot. However, you won't receive the physical title when ready — it will be mailed to you in two to four weeks. Some states offer a temporary document you can take home that day.

Can I drive the vehicle while waiting for the new title?

Yes, your current title remains valid until the new one arrives. You can continue to drive, register, and insure the vehicle normally. If you need to sell it before the new title arrives, contact your DMV about options for transferring ownership with a pending title change.