What goes on a title and why it matters

A vehicle title is a legal document that proves who owns a car, truck, or motorcycle. When you buy a used vehicle, receive one as a gift, or inherit one, you will need to fill out a title form to transfer ownership into your name. The title itself comes from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency — some states call it the Secretary of State or Registry of Motor Vehicles). You do not create the title; you fill out an process or transfer form that the DMV uses to issue a new title in your name.

The specific form varies by state. Some states use a single multi-purpose form; others have separate forms for purchases, gifts, and inheritances. The form asks for information about the vehicle, the previous owner, and you. Filling it out incorrectly — misspelling a name, leaving a required field blank, or signing in the wrong place — will delay the process by weeks because the DMV will reject it and send it back.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact form you need and whether it differs for purchases, gifts, or inheritances.
  • You will need the current title (signed by the previous owner), the vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of your identity and address.
  • Print the form, fill it by hand in black or blue ink, and do not cross out mistakes — request a new copy and start over instead.
  • Both you and the previous owner must sign the form in front of a notary public in most states, so plan for that step before you submit.

Gather the documents you need before you start

Do not sit down to fill out the form until you have collected everything. The most important document is the current title, signed by the previous owner. If you are buying from a private seller, they should hand you this when you pay them. If you are buying from a dealer, they will provide it. If you inherited the vehicle or received it as a gift, the process differs slightly — your state's DMV website will specify which form to use and what documents replace the sales title.

You will also need the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is a 17-character code stamped on the driver's side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the door jamb. Write it down exactly as it appears. You will need proof of your identity — a driver's license, passport, or state ID — and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states also require proof of insurance before they will issue a title.

If the previous owner is not present when you fill out the form, you will still need their signature on the title itself. Many people complete the paperwork at home and then meet the seller to have them sign. Make sure the current title is already signed by the previous owner before you begin — if it is not, you cannot proceed.

Fill in the vehicle information section

Start with the vehicle details. The form will ask for the year, make, model, and VIN. Copy the VIN exactly from the dashboard or door jamb — do not guess or abbreviate. If the VIN on the form does not match the VIN on the vehicle itself, the DMV will reject the process. Double-check it character by character.

Next, enter the vehicle's color, body type (sedan, truck, SUV, etc.), and odometer reading. The odometer reading is the number of miles shown on the dashboard at the time you take ownership. Write the exact number; do not round. Some forms ask whether the odometer is accurate or if it has rolled over (gone past 99,999 miles and started again). Answer honestly — odometer fraud is a federal crime, and the DMV cross-checks this information.

If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or finance company owns it until you pay off a loan), the current title will show the lienholder's name. Copy this information exactly as it appears on the title. Do not leave this field blank if a lien exists — the DMV will not issue a new title until the lien is satisfied or transferred.

Fill in the previous owner's information

The form will have a section for the seller's or previous owner's name, address, and signature. Copy the name exactly as it appears on the current title — if the title says "John Michael Smith" and you write "John M. Smith," the DMV may reject it. Use the address where they lived when they owned the vehicle, which is usually on the title itself.

The previous owner must sign the form in the designated signature line. In most states, this signature must be notarized — meaning a notary public must watch them sign and then stamp and sign the document themselves. Some states allow the seller to sign in front of you without a notary, but most require notarization. Check your state's DMV website to confirm. If notarization is required and the signature is not notarized, the DMV will reject the form.

If there are multiple previous owners listed on the title (for example, a married couple), all of them must sign. If one owner is deceased or unavailable, you will need to contact your state's DMV for instructions — you may need a death certificate or a power of attorney.

Fill in your information and sign

Now fill in your name, address, and contact information. Use your legal name as it appears on your driver's license or state ID. If you are buying the vehicle with another person and both of you want to be on the title, most states allow you to list both names. Check your state's rules — some require both owners to sign; others allow one signature if you specify how you want to hold the title (as joint owners, as tenants in common, etc.).

Sign the form in the designated signature line. Your signature must match the signature on your driver's license reasonably closely — it does not have to be identical, but it should be recognizably yours. Use black or blue ink only; do not use pencil or other colors. Sign in front of a notary public if your state requires it. If you are unsure whether notarization is required, call your local DMV or check their website — it is better to get it notarized and not need it than to submit an unsigned form.

If you made a mistake while filling out the form, do not cross it out or use white-out. Request a new blank form from the DMV website and start over. A form with corrections or erasures may be rejected.

Know what happens after you submit

Once you have filled out the form completely, signed it (and had it notarized if required), and gathered all supporting documents, you can submit it to your state's DMV. Most states allow you to mail the form, submit it in person at a DMV office, or upload it through their website. Check your state's DMV website for the current submission method and the mailing address if you are sending it by mail.

Include a copy of the current title, your proof of identity, and your proof of address with the form. Some states also require a bill of sale (a document showing the purchase price and date) or proof of insurance. The DMV website will list exactly what to include.

Processing time varies by state — typically two to four weeks by mail, or same-day to one week if you submit in person. You will receive a new title in the mail showing you as the owner. Until then, keep a copy of your submitted form and the receipt (if you received one) as proof that you have applied for the title. If you need to drive the vehicle before the new title arrives, some states issue a temporary registration slip that serves as proof of ownership.

Common mistakes that delay the process

The most frequent reason the DMV rejects a title form is a missing or illegible signature. Make sure both the previous owner and you have signed in the correct places. If notarization is required and the notary's stamp is missing or faded, the form will be returned.

Misspelled names are another common problem. If the previous owner's name on the form does not match the name on the current title exactly, the DMV will reject it. The same applies to your name — use the spelling on your driver's license. Do not use nicknames or shortened versions.

Leaving required fields blank will also cause rejection. If a field asks for information and you do not have it, call your state's DMV before submitting. Do not guess or leave it blank. Finally, submitting a form with the wrong VIN or an odometer reading that does not match the vehicle will trigger a rejection or investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the previous owner present when I fill out the form?

No. You can fill out the form at home and then meet the previous owner to have them sign it. However, their signature must already be on the current title before you start. If the current title is not signed, you cannot proceed — the previous owner must sign it first.

What if I do not have the current title?

Contact your state's DMV when ready. If the title was lost, stolen, or never received, you will need to request a duplicate from the previous owner or file a report with the DMV. The process varies by state, but you cannot transfer ownership without the current title or a DMV-issued replacement.

Can I fill out the form online instead of printing it?

Some states allow you to fill out the form on their website and print it, but most require a printed and signed physical copy. A few states have fully digital title systems, but these are rare. Check your state's DMV website to see if online submission is available.

What if the previous owner and I have different last names?

That is not a problem. Use each person's legal name as it appears on their ID and on the current title. The DMV does not require names to match — it only requires that the name on the form matches the name on the title.

How long does it take to receive the new title after I submit the form?

Processing time varies by state, typically two to four weeks by mail. If you submit in person at a DMV office, you may receive it the same day or within one week. Check your state's DMV website for their current processing times, as they change seasonally.