What goes in each blank on a car title
A car title is a legal document that proves who owns a vehicle. When you sell your car, you fill in specific blanks to transfer that ownership to the buyer. The exact blanks vary slightly by state, but most titles ask for the same core information: your name and address as the seller, the buyer's name and address, the sale price, the odometer reading, and your signature.
The title itself will have printed labels telling you where each piece of information goes. Some states call it a "certificate of title," others call it a "pink slip" or "title certificate." Regardless of the name, the process of filling it out is straightforward if you know what each section means and why it matters.
Before you write anything, check your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm whether your state requires the buyer to sign the title before or after you do, and whether both of you need to be present. Some states allow you to sign alone; others require the buyer's signature in front of a notary public.
Key Takeaways
- The seller section asks for your printed name, address, and signature — use the name that appears on the title document itself.
- The buyer section requires their full legal name and address exactly as they want it to appear on their new title.
- The odometer reading must match the mileage shown on your dashboard at the time of sale, and some states require you to certify that the mileage is accurate.
- Your signature must be in blue or black ink, and some states require a notary to witness both signatures or the buyer's signature alone.
- Once signed, you typically mail the title to your state's DMV along with a bill of sale, and the buyer registers it in their name within a set timeframe.
The seller information section
Print your full legal name exactly as it appears on the title document you received when you bought the car. If the title lists you as "John Michael Smith," do not write "J.M. Smith" or "John Smith." Mismatched names can delay the transfer or cause the buyer's registration to be rejected.
Next to your name, print your current mailing address. This is where the DMV will send confirmation that the title has been transferred. If you have moved since you bought the car, use your current address, not the one on the title.
Sign the title in the seller's signature line using blue or black ink. Some states require you to print your name below the signature line as well. Do not sign until you are certain the buyer's information is correct and the sale is final — once you sign, you are legally confirming the transfer.
The buyer information section
Ask the buyer for their full legal name as it appears on their driver's license. Write it exactly as shown — middle names, suffixes, and spelling all matter. If the name on the title does not match the name on their license, the DMV will reject the registration.
Record their current mailing address. This is where they will receive their new title once the DMV processes the transfer. Confirm the address with them in writing (text, email, or the bill of sale) so there is no confusion later.
If there are multiple buyers, check your state's rules about how to list them. Some states require both names on one line; others use separate sections. Your DMV website will show the correct format for your state.
Odometer reading and mileage certification
Write the current mileage shown on your car's odometer in the odometer section. This number protects the buyer by creating a record of the car's mileage at the time of sale. If the odometer reads 87,432 miles, write exactly that.
Many states require you to check a box or sign a statement certifying that the mileage is accurate and that the odometer has not been tampered with. This is a legal statement, so only check the box if you are certain the odometer is working correctly and has not been rolled back.
If your odometer is broken or does not work, some states allow you to note that on the title. Check your state's DMV instructions for how to handle a non-functioning odometer, as the process varies.
Sale price and payment method
Write the sale price in the designated blank. This is the amount the buyer is paying you for the car. Some states ask for this information on the title itself; others ask for it only on the bill of sale. Check your state's form to see which applies.
The title does not ask how you are being paid (cash, check, or transfer), so you do not need to fill that in on the document itself. However, it is wise to note the payment method on your bill of sale for your own records.
Notarization requirements by state
Some states require a notary public to witness your signature, the buyer's signature, or both. A few states require notarization only if the title has a lien on it (meaning a lender still owns part of the car). Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out whether notarization is required where you live.
If notarization is required, you and the buyer can visit a notary together, or you can each visit a notary separately depending on your state's rules. Notaries are available at banks, UPS stores, law offices, and some libraries. The fee is usually between $5 and $15 per signature.
If you sign the title without notarization when your state requires it, the DMV will reject the transfer and send the title back. This delays the buyer's registration and can create confusion about who legally owns the car during that time.
What to do after you sign
Once both you and the buyer have signed (and a notary has signed if required), make a photocopy of the completed title for your records. Keep this copy for at least three years in case questions arise about the sale.
In most states, the buyer is responsible for mailing the signed title to the DMV along with their registration paperwork and fees. However, some states allow the seller to mail it. Confirm with your buyer who will handle this step, and ask them to let you know once they have submitted it.
You are no longer the legal owner once the title is signed and submitted to the DMV, even if the buyer has not yet received their new registration. If the car is involved in an accident or traffic violation after you sign, contact the DMV to confirm the transfer was processed so you are not held responsible.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not leave any required blanks empty. An incomplete title will be rejected by the DMV, and you will have to contact the buyer to get it corrected and resubmitted. This delays their registration and can create frustration.
Do not use pencil or erasable pen. Use blue or black ink only. If you make a mistake, cross it out with a single line, write the correction above it, and initial the change. Do not use white-out or tape, as the DMV may reject the title.
Do not sign the title before the buyer's information is filled in completely and correctly. Once you sign, you are confirming the accuracy of everything on the document. If the buyer's name or address is wrong, you will both have to sign again on a corrected title.
Do not assume the buyer knows what to do next. Provide them with a copy of the completed title and written instructions on how to register the car in your state. Many buyers are unfamiliar with the process, and clear guidance prevents delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the title has two sellers listed?
Both sellers must sign the title. Check your state's rules to see whether both signatures must be on the same line or in separate sections. If one seller is unavailable, contact your DMV — some states allow one seller to sign with a power of attorney document from the other.
Can I white-out a mistake and write over it?
No. Cross out the error with a single line, write the correction above it, and initial the change with your initials and the date. The DMV needs to see what was changed and who made the change. White-out or tape may cause the DMV to reject the title.
What if I already signed the title but the buyer's address is wrong?
Contact your buyer when ready and ask them to get a corrected title from your state's DMV. You will both need to sign the new title. Do not let the buyer register the car with an incorrect address on the title, as it can cause problems later when they try to sell it.
Do I need to fill out a bill of sale if I'm filling out the title?
The title and bill of sale serve different purposes. The title transfers ownership; the bill of sale is a record of the transaction. Most states do not require a bill of sale, but creating one protects both you and the buyer by documenting the sale price, date, and condition of the car. It is a good idea even when not required.