Sign the back of the title in the section marked for the seller
The title is a multi-part form, and you sign it on the back side in the area labeled "Seller" or "Transferor." This section has blank lines for your signature, printed name, and the date. You do not sign the front of the title — that space is for the buyer and the DMV.
Before you sign, check that the title is in your name and that all the vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year) matches the car you are selling. If the title has errors or is damaged, contact your state's DMV to request a corrected copy before the sale. Signing a title with wrong information creates problems for the buyer and can delay or block the transfer.
Sign in black or blue ink. Use the same name that appears as the owner on the front of the title — if you go by a nickname or shortened version of your name in daily life, sign the legal name printed on the document. The buyer's paperwork will need to match this signature.
Key Takeaways
- The seller signature section is always on the back of the title, clearly marked with lines for your signature, printed name, and date.
- You must sign the title in the same legal name that appears as the owner on the front of the document.
- Check the vehicle information on the front of the title before signing to catch errors that would delay the buyer's registration.
- Some states require the seller to sign in front of a notary public; check your state's DMV website to confirm whether notarization is required.
- Do not sign the buyer's section or any other part of the title — sign only the seller section on the back.
What happens if your name appears differently on the title
If the title shows your name in a way that does not match your current legal name — for example, a maiden name, a nickname, or a misspelling — you have two options. You can sign the title using the name printed on it, or you can request a corrected title from the DMV before the sale. A corrected title takes one to two weeks in most states.
If you sign using the name on the title and the buyer later discovers a mismatch with your driver's license or other documents, the DMV may hold up the registration transfer. It is simpler to correct the title first if you have time. If you are selling quickly and cannot wait, sign the name as it appears on the title and provide the buyer with a written explanation and a copy of your ID showing the name change or correction.
Whether you need a notary to sign the title
Notarization requirements vary by state. Some states require the seller's signature to be notarized; others do not. Check your state's DMV website or call the DMV directly to confirm the rule for your state before you meet the buyer.
If notarization is required, you will need to visit a notary public with a valid ID and the title. Notaries are available at banks, credit unions, UPS stores, and independent notary offices. The notary will watch you sign the title and then stamp and sign it themselves. This process takes about five minutes and costs between $5 and $15. Plan to do this before you hand the title to the buyer, or arrange to meet the buyer at a location where a notary is available.
Signing the title when there are multiple owners
If the title lists two or more owners, all owners must sign the seller section. Check the title to see whether it says "and" or "or" between the names. If it says "and," every owner must sign. If it says "or," any one owner can sign alone — but it is safer to have all owners present and sign together to avoid disputes later.
If one owner is unavailable or unwilling to sign, you cannot transfer the title without them. In this case, contact the DMV to learn about options for removing an owner's name or obtaining a court order. These processes take weeks and are more complicated than a straightforward sale, so resolve ownership questions before you list the car for sale.
What to do if you have already signed the title incorrectly
If you signed the title in the wrong section, signed the wrong name, or made a mistake, contact your state's DMV to request a replacement title. Do not cross out the mistake or write over it — the buyer's DMV will reject a title with alterations. A replacement title usually arrives within one to two weeks.
If you have already given the incorrect title to the buyer, contact them when ready and explain the situation. Offer to obtain a replacement title at your own cost and provide it as soon as it arrives. The buyer cannot register the car until they have a clean, correctly signed title, so this is urgent. Most buyers will wait for a corrected title rather than walk away from the sale, but the delay is your responsibility to fix.
Signing the title when the buyer is not present
You can sign the title before you meet the buyer. Many sellers sign the title at home and bring it to the sale already signed. This is legal and common. The buyer will then sign their section of the title after you hand it over.
Do not sign the buyer's section or fill in the buyer's name and address yourself. Sign only the seller section. The buyer must complete their own section with their name, address, and signature. If you fill in the buyer's information, the title becomes invalid and the buyer will have to request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign the title and then change my mind about selling?
Yes, you can change your mind even after signing. The title is not final until the buyer also signs and submits it to the DMV. If you want to cancel the sale, contact the buyer and explain that you are not proceeding. You keep the title and the car. However, if the buyer has already submitted the signed title to the DMV, the transfer may be in progress and harder to stop — contact the DMV when ready if this happens.
What if I lost the title and need to sign it?
You cannot sign a title you do not have. Contact your state's DMV and request a replacement title. Provide proof of ownership (registration, insurance, or ID) and pay the replacement fee, which is usually $10 to $30. The replacement title will arrive in one to two weeks. You can then sign it and sell the car normally.
Do I sign the title before or after the buyer gives me money?
This is your choice, but most sellers sign the title only after receiving payment. Some buyers want to see a signed title before handing over money, and some sellers want payment before signing. Discuss this with the buyer beforehand and agree on the order. Once both of you have signed and exchanged money, the sale is complete.
What if the title is a temporary or electronic title?
Some states issue temporary titles or allow electronic titles instead of paper documents. If your state uses electronic titles, you sign the transfer through the DMV website or app, not on paper. If you have a temporary title, sign it the same way you would sign a regular title — on the back in the seller section. Check your state's DMV website to confirm which type of title you have.