Sign the back of the title in the section marked for the seller
The signature line for the seller is always on the back of the title document, in a section labeled "Seller's Signature" or "Assignment of Title." This is where you authorize the transfer of ownership to the buyer. The exact location varies slightly by state — some titles have the seller signature at the top of the back, others in the middle — but it will be clearly marked with a line and the word "Seller" or "Signature of Seller."
You must sign in black or blue ink. Some states require your signature to be notarized, meaning a notary public must witness you signing and then add their own stamp and signature. Check your state's requirements before you meet the buyer, because if notarization is required and you sign without a notary present, the buyer cannot register the vehicle and you will have to sign again.
Do not sign the title until you and the buyer have agreed on the sale price and the buyer is ready to take possession of the vehicle. Once you sign, you are legally transferring ownership, and if the buyer later refuses to pay or the deal falls through, you may have difficulty proving you still own the car.
Key Takeaways
- The seller signature line is on the back of the title document, clearly marked as "Seller's Signature" or "Assignment of Title."
- Use black or blue ink and sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the title.
- Some states require a notary public to witness your signature; check your state's rules before signing.
- Sign only when the buyer is present and ready to complete the transaction, because your signature transfers legal ownership.
- The buyer will then sign their own section on the back, and both of you must submit the signed title to your state's motor vehicle department.
Print your name and date the signature line
After you sign, print your full name on the line next to your signature. Many titles have a separate "Print Name" line; if yours does not, write your name legibly below your signature. Then write the date you signed in the date field, which is usually to the right of the signature line.
Use the exact name that appears on the front of the title. If your name on the title is "Robert James Smith" but you normally go by "Bob Smith," sign as "Robert James Smith." Mismatched names between the front and back of the title can delay or block the buyer's registration.
Understand what happens if the title has multiple owners
If two or more people own the vehicle, the title will show all owners' names on the front. Every owner listed must sign the back of the title. Some titles say "and" between names (meaning all owners must sign), while others say "or" (meaning any one owner can sign). Look at the front of your title to see which applies.
If you cannot locate a co-owner to sign, or if a co-owner refuses to sign, you cannot legally sell the vehicle without a court order. This is a common problem in divorces or when a co-owner has moved away. Your state's motor vehicle department can tell you whether you have options, such as filing a petition to remove a co-owner's name.
Know whether your state requires notarization
Roughly half of U.S. states require the seller's signature to be notarized before the title is valid for transfer. The other half do not. If your state requires notarization and you sign without a notary, the buyer will not be able to register the vehicle in their name, and you will have to sign again in front of a notary.
You can find out whether your state requires notarization by calling your state's motor vehicle department or checking their website. Many dealerships and banks offer notary services for free or a small fee. Some title companies and UPS stores also have notaries on staff. Schedule the notarization for the same day as the sale if possible, so the buyer can submit the title when ready.
When you meet the notary, bring your photo ID and the unsigned title. The notary will watch you sign, verify your identity, and then add their stamp and signature. This process takes about five minutes.
Handle the odometer disclosure section if required
Most states require the seller to certify the vehicle's mileage on the title. This section is usually on the back, near the seller's signature line, and is labeled "Odometer Reading" or "Mileage Disclosure." Write the current mileage shown on the vehicle's odometer at the time of sale.
If the odometer is broken or you cannot read it, write "Exempt" in this field. Some states allow you to write "Not Actual Mileage" if you believe the odometer does not reflect the true mileage, but this is rare and may require documentation. Check your state's rules if this applies to your vehicle.
Provide the buyer with the signed title and any required documents
After you sign the title, give the original signed document to the buyer. Do not keep a copy for yourself — the buyer needs the original to register the vehicle. If you want a record, take a photo of the signed title before you hand it over.
In addition to the title, the buyer will need a bill of sale (a document showing the sale price and date), your vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Some states require these documents; others do not, but providing them protects both you and the buyer. You can create a bill of sale using a template from your state's motor vehicle department website, or you can write one by hand with the vehicle's year, make, model, VIN, sale price, date, and both signatures.
The buyer is responsible for submitting the signed title to your state's motor vehicle department within a set timeframe, usually 10 to 30 days. Once the buyer registers the vehicle in their name, you are no longer the legal owner and have no further responsibility for the vehicle.
Avoid common mistakes when signing
Do not cross out or white-out any information on the title. If you make a mistake, ask your state's motor vehicle department for a corrected title before you sell. Titles with corrections or alterations may be rejected during registration.
Do not sign the title in pencil or with a pen other than black or blue ink. Pencil can be erased, and unusual ink colors may not scan or copy clearly at the motor vehicle department.
Do not sign the buyer's section of the title. The buyer must sign their own section after you sign yours. If you sign both sections, the title is invalid and the buyer cannot register the vehicle.
Do not sign a blank title or a title with incomplete information. Make sure the vehicle's VIN, year, make, and model are all correct on the front of the title before you sign the back. If any information is wrong, contact your state's motor vehicle department for a corrected title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lost my title or it is damaged?
Contact your state's motor vehicle department and request a duplicate or replacement title. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $5 and $25. You cannot sell the vehicle without a title, so order a replacement as soon as you know you will be selling.
Can I sign the title before I meet the buyer?
No. Sign only when the buyer is present and ready to take possession. If you sign early and the deal falls through, you may have difficulty proving you still own the vehicle. The buyer could also claim ownership even if they never paid you.
What if the buyer does not submit the title to the motor vehicle department?
Once you sign the title, you are no longer the legal owner. If the buyer does not register the vehicle and later commits a traffic violation or crime with it, you may be held liable. Before you sign, confirm the buyer has a plan to register the vehicle promptly.
Do I need to sign the title if I am selling to a dealership?
Yes. Dealerships follow the same process as private buyers. Sign the back of the title in front of the dealership representative, and they will handle submitting it to the motor vehicle department. Dealerships usually handle notarization if your state requires it.
What if my signature does not match the one on my ID?
Sign the title the same way you signed your ID or driver's license. If your signatures look very different, the notary or motor vehicle department may question whether you are the legal owner. Consistency matters more than perfection.