A 205 transfer case lets you move a title process from one DMV office to another without starting over

A 205 transfer case is a form and process that moves your title paperwork from one Department of Motor Vehicles office to a different one. You use it when you've already started an process at one DMV location but need to finish it at another — usually because you've moved, changed jobs, or found it more convenient to work with a different office. The form preserves your place in line and keeps your documents together instead of making you reapply from scratch.

The 205 is not a separate type of title. It's a procedural tool. Your actual title process stays the same; the 205 just tells the DMV to physically transfer your file and let you continue at a new location. Different states call this by different names — some use "transfer case," others use "file transfer" or "case transfer" — but the purpose is identical.

Key Takeaways

  • A 205 transfer case moves your existing title process from one DMV office to another without requiring you to reapply or lose your place in the queue.
  • You typically file a 205 form at the original DMV office, which then sends your documents to the new location you've chosen.
  • Processing time for a transfer varies by state and by how busy each office is, but usually takes one to three weeks after the original office processes your request.
  • You will need to know your case number from your original process and have a valid reason for the transfer, such as relocation or a change in where you can visit the DMV.

When you need a 205 transfer case

You file a 205 when you've already submitted documents to one DMV office but circumstances have changed and you need to work with a different one. The most common reason is moving to a new address in a different county or region. If your original process is still pending — meaning the DMV hasn't issued your title yet — you can transfer it rather than abandoning it and starting over.

Another reason to use a 205 is convenience. If you started your process at an office far from your home or workplace and later realized a closer office would be easier to visit, you can request a transfer. Some people also transfer when they discover the original office has a longer wait time or when they need to add documents that are easier to obtain near their new location.

The key requirement is that your original process must still be open — that is, the DMV hasn't yet issued your title or rejected your process. Once a title is issued, there's no case to transfer. If your process was already denied, you would need to reapply rather than transfer.

How to file a 205 transfer case

Start by contacting the DMV office where you originally filed. You'll need your case number, which appears on any paperwork the office sent you after you submitted your process. Call or visit in person and ask to file a 205 transfer case to a specific DMV location — have the name and address of the new office ready.

The original office will give you a 205 form (the exact name and number vary by state, but it's usually labeled as a transfer or case transfer form). You'll fill in your case number, your name, the original office location, and the new office location where you want your file sent. Some states let you submit this form by mail or online; others require you to submit it in person.

Once the original office processes your 205, they send your complete file — all documents, notes, and your place in the queue — to the new office. You'll then contact the new office to continue your process there. The new office will have your file and can tell you what happens next, whether that's scheduling an appointment, submitting additional documents, or waiting for processing to complete.

What happens to your documents during a transfer

Your original documents stay with your case throughout the transfer. The DMV doesn't make you resubmit paperwork you've already provided. The file moves as a complete package: your title process, proof of ownership, identification documents, any inspection reports, and all notes the original office made about your case.

This is why a 205 is faster than reapplying. You don't lose your place in the processing queue, and the new office doesn't need you to gather and submit everything again. However, the new office may ask for additional documents if something was incomplete or if their office has different requirements than the original one. Always ask the new office what they need before you visit.

Timeline for a 205 transfer

The time it takes depends on how busy each office is and how quickly they process transfers. Generally, expect the original office to process your 205 request within one to two weeks. Once they send your file to the new office, add another one to two weeks for the new office to receive and log it into their system.

After your file arrives at the new office, the timeline for completing your title depends on what stage your process was in. If you were waiting for a decision, the new office will continue from where the original office left off. If you still need to provide documents or schedule an appointment, that will add time. Contact the new office after your transfer is processed to find out your next steps and expected completion date.

Differences between a 205 and reapplying

If you don't use a 205 and instead abandon your original process to start fresh at a new office, you lose your place in line and the DMV treats it as a brand-new case. You'll have to gather all documents again, pay any applicable fees again, and wait through the full processing timeline from the beginning. A 205 avoids all of that.

The only reason to reapply instead of transfer is if your original process was rejected or if so much time has passed that the documents are no longer valid. In those cases, a transfer won't help because there's no active case to move. You'd need to start over anyway.

What to do if your transfer is delayed

If more than three weeks have passed since you filed your 205 and you haven't heard from the new office, contact the original office first to confirm they sent your file. Ask for a confirmation number or date that your transfer was processed. Then contact the new office and provide that information so they can locate your file in their system.

Keep copies of any paperwork you received when you filed the 205, including any receipt or confirmation number. If there's a problem, this documentation helps the DMV track down your case. If the new office says they never received your file, the original office may need to resend it or you may need to file another 205.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my case if I've already been rejected?

No. A 205 only works for active cases that are still being processed. If your process was denied, you would need to reapply at any DMV office, including the new one. The rejection letter will explain why you were denied and what you can do differently on a new process.

Do I have to pay a fee to file a 205?

Most states do not charge a separate fee for a 205 transfer. However, check with your specific DMV office because some states or offices may have a small processing fee. Ask when you contact the original office to file your transfer.

What if I move again after I file a 205?

You can file another 205 to move your case a second time, as long as your process is still open. Contact the office where your file currently is and request another transfer to your new location. Each transfer takes one to three weeks, so plan accordingly if you're moving frequently.

Can I file a 205 online or by mail?

It depends on your state. Some DMVs accept 205 transfers by mail or through their online portal; others require you to visit in person. Contact your original DMV office to find out which methods they accept. Having your case number ready will speed up the process.

What if the new DMV office says they need different documents than the original office?

Provide what they ask for. Different offices sometimes have slightly different requirements or may have noticed something incomplete in your file. Submitting the additional documents promptly keeps your process moving forward and is still faster than reapplying from scratch.