What happens when you sell or buy a car
A car title is the legal document that proves who owns a vehicle. When you buy a used car, the seller must transfer their title to you. When you sell a car, you transfer your title to the buyer. The exact steps and paperwork depend on your state — there is no single national process.
Most states require the title transfer to happen within a set number of days after the sale (often 10 to 30 days). If you do not complete the transfer, the previous owner may remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, or accidents involving the vehicle. The buyer cannot legally register the car in their name without a transferred title.
Key Takeaways
- The seller signs the title document in the spaces marked for transfer, and the buyer signs as the new owner — both signatures are required for the transfer to be valid.
- You must submit the signed title, a bill of sale, and proof of identification to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency, either in person or by mail.
- Most states charge a title transfer fee (typically $15 to $75) and may require an odometer reading or vehicle inspection before the transfer is processed.
- The new owner cannot register the vehicle or get a license plate until the title transfer is complete and they receive the new title in their name.
- If the title is lost, the previous owner can request a duplicate from the DMV before the sale, which takes one to two weeks in most states.
What documents you need to transfer a title
The seller must provide the original title document with their signature in the transfer section. Most titles have a box or line labeled "Signature of Seller" or "Seller's Signature" — this is where the seller signs. Some states require the seller to print their name as well. The buyer signs in a corresponding box labeled "Signature of Buyer" or "New Owner."
You will also need a bill of sale, which is a written record of the transaction. This document lists the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the names and addresses of both the seller and buyer. Some states provide a specific bill of sale form; others accept any written record that includes these details. A few states do not require a bill of sale if the title itself contains all the necessary information.
Both the seller and buyer must provide a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). The buyer will also need proof of insurance before they can register the vehicle in most states. Some states require an odometer reading on the title or a separate form, especially for vehicles under a certain age.
Where to submit the title transfer
You submit the signed title and supporting documents to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency. The name and location of this office varies by state — it may be called the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Division of Motor Vehicles, or Department of Transportation. You can find the correct office by searching "[your state] DMV title transfer" or visiting your state's official government website.
Most states allow you to submit documents by mail, in person at a local DMV office, or through an online portal. Mailing typically takes one to three weeks for processing. In-person submission is usually faster — many offices process transfers the same day or within a few business days. Some states now allow you to start the transfer online and then mail in the original title, which can speed up the process.
If you use a third party to handle the transfer (such as a car dealer, title company, or notary), that person or business will submit the documents on your behalf. However, you are still responsible for ensuring the transfer is completed on time.
Fees and timeline for title transfer
Title transfer fees range from $15 to $75 depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on the vehicle's age or value. A few states charge different fees for in-person versus mail submission. You can find your state's exact fee by contacting the DMV or checking the state government website.
Processing time varies widely. In-person submission at a DMV office typically results in a new title within one to five business days. Mail submission usually takes two to four weeks, though some states take longer during busy periods. A few states now offer expedited processing for an additional fee (usually $10 to $25), which can reduce the timeline to three to five business days.
The buyer should not register the vehicle or obtain license plates until they receive the new title in their name. Attempting to register before the title transfer is complete will be rejected by the DMV. Once the new title arrives, the buyer can then register the vehicle and get plates.
What to do if the title is lost or damaged
If the seller has lost the title, they can request a duplicate from the DMV before the sale takes place. This process typically takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. The seller must provide proof of ownership (such as a registration document or insurance card) and a government-issued ID. Some states allow the duplicate to be ordered online; others require an in-person visit or mail submission.
If the title is damaged but still readable, most states allow you to submit it anyway. If it is severely damaged or illegible, the DMV will issue a duplicate. A few states require a notarized statement explaining how the title was damaged before they will issue a replacement.
If the buyer discovers after the purchase that the seller never transferred the title, the buyer can contact the DMV to report the issue. The DMV can then contact the seller and require them to complete the transfer. However, this process can take weeks or months. It is best to verify that the title has been transferred before paying for the vehicle.
Title transfers for vehicles with liens
If the car is financed through a loan or lease, the lender or leasing company holds a lien on the title. This means the lender's name appears on the title document. The lender must release the lien before the title can be transferred to a new owner.
The seller must pay off the loan or end the lease before the sale. Once the loan is paid in full, the lender will send a lien release document to the seller. The seller then submits both the title and the lien release to the DMV. The new title will show no lien and will be issued in the buyer's name only.
If the sale price is less than the amount owed on the loan, this is called being "upside down" on the vehicle. In this case, the seller must pay the difference out of pocket before the lender will release the lien. Some buyers and sellers work with a title company to handle this transaction, though this adds a fee (typically $100 to $300).
Common mistakes that delay title transfer
The most common error is incomplete or missing signatures. Both the seller and buyer must sign the title in the correct boxes. If either signature is missing or in the wrong location, the DMV will reject the submission and return it to you. This can add one to two weeks to the process.
Another frequent mistake is submitting a photocopy of the title instead of the original. Most states require the original title document, not a copy. Some states accept certified copies from the DMV, but a photocopy made at home will be rejected.
Mismatched information is also common — for example, if the name on the title does not match the name on the seller's ID, or if the VIN on the title does not match the VIN on the vehicle. The DMV will catch these discrepancies and request clarification, which delays processing.
Waiting too long to submit the transfer is another issue. If you miss your state's important date (typically 10 to 30 days after the sale), you may face late fees or be required to provide additional documentation explaining the delay. In some states, the previous owner can be held liable for violations during the gap, which can create legal complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the buyer and seller sign the title at different times?
Yes. The seller can sign first, and the buyer can sign later. However, both signatures must be on the same title document before it is submitted to the DMV. Some states allow the buyer to sign in front of a notary if the seller is not available, though this is less common. Check your state's rules to see if this option is available.
What if I bought a car from a private seller and they never signed the title?
Contact the seller when ready and ask them to sign the title. If they refuse or cannot be reached, contact your state's DMV — they can sometimes help you locate the seller or provide guidance on how to proceed. In some cases, you may need to file a complaint with the DMV or seek legal information.
Do I need a notary to transfer a title?
Most states do not require a notary for a standard title transfer between a private buyer and seller. However, some states require notarization if the seller is not present to sign in person, or if the title is being transferred as part of an estate or inheritance. Check your state's requirements before submitting.
How long does it take to get the new title after I submit the paperwork?
Processing time ranges from one to four weeks depending on how you submit (in person versus mail) and how busy your state's DMV is. In-person submission is usually faster. You can contact the DMV to check the status of your transfer if it has been longer than the stated processing time.
Can I drive the car before the title transfer is complete?
You can drive the car with a bill of sale and proof of insurance, but you cannot legally register it or get permanent license plates until the title transfer is complete and you receive the new title in your name. Driving without registration can result in a traffic citation.