The basic steps for transferring a car title

A car title transfer requires you to complete a form specific to your state, sign it in front of a notary or witness (depending on your state's rules), and submit it to your state's motor vehicle department along with the signed title document itself. The exact form name and submission method vary by state — some accept mail, some require in-person visits, and some now allow online submission. The person receiving the car (the buyer or recipient) must also sign the title in most states, and both parties typically need to provide identification.

The process usually takes two to four weeks from the time the motor vehicle department receives your paperwork, though some states process faster. During this time, the title remains in your name on the state's records until the new owner's name is officially recorded. You should not drive the car during this gap if you are transferring ownership — the person receiving it should have temporary documentation or a bill of sale to show police if stopped.

The fee for a title transfer ranges from roughly $10 to $75 depending on your state, and some states charge additional fees if the title has a lien (a loan against the car) or if you are transferring to a business rather than a person. A few states also charge a sales tax on the transfer itself, calculated on the sale price you report.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete your state's title transfer form, have both the current owner and new owner sign it, and submit it to your state motor vehicle department along with the original title document.
  • Most states require signatures to be notarized or witnessed; check your state's specific rules before you sign, because signing incorrectly means starting over.
  • The new owner's name will not appear on the state's records until the motor vehicle department processes the paperwork, which typically takes two to four weeks.
  • You should obtain a bill of sale signed by both parties and keep a copy for your records, even though it is not always required by the state.
  • Some states charge sales tax on the transfer itself, and fees vary widely by state, so contact your motor vehicle department before you submit to confirm the total cost.

How to find your state's title transfer form and rules

Each state's motor vehicle department publishes its own title transfer form and instructions on its website. Search "[your state] motor vehicle department title transfer" or "[your state] DMV title transfer" to reach the official page. The form is usually available as a PDF read, and the same page will list whether your state requires notarization, what identification both parties need to bring, and whether you can submit by mail or must visit in person.

Some states have different forms depending on whether the car has a lien (an outstanding loan), whether it is being transferred between family members, or whether it is being transferred to a business. Read the instructions carefully to identify which form applies to your situation. If the instructions are unclear, call your state motor vehicle department directly — most have a phone line for title questions, and staff can confirm which form you need and whether notarization is required in your state.

A few states now allow online title transfers through their motor vehicle department website, though this option is still limited to certain types of transfers (usually between private parties without a lien). Check whether your state offers this option on its motor vehicle department homepage.

What information and documents you need to gather

Before you begin filling out the form, collect the original title document, a valid photo ID for both the current owner and the new owner, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the car's registration or dashboard. You will also need the current odometer reading, which you can find by looking at the instrument cluster in the car.

If the car has a lien (an outstanding loan), you will need the name and address of the lienholder — usually a bank or credit union — which appears on the title document itself. Some states require the lienholder to sign the title as well, or to provide a separate document releasing the lien. Contact your lender before you start the transfer process to ask what paperwork they need to provide.

Prepare a bill of sale, even if your state does not require it. A bill of sale is a straightforward document signed by both parties that records the sale price, the date, the VIN, and the names and addresses of both the seller and buyer. This document protects both of you if a dispute arises later about who owned the car on a particular date. Many state motor vehicle department websites provide a bill of sale template you can read and print.

Notarization and witness requirements by state

About half of U.S. states require the title to be notarized — meaning a notary public must watch both parties sign and verify their identities. The other half allow a witness to sign instead, or do not require either. Your state's title transfer instructions will specify which applies. Do not sign the title until you know your state's requirement, because signing in the wrong way means the motor vehicle department will reject it and you will have to start over with a new title document.

If your state requires notarization, you can visit a bank, credit union, attorney's office, or a dedicated notary service. Most charge $5 to $15 per signature. Bring both parties' photo IDs and the unsigned title document. The notary will watch you both sign and will add their seal and signature to the document. If your state allows a witness instead, any adult who is not related to either party can serve as the witness — they straightforward watch you sign and add their own signature and printed name to the title.

Some states allow the title to be signed without notarization or a witness, but this is less common. Even in these states, having a notary or witness sign is a good idea for your own protection, because it creates a clear record of when and how the transfer occurred.

Submitting the title transfer to your motor vehicle department

Once both parties have signed the title (and it has been notarized or witnessed if your state requires it), submit the original title document and the completed transfer form to your state motor vehicle department. Most states accept mail submissions; send the documents to the address listed in the transfer instructions, usually via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. A few states require at least one party to appear in person at a motor vehicle office, so check your state's rules before you mail anything.

Include a check or money order for the transfer fee, made out to your state motor vehicle department. Do not send cash. If you are unsure of the exact fee, call the motor vehicle department or check its website — fees vary by state and sometimes by the type of transfer. Some states also accept credit card or debit card payments if you submit online.

Keep a copy of everything you submit — the form, the bill of sale, and any cover letter you include. The motor vehicle department will send you a confirmation or a new title document in the mail once the transfer is processed. This usually takes two to four weeks, though some states are faster. If you do not hear back within six weeks, call the motor vehicle department to confirm the paperwork was received.

What happens if the title has a lien

If the car has an outstanding loan, the lender's name appears on the title as the lienholder. The title cannot be transferred to a new owner until the lien is paid off or the lienholder releases it. In most cases, the seller pays off the loan using the sale proceeds, and the lender then provides a document releasing the lien. This release document must be submitted along with the title transfer form.

If the sale price is less than the amount owed on the loan, the seller is responsible for paying the difference before the lender will release the lien. In this situation, the transfer cannot proceed until the loan is paid in full. Discuss this with your lender before you agree to sell the car.

Some lenders allow the buyer to assume the loan, meaning the buyer takes over the payments and the lender transfers the lien to the new owner's name. This is less common but possible with some auto loans. Ask your lender whether assumption is an option in your case.

Common mistakes that delay or reject title transfers

The most frequent reason a title transfer is rejected is that the signature was not notarized or witnessed when the state required it, or was notarized when the state did not allow it. Always confirm your state's exact requirement before anyone signs. The second most common mistake is submitting a title that has already been signed by only one party — both the seller and the buyer must sign for the transfer to be valid.

Incomplete or illegible information also causes rejections. Fill in all required fields on the form, use black or blue ink (not pencil), and write clearly. If you make a mistake, start over with a new form and title document rather than crossing out or using white-out. Some states will reject a title with any alterations.

Submitting the wrong form for your situation — for example, using a form for transfers with a lien when the car has no lien — will also cause a rejection. Read the instructions carefully to confirm you are using the correct form. If you are unsure, call your motor vehicle department before you submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the car has an outstanding loan?

Not until the loan is paid off or the lender releases the lien. Contact your lender to ask what paperwork they will provide once the loan is paid. The lender's release document must be submitted along with the title transfer form. If the sale price is less than what you owe, you must pay the difference before the lender will release the lien.

What if I lost the original title document?

Contact your state motor vehicle department and request a duplicate title. You will need to fill out a form, provide your ID, and pay a fee (usually $10 to $30). Once you receive the duplicate, you can proceed with the transfer. This process typically takes one to two weeks.

Do I need a bill of sale if my state does not require it?

Your state may not require it, but having one signed by both parties protects you both. It creates a record of the sale price, date, and VIN, and can help settle disputes later about who owned the car on a specific date. Many state motor vehicle department websites provide a free bill of sale template.

How long does it take for the new owner's name to appear on the title?

Most states process title transfers in two to four weeks from the date the motor vehicle department receives your paperwork. Some states are faster. You can call the motor vehicle department to check the status if you have not heard back within six weeks. Until the new owner's name is recorded, the title remains in the current owner's name on state records.

What if one party cannot appear in person for notarization?

Some states allow remote notarization, where a notary verifies identity and watches signatures via video call. Check your state motor vehicle department's website to see if this option is available. If not, and one party cannot travel, ask whether your state allows a power of attorney — a legal document that lets one person sign on behalf of another. Requirements vary by state.