The Basic Steps for Transferring Car Ownership
Transferring a car title means changing the legal owner's name on the registration document with your state's motor vehicle department. The process differs slightly by state, but the core steps are the same: you and the buyer (or recipient) sign the title document, gather supporting paperwork, and submit everything to your state's DMV or equivalent agency. Most transfers take two to four weeks from submission to completion.
You cannot legally sell or give away a car without transferring the title. Keeping the title in your name after someone else owns the vehicle creates liability — if the new owner gets in an accident or racks up parking tickets, you remain the registered owner responsible for those debts. The title transfer protects both you and the buyer by making the ownership change official and documented.
Key Takeaways
- Both the current owner and new owner must sign the title document, which is usually the back of your registration certificate or a separate form depending on your state.
- You will need the original title, a bill of sale (which you can write yourself), and proof of identification for both parties.
- Submit the signed title, completed state forms, and payment to your state's DMV in person, by mail, or online — check your state's website for which method is available.
- The new owner cannot legally drive the car until the title transfer is complete and they receive their new registration.
Gather Your Documents Before You Start
The title document itself is your starting point. This is usually the back of your vehicle registration certificate — the paper you received when you registered the car. Some states issue a separate title certificate. If you have lost your title, contact your state's DMV to request a duplicate; this typically costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks.
You will also need a bill of sale, which is a written record of the transaction. This does not have to be fancy — a bill of sale can be a straightforward letter stating the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and signatures from both you and the buyer. Many states provide a bill of sale template on their DMV website; some require it, others do not, but having one protects both parties by documenting the sale.
Gather proof of identity for both the current owner and new owner — a driver's license or state ID card. If the buyer is not present, some states allow a notarized power of attorney, but this varies. Check your state's DMV website to confirm what identification they accept.
Complete the Title Document Correctly
The title document has a section for the current owner to sign and a section for the new owner to sign. Read the instructions on the back of your title carefully — they vary by state. Some titles require the current owner to sign in front of a notary public; others do not. Some require the new owner to sign before submission; others allow them to sign after receiving the title.
Print or write clearly in black or blue ink. Do not use pencil or correction fluid. Fill in the odometer reading (the mileage on the car at the time of transfer), the sale price, and the date of transfer. Leave blank any sections marked "for official use only." If you make a mistake, request a duplicate title from your DMV rather than crossing out or whiting out the error.
If there are two owners listed on the current title, both must sign. If the title is held by a lender (the car is financed), the lender must release the lien before the title can transfer. Contact your lender to request a lien release letter, which you will submit along with the title.
Decide Whether to Use the DMV in Person, by Mail, or Online
Your state's DMV website lists which submission methods are available. Many states now accept title transfers online through their portal — you upload photos of the signed title and supporting documents, pay the fee by credit card, and receive confirmation. This is the fastest option where available, typically taking one to two weeks.
Submitting by mail is slower but works if you cannot visit in person. Mail the original signed title, bill of sale, proof of identity for both parties, and a check or money order for the transfer fee to your state's DMV. Include a cover letter listing what you are sending. Mail takes one to three weeks for the DMV to receive and process, plus postal time both ways.
In-person submission at a DMV office is the most reliable if you want when ready confirmation that everything was received correctly. Bring the original signed title, bill of sale, identification for both parties, and payment. The DMV will review your documents on the spot, tell you if anything is missing, and give you a receipt. Processing still takes two to four weeks after submission.
Pay the Transfer Fee and Know What Comes Next
Title transfer fees vary by state, ranging from $15 to $100. Some states charge based on the vehicle's value or age. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee. Payment methods depend on how you submit: online submissions accept credit or debit cards, mail submissions require a check or money order, and in-person submissions accept cash, card, or check depending on the office.
After you submit, the DMV processes the paperwork and mails a new title certificate to the new owner's address. This takes two to four weeks in most states. During this time, the new owner should not drive the car on public roads without a temporary registration or permit, which some states issue at submission and others mail separately. Ask the DMV clerk or check your confirmation email for whether a temporary permit was issued.
Once the new owner receives the new title in the mail, the transfer is complete. They can then register the vehicle in their name if they have not already done so. You are no longer the legal owner and have no further responsibility for the vehicle.
What to Do If You Are Buying a Car from Someone Else
If you are the buyer, ask the seller for the original title before you hand over money. Inspect it to confirm the seller's name matches their identification and that there are no liens listed (unless the seller is paying off the loan at sale). Do not accept a title that is damaged, altered, or missing the seller's signature line.
Request a bill of sale from the seller, even if your state does not require one. This protects you by documenting the price paid and the date of sale. Meet the seller at their home or a police station (many departments allow safe transaction zones in their parking lots) so you can verify the vehicle matches the title before signing anything.
Once you and the seller have both signed the title, submit it to your DMV within the timeframe your state requires — this is usually 10 to 30 days. Do not delay; if the seller is still the registered owner after this important date, you may face penalties or complications if the car is involved in an accident or traffic violation.
Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your Transfer
The most frequent error is submitting an unsigned title. Both the current owner and new owner must sign; a title with only one signature will be rejected and returned. The second common mistake is submitting a title with the wrong odometer reading or a blank odometer field. The DMV will reject it and ask you to resubmit.
Submitting a title with a lien still attached is another blocker. If the car is financed, the lender must sign off on the lien release before the title can transfer. Contact your lender when ready if you are selling a financed vehicle; do not wait until after the sale is agreed upon.
Missing or illegible identification also causes rejections. Make sure both parties' IDs are current and that you have submitted clear copies or originals as your state requires. If you are unsure what your state needs, call the DMV or check their website before submitting — a rejected submission means waiting another two to four weeks for reprocessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title if the car has a loan on it?
Yes, but the lender must release the lien first. Contact your lender and request a lien release letter. The buyer will need this letter along with the title when they submit to the DMV. Some lenders release the lien only after the loan is paid in full; if you are selling the car for less than you owe, you will need to pay the difference out of pocket before the lien can be released.
What if the seller will not sign the title?
You cannot legally own the car without the seller's signature on the title. If the seller refuses, do not give them money. If you have already paid and the seller refuses to sign, contact your state's attorney general's office or local police to report fraud. Some states allow you to file a complaint with the DMV, which may issue a court order requiring the title transfer.
How long does it take to get the new title in the mail?
Most states mail the new title within two to four weeks of receiving your submission. Some states are faster (one to two weeks) and some slower (four to six weeks). Check your state's DMV website for their average processing time. You can usually track your submission status online using a confirmation number provided at submission.
Do I need a notary to sign the title?
It depends on your state. Some states require the current owner's signature to be notarized; others do not require notarization at all. Check your state's DMV website or the instructions printed on the back of your title. If notarization is required and you do not have it, the DMV will reject your submission.
Can I transfer a title online in every state?
No. Some states offer online title transfer, but not all. Check your state's DMV website to see if online submission is available. If it is not, you can submit by mail or in person. Online submission is usually the fastest option where available, taking one to two weeks compared to two to four weeks for other methods.