The Basic Steps to Transfer Ownership
To transfer a car title, you complete a form with your state's motor vehicle department, sign it in front of a notary or authorized witness, and submit it along with the signed title document and a fee. The new owner then registers the vehicle in their name. The exact form, fee amount, and required documents vary by state — some require an inspection, some require both parties present, and some allow mail-in submission while others require an in-person visit.
The process typically takes two to four weeks from submission to completion, though some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. During this time, the vehicle remains registered to the current owner, so insurance and liability stay with whoever's name is on the title until the transfer is recorded.
Key Takeaways
- You will need the original title document, a completed transfer form (specific to your state), a notary signature or authorized witness, and the transfer fee — all requirements vary by state.
- The seller and buyer do not always have to appear together; some states allow the seller to sign and mail the form while the buyer completes registration separately.
- The vehicle remains legally owned by the current title holder until the state records the transfer, so insurance liability does not automatically shift.
- You can submit most transfers by mail, in person at your local motor vehicle office, or online through your state's portal — check your state's website to confirm which methods are available.
Gather the Required Documents Before You Start
The title document itself is the foundation. It must be signed by the current owner (the person whose name appears on the front) and cannot have been reported as lost or stolen. If the title is lost, you will need to request a duplicate from your state's motor vehicle department before you can transfer it — this adds one to two weeks to the timeline.
You will also need a state-specific transfer form. Most states call this the "process for Title Transfer" or "Certificate of Title process," but the exact name and form number differ. Your state's motor vehicle website lists the correct form and often lets you read it. Some states require you to use their official form; others accept photocopies or printed versions from their website.
The new owner's information — full legal name, address, and driver's license or ID number — must be entered on the form. If the vehicle is being transferred to multiple owners, both names go on the form and both must sign. Some states require both parties to sign the form; others require only the seller's signature, with the buyer signing during registration.
Get the Form Signed and Notarized
The seller must sign the title document itself and the transfer form. In most states, both signatures must be notarized — meaning a notary public witnesses the signature and stamps the document. A few states allow a motor vehicle office employee or other authorized official to witness the signature instead, but notarization is the standard route.
You can find a notary at banks, credit unions, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and independent notary services. The cost is typically $5 to $15 per signature. Bring a government-issued photo ID; the notary will verify your identity before witnessing your signature. If both the seller and buyer are signing, both must be present for notarization in most states, though a few allow the seller to sign and have it notarized separately, then the buyer completes their portion later.
Do not sign the title or form before meeting the notary — they must watch you sign. Once notarized, the documents are ready to submit.
Submit the Transfer to Your State Motor Vehicle Department
You have three submission options in most states: mail, in-person at a local motor vehicle office, or online through your state's portal. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see which methods are available — not all states offer all three.
If mailing, send the notarized title, the completed transfer form, and the transfer fee (usually $15 to $50, depending on the state) to the address listed on your state's website. Include a copy of both sides of the seller's driver's license if your state requires it. Mail takes longer — typically two to four weeks — and you have no confirmation until the state processes it.
In-person submission at a motor vehicle office is faster. You walk in with the documents and fee, hand them to a clerk, and often receive a receipt showing the submission was accepted. Processing still takes one to three weeks after that. Online submission, where available, is the quickest; some states process online transfers within days.
What Happens After Submission
Once the motor vehicle department receives your transfer, they record the change of ownership in their system. The new owner then has a window — usually 10 to 30 days, depending on the state — to register the vehicle in their name. Registration is separate from title transfer; you cannot drive the car legally without both.
The new owner registers by visiting a motor vehicle office or submitting an online registration form, providing proof of insurance, paying the registration fee, and receiving new license plates or a registration sticker. Until registration is complete, the vehicle should not be driven on public roads.
The old owner's liability ends once the state records the transfer. However, you should keep a copy of the recorded transfer receipt for your records, in case a ticket or accident is later attributed to the vehicle. Some states mail a new title to the new owner; others require the new owner to request it.
Special Situations: Multiple Owners, Liens, and Gifts
If the vehicle has a loan against it, the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. The lender must sign off on the transfer before it can be completed. Contact the lender and ask for a lien release letter or a signature on the title itself. Some lenders handle this by mail; others require you to visit a branch. This step cannot be skipped — a transfer with an active lien will be rejected.
If you are transferring the vehicle as a gift, the process is the same, but some states require you to declare the transfer as a gift on the form. A few states charge a lower fee for gifts or require different documentation. Check your state's rules before starting.
If the title is in two names and only one person is transferring their share, the rules vary widely. Some states require both owners to sign; others allow one owner to transfer their interest. Contact your state's motor vehicle department to confirm what is required in your situation.
Common Delays and How to Avoid Them
The most common reason transfers are rejected is a missing or illegible notary stamp. The notary must stamp the document clearly; if the stamp is faint or partially off the page, the state may reject it. Ask the notary to stamp it again if you are unsure.
Mismatched names are another frequent problem. The name on the title must match the name on the form exactly — including middle initials, suffixes, and spelling. If your name has changed since the title was issued, you may need to update it first before transferring.
Submitting an incomplete form is also common. Double-check that every required field is filled in, both parties have signed, and the notary has stamped it. Missing information will cause the state to return the form, adding two to four weeks to the timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the car while the transfer is being processed?
The current owner can drive it until the state records the transfer. The new owner should not drive it until they have completed registration and received new plates or a registration sticker. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal in all states.
What if the seller and buyer live in different states?
The transfer is handled by the state where the vehicle is currently titled. The seller submits the transfer form to that state's motor vehicle department. Once the transfer is recorded, the new owner registers the vehicle in their home state, which may involve an inspection or emissions test depending on that state's rules.
Do I need the original title or can I use a copy?
Most states require the original title document. A few accept certified copies from the motor vehicle department. Check your state's requirements before submitting; if you send a copy and the state requires the original, your submission will be rejected.
How long does it take to get the new title in the mail?
This varies by state. Some states mail a new title to the new owner automatically within two to four weeks of recording the transfer. Others require the new owner to request it separately. Check your state's website or call the motor vehicle department to confirm the timeline.
What if I lost the title and need to transfer the vehicle?
You must request a duplicate title from your state's motor vehicle department before you can transfer it. This typically takes one to two weeks. Once you have the duplicate, follow the standard transfer process. Some states charge a small fee for a duplicate title.