What you need to do to transfer a car title
Transferring a car title means filing paperwork with your state's motor vehicle department to record that ownership has changed hands. The person selling the car signs the title document, the buyer signs it, and one of you submits it to the state along with a fee. The state then issues a new title in the buyer's name. The exact steps, required documents, and fees vary by state, but the basic sequence is the same everywhere.
You do not need a lawyer or a title company to transfer ownership yourself. Most people handle it without help. The main things you need are the current title document, proof of the sale price or value, and sometimes a bill of sale. How quickly the new title arrives depends on your state's processing time — some take two weeks, others take six.
Key Takeaways
- Both the seller and buyer must sign the title document, and the signature section varies by state, so check your state's motor vehicle website before you sign.
- You will need the original title document, a completed bill of sale, and proof of the sale price or the vehicle's assessed value.
- The buyer typically submits the paperwork to the state motor vehicle department, along with the required fee, which ranges from under $20 to over $100 depending on your state.
- Some states require the vehicle to pass an inspection or emissions test before the title can be transferred, so check your state's rules before you complete the sale.
- If the title is lost or damaged, the seller must request a duplicate from the state before the transfer can happen, which adds one to three weeks to the timeline.
Where to find your state's title transfer requirements
Each state's motor vehicle department publishes its own title transfer forms and instructions. The fastest way to find them is to search "[your state] title transfer" or go directly to your state's motor vehicle website — usually listed as the Department of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State, or Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
On that site, look for a section called "Title Transfer," "Change of Ownership," or "Register a Vehicle." read the title transfer form for your state. Read the instructions carefully, because the signature lines, notarization requirements, and required supporting documents differ. Some states require the seller's signature to be notarized; others do not. Some require a bill of sale; others accept a receipt. Some require an odometer reading on the title; others do not.
If you cannot find the form online, call your state's motor vehicle department directly. They can mail you the form or tell you where to pick one up in person. Many states also allow you to submit the transfer process online through their website, which can speed up processing.
Documents you will need to gather
The seller needs to provide the buyer with the original title document. If the title is lost, damaged, or has no more blank signature lines, the seller must request a duplicate title from the state before the transfer can proceed. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs $10 to $30.
Most states require a bill of sale — a straightforward written record of the sale that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price or stated value, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller. Your state's motor vehicle website usually has a bill of sale template you can read and print. If your state does not require one, creating one anyway protects both parties by documenting the transaction.
You will also need proof of the vehicle's value or the actual sale price. Some states use the sale price; others use the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) guide value or the Kelley Blue Book value. Check your state's instructions to see which one applies. You may need to bring a printout from NADA or Kelley Blue Book showing the vehicle's estimated value.
If the vehicle has a lien (the seller still owes money on it), the lienholder's name appears on the title. The lienholder must sign off on the transfer, and the seller must pay off the loan before or at the time of sale. The lender usually handles this and provides a release document that goes with the title transfer paperwork.
How to complete and sign the title document
The seller signs the title in the section marked "Seller's Signature" or "Previous Owner." The buyer signs in the section marked "Buyer's Signature" or "New Owner." Some states require both signatures to be notarized; others require only the seller's signature to be notarized; still others require no notarization at all. Check your state's instructions before you sign, because signing in the wrong place or without notarization can delay the transfer.
Print clearly and use black or blue ink. Do not use pencil or marker. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out — request a new title form from the state. Some states allow you to cross out errors and initial them, but this varies, so follow your state's specific instructions.
The buyer should not sign the title until the sale is complete and the money has changed hands. The seller should not sign until they have received payment. If either party signs before the transaction is final, the title is no longer valid and a new one must be requested.
Submitting the paperwork and paying the transfer fee
The buyer is usually responsible for submitting the completed title transfer paperwork to the state motor vehicle department. However, the buyer and seller can agree that the seller will submit it. Check your state's rules to see who can submit and whether it must be done in person, by mail, or online.
The transfer fee varies widely by state. Some states charge under $20; others charge $50 to $100 or more. Check your state's motor vehicle website for the exact fee. Most states accept payment by check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you submit the paperwork.
If you submit by mail, send the original signed title, the bill of sale, proof of value, and the fee to the address listed on your state's motor vehicle website. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so the state can contact you if there are questions. Keep a copy of everything you send.
If you submit online, you will upload scans of the title and supporting documents and pay the fee by credit card. Online submission is usually faster than mail and gives you a confirmation number when ready.
What happens after you submit the paperwork
After the state receives the paperwork, it processes the transfer and issues a new title in the buyer's name. Processing time varies by state — some issue a new title within two weeks, others take four to six weeks. During this time, the buyer should not assume they own the vehicle legally until the new title arrives.
The state will mail the new title to the address provided on the transfer form. The buyer should receive it at the address they listed. If the new title does not arrive within the timeframe your state publishes, contact the motor vehicle department to check the status.
In the meantime, the buyer should register the vehicle in their name if registration is separate from title in your state. Some states combine title and registration into one document; others keep them separate. Check your state's rules. The buyer may also need to update their insurance policy to reflect the new ownership before driving the vehicle.
Special situations that affect the transfer process
If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder's name appears on the title and must release the lien before the title can be transferred to the new owner. Usually the seller pays off the loan at the time of sale, and the lender provides a lien release document. This document must be submitted with the title transfer paperwork. If the seller does not pay off the loan, the transfer cannot be completed.
If the title is in two names (for example, a married couple), both owners must sign the title transfer form. Some states require both signatures; others allow one owner to sign if the other authorizes it in writing. Check your state's rules before you sign.
If the vehicle is being transferred as part of an inheritance, the process is different. The new owner must provide a death certificate and proof of inheritance (such as a will or court order) along with the title transfer paperwork. Some states waive the transfer fee for inherited vehicles. Check your state's motor vehicle website for the specific steps.
If the vehicle was previously registered in a different state, the buyer may need to provide proof that sales tax was paid in the original state, or they may owe sales tax in the new state. This varies by state. Check your state's rules before completing the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title if the seller is deceased?
No, not directly. The person who inherits the vehicle must first obtain a court order or probate document proving they own it, then submit that document along with the title transfer paperwork. Some states have a simplified process for small estates that does not require full probate. Contact your state's motor vehicle department for the specific steps.
What if I lose the title after I buy the car but before I transfer it?
Contact your state's motor vehicle department and request a duplicate title. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or receipt. Once you have the duplicate, you can proceed with the transfer.
Do I have to transfer the title in person?
Most states allow you to transfer the title by mail or online without going in person. However, some states require an in-person visit to the motor vehicle office if the vehicle is being transferred for the first time or if there are questions about the paperwork. Check your state's website to see if in-person submission is required.
How long does it take to get the new title after I submit the paperwork?
Processing time varies by state, from two to six weeks. Some states publish their current processing time on their motor vehicle website. If the new title does not arrive within the stated timeframe, contact the motor vehicle department to check the status of your process.
Can I drive the car while waiting for the new title to arrive?
This depends on your state. Some states issue a temporary registration or receipt that allows you to drive while the title is being processed. Others require you to wait for the new title before driving. Check your state's rules and ask the motor vehicle department whether you need a temporary document.