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Key takeaways
- A car title is an essential legal document that proves who owns a vehicle.
- When selling a vehicle, you must transfer the title to the buyer.
- As a buyer, checking a vehicle’s title history before moving forward with a purchase is wise. It can help you confirm the seller is the official owner.
If you recently purchased a vehicle or are in the process of selling, one of the most important steps is transferring the car title. The title is the legal document stating the owner of the vehicle.
Laws and regulations for title transfers vary by state. The process and paperwork are usually simple, but check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for specific requirements.
How to transfer a car title as a buyer
Handle the paperwork as soon as possible after buying a car. You will not have legal ownership of the vehicle until you get the new title sorted, which means working in conjunction with the seller for the transfer. This usually follows a few set steps but can vary by state.
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Confirm the seller is the legal owner: Check the vehicle’s VIN and ownership paperwork to ensure you aren’t buying a stolen vehicle. You should also note the odometer reading when you buy the vehicle.
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Seller transfers title: The vehicle’s seller must transfer the title to your name by signing the release and transferring ownership to you.
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Ensure liens are cleared: If the seller has a loan on the vehicle, that lien must be resolved. A statement from the lender stating that the loan has been paid — or just checking that the title is listed as lien-free with the DMV — should be enough.
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Get new title: After the owner signs off on the title and any liens have been cleared, head to the DMV to get the new title issued under your name.
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Temporary title issued: In many cases, a DMV will provide a temporary title and mail the final document within a few weeks.
The title transfer process is less complicated if you buy from a dealership. Most dealerships will handle it for you. But if you want to buy from a private seller, it will be on you and the seller to ensure the paperwork is handled correctly.
How to transfer a car title as a seller
If you sell your vehicle, you must transfer the ownership to the buyer. This is an especially important step because you still hold legal ownership until the transfer occurs. Until then, you will be held liable for any legal trouble or fees incurred by the vehicle’s new driver. Here are the typical steps.
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Release ownership. Sign the title so the buyer can get a new title in their name.
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Get any joint owner to sign. If more than one person is listed on the title, you need to check whether the word between the names on the title is “or” or “and” before finalizing the transfer. In the case of an “and,” you will need the other person listed to sign off on the transfer as well.
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Complete transfer. To simplify the process, go to the DMV with the buyer, then have the paperwork notarized if your state requires it. Note that some states may require the co-owner of the vehicle to be present.
Trading in your car to a dealership involves less paperwork. A dealership will likely handle the title transfer for you. You will still need to sign off on the title, but it should take less time overall. However, you will likely make less money through this route.
How to transfer a car title across state lines
If you’ve purchased a car with a title in another state, you must transfer it to your current state. The process varies by state, but here’s how it generally works.
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Temporary tag. When you purchase a car in another state, a dealership usually issues you a temporary tag and license plate. You can also purchase a temp tag from the DMV.
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Register the vehicle in your state. Afterward, you’ll need to register the vehicle in your state before the temporary registration expires.
How to transfer a car title with a loan
Although transferring a vehicle title is fairly straightforward, buying a car or selling one with a lien can be a bit more complicated. If the current owner is still paying off an auto loan, the lender will likely have possession of the title. Check with the lender to ensure the loan is fully paid so the new buyer can receive the title. Then, you can request proof of loan pay-off to be sent to your local DMV so that the title transfer can occur.
Moving to a new state
When you move states, you generally must apply for a new title and license plate within the state you moved to. You can apply through your new state’s DMV. Typically, the application will require you to provide a driver’s license or ID for your new state, so handle that setup first. You’ll also likely need a copy of your out-of-state vehicle title.
Documents needed
Although the necessary documents differ by state, when the time comes to transfer at your DMV, you will most likely need the following documentation for the bill of sale:
Bottom line
Transferring your vehicle title is the final step in buying or selling, so it must be done correctly. Make sure all vehicle owners sign the title to transfer ownership to the buyer and all liens are cleared to finalize the sale properly. Because the rules vary by state, check with the local DMV and call ahead to ensure you have all the necessary documents before heading in for the new title.
Frequently asked questions
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