When transferring a car title, the seller signs the title over to the buyer and completes the required information, such as the odometer reading.
The buyer then submits the signed title and other required documents to the state motor vehicle agency and pays the applicable title fees and taxes.
The exact process varies by state, but here’s what buyers and sellers can generally expect.
What Is a Car Title?
A car title is a state-issued document indicating the legal owner’s name, purchase date, and lienholder if the owner used an auto loan to buy the vehicle. It also shows the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make and model, and the odometer reading at the time of sale.
What Is an Electronic Car Title?
An electronic title is a car title that exists only in digital form. As with a paper title, a digital car title is a legal document of vehicle ownership. Where available, these digital documents can help state DMVs process ownership records more efficiently and quickly.
What Do You Need to Transfer a Car Title?
Car dealerships handle the details of title transfers when you buy vehicles from them. Similarly, one benefit of using Autotrader's Private Seller Exchange for a vehicle purchase is that it can handle the logistics of transferring the car title.
However, transferring a car title in a private peer-to-peer sale will require some effort from you to complete and submit the paperwork. Wondering how to transfer a car title to a family member? It's usually similar to a regular title change, and some states waive fees when transferring a vehicle to immediate family members.
Steps to Transfer Car Title
1. Check the Title
The seller needs acceptable proof of ownership. Confirm that the seller’s name and the VIN on the title match the vehicle and transaction.
Avoid crossing out mistakes or using correction fluid. Alterations can require additional paperwork or even a replacement title.
2. Address Any Existing Lien
If there’s an outstanding loan, contact the lender to determine how to pay it off and release the lien. Depending on the state, the lien and title may be maintained electronically.
3. Complete the Title Assignment
The buyer and seller fill out the required sections of the title. Information can include:
- Buyer and seller names and signatures
- Sale date and price
- VIN
- Odometer reading
- Notarization, if required
4. Complete a Bill of Sale
Some states require a bill of sale, while others don’t. It typically records the buyer, seller, vehicle, sale date, price, mileage, and signatures.
5. Report the Sale, if Required
The seller may need to submit a notice of sale, release of liability, or similar document. Requirements and deadlines vary by state.
6. Apply for the New Title
The buyer submits the signed title and required documents to the state agency responsible for vehicle titles.
That office isn’t always called the DMV. Depending on the state, you might visit a county tax office, tag office, secretary of state office, or another motor vehicle agency.
Once the paperwork is accepted and applicable fees and taxes are paid, the state can issue a new title in the buyer’s name.
How Much Does a Car Title Transfer Cost?
How Long Do You Have to Transfer a Car Title?
Deadlines also vary by state. For example, California generally gives buyers 10 days to transfer ownership, while Florida, Georgia, and Texas generally use 30-day deadlines in applicable transactions. North Carolina assesses a late fee if a title isn’t transferred within 28 days.
Missing your state’s deadline can result in additional fees or penalties, so submit the paperwork promptly.
Car Title vs. Registration
A car title establishes who owns the vehicle. Vehicle registration authorizes you to operate it on public roads in accordance with state requirements. Registration is typically linked to the license plate.
Because buyers often handle both at the same time, title fees, registration charges, taxes, and plate fees may all appear in the same transaction.
Where Do I Transfer a Car Title Near Me?
Start with the official motor vehicle agency for the state where you’ll title and register the car.
Depending on the state, transfers may be handled through:
- DMV
- County tax office
- Tag office
- Secretary of State's Office
- Authorized licensing location
Some states also allow certain transactions by mail or online.
Visit your state’s official website before your visit to confirm the location, required documents, and whether an appointment is needed.
Do Dealerships Transfer Car Titles?
Yes, in most cases. When you buy from a dealership, the dealer handles the title and registration paperwork and collects the applicable taxes and fees.
For a private-party purchase, the buyer and seller usually have more responsibility for completing the paperwork.
*Autotrader’s Private Seller Exchange can also facilitate title and registration handling for eligible private-party transactions. Procedures vary by state.
It depends on the state. Some states offer online or electronic title services, while others require original documents to be submitted by mail or in person.
Generally, the seller signs the title and completes the required disclosures. The buyer then submits the signed title and required documents to the appropriate state agency and pays applicable fees and taxes.
Some states require notarization for certain title transactions, but many don’t. Check your state’s requirements before signing the title.
Documents may include the signed title, photo ID, bill of sale, odometer disclosure, proof of insurance, and lien release when applicable. Requirements vary by state.
You may face late fees or other penalties. Transfer the title promptly rather than waiting until your state’s deadline.
Editor's Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication.
