A title transfer is a step-by-step legal process that transfers ownership from one person to another. To transfer a car title, you’ll have to file paperwork, pay fees, and possibly visit a notary’s office depending on your state. Average fees for a title transfer range between $15 and $45.
Save yourself time and money by checking with your local DMV about additional paperwork, filing requirements, and exemptions in your state.
How a car title transfer works
A title transfer is usually a fairly simple process, but take your time to get each step right—it can be costly and time-consuming to fix errors on a car title.
- The seller fills out the car title: By signing the car title, the seller officially transfers ownership. If there are joint owners listed, both must sign unless specified otherwise. Notarized signatures may be required in certain states. Even if it’s not required, signing in the presence of a notary is usually a good idea because it can help prevent ownership disputes.
- The buyer submits the title: Bring the signed title to the relevant state office, usually the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Double-check your state’s regulations for any additional documentation needed.
- The DMV issues the new title: After it processes the documents, the DMV will mail out the new title within four to six weeks. It may be sent to the new owner or the lender, if it’s a financed vehicle. Some states provide electronic titles. If you want a physical copy, you may have to pay a small fee.
How much does a title transfer cost?
Car title transfers cost between $4 and $164, depending on your state. However, the average range is between $15 and $45.
What to bring to the title office
Your DMV may ask you for these documents in a title transfer:
- Signed car title
- Proof of insurance
- VIN verification
- Bill of sale
- Driver’s license
- Odometer reading
- Lien release, if applicable
- Emissions certificate, if applicable
Remember to bring an accepted method of payment, too.
Tips for transferring a car title
- Do your due diligence. Verify that the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the seller’s name match the title. Use an online tool to check for liens such as financial obligations to pay child support. These won’t appear on a title but they still affect who has rights over the vehicle.
- File out the title application paperwork promptly. The owner is still legally responsible until the certificate of title transfer goes through. For instance, any parking tickets will be charged to the legal owner even if the new owner actually parked incorrectly.
- Find out whether the license plates should be removed. In some states, the plates stay with the vehicle. Contact your local DMV to learn more.
- Prepare for extra paperwork for out-of-state title transfers and inherited vehicles. These situations may require additional documentation, taxes, and fees.
- Get your car insurance set up ahead of time. You won’t be able to transfer ownership until you can show proof of insurance. You’ll need your policy number to verify that you have coverage. In most cases, you have a brief grace period of coverage under an existing policy that will extend to a new vehicle. However, you can set up your new policy as soon as you know you’ll be taking ownership over the vehicle.
The title transfer process may vary depending on the seller
If you’re buying a car from a dealership, most of the title paperwork will be handled for you. In a private sale, you’ll likely need to make a trip to the DMV.
Car title transfer with a dealership
Dealers are supposed to locate the title and manage the paperwork for a title transfer. They may charge fees for this, though.
If you’re buying the vehicle outright, you’ll receive the title. If you’re financing, your lender will receive the title.
Car title transfer with a private seller
In most states, you have between 10 and 30 days to complete a vehicle title transfer. If the vehicle has no
liens, you can ask the owner/seller to sign the title and give you a bill of sale.
A bill of sale should include:
- Purchase price
- Date of sale
- Seller’s name and signature
- Buyer’s name and address
- Odometer disclosure or reading
- Damage disclosure statement
Consider notarizing this process for extra protection (it’s required in some states). Then, bring all the paperwork with the notary affidavit to the DMV and pay the fee.
States that require notarized car titles: AL, AZ, CA, FL, LA, MD, NE, NH, TX, WV
What if the vehicle has a lien? If the vehicle still has a lien, you’ll have to negotiate a payoff or transfer the loan from the current lienholder with a lien release. Get the contact information for the financial institution from the legal owner.
How to get your car title if you can’t find it.
If you can’t locate your original title, request a duplicate from the DMV. Here’s how it usually works:
- Contact your DMV and submit a form online or pick one up in person.
- Pay a fee to get a copy of the vehicle title.
- Wait 15 to 30 days to receive your copy.
You may need to provide proof that you own the vehicle, especially if your name or address has changed since the title was issued. State requirements vary, so it’s a good idea to call your local DMV before you start the process.
Financed cars: If your lender still holds the title, the lender will keep the title until the loan is paid off.
Storing the title: Store the vehicle in a safe place at home, not inside your vehicle.
How to transfer a title across state lines
To legally transport a vehicle across state lines, you’ll need a temporary registration. The dealer or the DMV can help you.
- Research the paperwork: Some states require emissions tests, safety inspections, or other paperwork for out-of-state vehicles.
- Pay the fees: You may be subject to sales tax in a cross-state transaction, on top of title fees and transfer fees. This is calculated based on your sale price and it may be collected by the dealer or you may have to take care of it. vbnfgfgfg
- Make a plan to register: On arrival to its final home, the vehicle must be registered—unless it’s an older car and you live in a state that doesn’t require titles for older vehicles. In this case, the bill of sale is enough for vehicle registration and registration fees.
If you just moved to a new state, you have a grace period in which to handle your title transfer process. In most states, you have between 30 to 60 days to update your driver’s license, title, and registration to your new home address.
How to transfer a car title to a family member
To transfer car ownership to a family member, follow the same title process above.
First, the original owner signs the title to release it. Then, the new owner finishes the paperwork at the DMV.
Cost savings: In most states, transferring a vehicle to a family member is not subject to sales tax and some other fees. This perk may apply to spouses, parents, children, stepparents, stepchildren, grandchildren, and siblings. You may have to fill out a form to qualify.
Inheritance: If the original owner is deceased and someone is inheriting the vehicle, it’s wise to get legal help from an estate lawyer to make sure you follow your state’s laws. Start by confirming the will, then proceed with the title transfer. You may have to pay an inheritance tax.
How to save on insurance when you’re buying a car
When you’re buying a vehicle, there’s more to consider than just the title paperwork. Before you drive home in your new car, make sure it’s protected with the right car insurance policy. And to make sure you’re getting the best price on your car insurance, compare quotes with Jerry.
FAQ
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How much does it cost to transfer a car title?
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Do the signatures need notarizing?
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How do I get a car title copy?
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How do you remove a name from a car title?
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Can you transfer the title if there’s a loan on the car?
Sources
- https://wisconsindot.gov/pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/titles.aspx ↩︎
- https://notary.pandadoc.com/knowledge-center/what-states-require-a-title-to-be-notarized/ ↩︎
Bonnie Stinson is an insurance writer with 8+ years of experience as a content writer. They specialize in making complex topics like insurance and technology easy to understand. Bonnie has written over 1,300 articles to help people become confident car owners, from how to choose the right car and build a car insurance policy to dealing with stressful situations like car accidents and unexpected repairs. Before joining Jerry’s editorial team, Bonnie worked as a digital media strategist and user experience researcher, producing content for Furnishr, STACKEDD Magazine, InfinityCore Health, and the global non-profit Giraffe Heroes.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
