Title transfer costs range from $15 to $300 depending on your state, the type of transfer, and whether you handle it yourself or use a service
The fee your state charges to record a title transfer is separate from sales tax, registration renewal, and any lien-holder fees. Most states charge between $15 and $75 just to process the paperwork. Some states add extra fees if the car is financed, if you're transferring out of state, or if you're adding or removing a co-owner. A few states charge nothing at all for the title transfer itself but make up the cost elsewhere.
If you use a third-party service like a title company or DMV service center, you'll pay their fee on top of the state fee — typically $50 to $200. Doing it yourself at your state's DMV costs only the state fee, but takes more time and requires you to gather documents correctly the first time.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV sets the title transfer fee, which ranges from $0 to $75 in most states and is separate from sales tax and registration costs.
- Using a title company or DMV service adds $50 to $200 on top of the state fee, but handles the paperwork and often completes the transfer faster.
- Some states charge extra fees for financed vehicles, out-of-state transfers, or adding a spouse or co-owner to the title.
- You will also owe sales tax on the purchase price in most states, which is often larger than the title transfer fee itself.
What the state charges for a title transfer
Each state sets its own title transfer fee. In most states, transferring ownership costs $15 to $50 at the DMV. A few states charge more — California charges $70, for example, and New York charges $75. A handful of states, including Oregon and South Carolina, do not charge a separate title transfer fee at all.
The fee covers the cost of the DMV recording the new owner's name in the state's vehicle database. It does not cover registration renewal, which is a separate fee due at the same time. Many people confuse the two and think the total cost is higher than it actually is.
To find your state's exact fee, search "[your state] DMV title transfer fee" or call your local DMV office. The fee rarely changes year to year, but it is worth confirming before you go in.
Additional fees that often apply
Beyond the base title transfer fee, your state may charge extra for specific situations. If the vehicle is financed and the lender holds the title, some states charge an additional $10 to $25 to process the lien release. If you are transferring a title from another state, a few states charge an out-of-state transfer fee of $15 to $50.
Adding or removing a co-owner — such as a spouse — may trigger an additional fee in some states, usually $10 to $30. Transferring a title after a death, divorce, or inheritance sometimes has its own fee structure, which can be lower or higher than a standard transfer. Check your state's DMV website for the specific fee that applies to your situation.
Sales tax on the purchase price
Sales tax is usually the largest cost associated with buying a used car, and it is separate from the title transfer fee. Most states charge between 5% and 10% sales tax on the purchase price. If you bought a car for $10,000, you could owe $500 to $1,000 in sales tax alone.
A few states do not charge sales tax on vehicle purchases, including Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Some states offer a tax break if you trade in another vehicle — you pay tax only on the difference between the new car's price and the trade-in value.
Sales tax is due at the time you register the vehicle, which is usually the same appointment where you transfer the title. The DMV collects both at once.
Using a title company or DMV service instead of going yourself
A title company or DMV service center will handle the paperwork, submit documents, and track the transfer for you. This costs $50 to $200 on top of the state fee, depending on the service and your state. For a straightforward transfer with no complications, this extra cost may not be worth it. For a transfer involving a lien, out-of-state paperwork, or multiple owners, the service can prevent delays and rejected applications.
Title companies are private businesses licensed by your state to handle vehicle paperwork. They have relationships with the DMV and often know which documents the DMV will accept without a second submission. Many can complete a transfer in one to two weeks, whereas doing it yourself at a busy DMV office can take longer if your paperwork is incomplete.
If you choose this route, ask the service for an itemized quote that breaks down the state fee, the service fee, and any other charges. Some services bundle title transfer with registration renewal or plate replacement, which can make the total cost higher than expected.
Transfers involving a lien or financed vehicle
If you are buying a car with a loan, the lender holds the title until you pay off the loan. The seller's lender must release the lien before you can register the car in your name. This process usually takes a few days to a week and may involve an additional fee of $10 to $50, depending on the lender and your state.
The seller is responsible for paying off their loan and getting the lien release from their lender. You should not complete the purchase until you have the lien release document in hand. Once you have it, you submit it along with your title transfer paperwork to the DMV.
If you are financing the purchase yourself, your new lender will hold the title until you pay off the loan. The DMV will note the lien on the title, and you will not be able to sell or transfer the car without the lender's permission. This does not add to the transfer cost — it is simply how financed vehicles are recorded.
Out-of-state title transfers
If you are moving to a new state and need to transfer your title there, you will pay your new state's title transfer fee plus any out-of-state transfer fee it charges. Some states charge $15 to $50 extra for vehicles coming from out of state. You will also owe registration in your new state, which has its own fee based on the car's age and value.
Most states require you to transfer the title within 30 to 60 days of moving. You will need your current title, proof of residency in the new state, and proof of insurance. Some states also require an emissions test or safety inspection before they will issue a new title.
If you are moving temporarily or keeping the car registered in your home state, you may not need to transfer the title at all. Check your new state's DMV website to see whether you are required to transfer based on how long you are staying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay sales tax if I'm transferring a title between family members?
Most states charge sales tax on any vehicle transfer, even between family members. A few states exempt gifts or transfers between spouses or parents and children — check your state's DMV website for the specific rule. You will still owe the title transfer fee itself.
What happens if I don't transfer the title within the deadline?
Most states require you to transfer a title within 10 to 30 days of purchase. If you miss the deadline, you may face a late fee of $10 to $50, or the DMV may refuse to process the transfer until you pay it. In some states, driving an unregistered vehicle can result in a traffic citation.
Can I transfer a title online in my state?
A growing number of states allow you to start a title transfer online, but most still require you to submit original documents or appear in person at the DMV. Check your state's DMV website to see which steps can be done online and which require a visit.
Do I pay the title transfer fee if I'm inheriting a car?
Inheriting a car usually involves a different process than a standard title transfer, and the fee may be lower or waived entirely. You will need a death certificate and the will or probate paperwork. Some states charge a small inheritance transfer fee instead of the standard title fee. Contact your state's DMV for the exact cost and documents needed.
What if the seller won't sign the title?
If the seller refuses to sign the title after you have paid for the car, you have a legal dispute, not a DMV problem. You cannot transfer the title without the seller's signature. Contact a lawyer or your state's attorney general's office for guidance on recovering your money or forcing the sale.