How to Transfer a Car Title to a New Owner

What you need to do to transfer a car title

To transfer a car title, you sign the back of the title document, provide it to the new owner along with a bill of sale, and both of you submit these documents to your state's DMV or equivalent agency. The exact process and required forms vary by state — some require the seller to submit paperwork, others require the buyer, and a few require both. You cannot legally sell a car without transferring the title; the new owner cannot register it in their name without it.

The title is the legal proof of ownership. When you sign it over, you are removing yourself from the state's ownership record and putting the buyer's name on it instead. This protects you from liability if the car is involved in an accident or crime after the sale, and it protects the buyer by proving they own what they bought.

Key Takeaways

You must sign the title in the designated signature area on the back, and the buyer must sign it as well — unsigned titles are rejected by the DMV.
A bill of sale (a simple written record of the sale price and date) is required by most states and protects both you and the buyer if a dispute arises later.
Your state's DMV website lists the exact forms and fees required; some states charge the seller a transfer fee, others charge the buyer, and some charge both.
The buyer typically has 10 to 30 days to register the vehicle in their name after purchase, though this window varies by state.
If you lose the title before selling, you can request a duplicate from your DMV, but the process takes time and costs money.

Signing the title correctly

The title document has a specific area for the seller's signature, usually on the back. Sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the title — if your name is printed as "James M. Rodriguez," sign it that way, not "Jim Rodriguez" or "J. Rodriguez." Mismatched signatures are a common reason the DMV rejects a transfer.

Some states require the signature to be notarized, meaning a notary public must witness you signing and then stamp the document. Check your state's DMV website to see if notarization is required before you sign; if it is, you cannot simply sign at home. You will need to visit a notary (often available at banks, UPS stores, or your county clerk's office) and bring a photo ID.

The buyer must also sign the title in their designated area. If there are multiple buyers, all of them must sign. Do not sign for the buyer or let them sign before you hand over the title — the DMV will reject it if the signature order is wrong or if signatures appear forged.

Preparing a bill of sale

A bill of sale is a written record that you sold the car to the buyer for a specific price on a specific date. It is not a government form in most states — you can write one yourself on plain paper or use a template from your state's DMV website. The bill of sale protects you by documenting that you no longer own the vehicle and protects the buyer by proving they purchased it legitimately.

Include these details: the date of sale, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model of the car, the sale price, your name and address, the buyer's name and address, and both signatures. Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized as well; again, check your state's DMV website first.

Keep a copy for your records. If the car is later involved in an accident or crime, or if the buyer fails to register it and the registration bill comes to you, the bill of sale proves you are no longer responsible.

Submitting documents to the DMV

The submission process depends on your state. Some states require the seller to submit the signed title and bill of sale to the DMV within a set number of days (often 10 to 15 days). Others require the buyer to submit them. A few states require both parties to submit separate paperwork. Your state's DMV website will specify who submits what and by what deadline.

You can usually submit documents by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online through your state's portal. Mail is the slowest option — allow two to four weeks for processing. In-person submission is faster if you can visit during office hours. Online submission, where available, typically processes within one to two weeks.

Include the signed title, the bill of sale, and any additional forms your state requires (some states have a separate transfer form). Include a check or money order for the transfer fee if your state charges the seller; if the fee is charged to the buyer, the buyer will pay it when they register the vehicle. Do not send cash.

What happens after you submit

Once the DMV processes your submission, the title will be transferred to the buyer's name. You will no longer appear on the ownership record. This typically takes one to four weeks depending on whether you submitted by mail, in person, or online.

You should receive confirmation from the DMV — either a receipt if you submitted in person, or a letter if you submitted by mail. Keep this confirmation. If a problem arises later (for example, if the buyer never registers the car and you receive a bill), the confirmation proves you completed the transfer on your end.

The buyer has a set window (usually 10 to 30 days) to register the vehicle in their name at their local DMV. Until they do, the car is still registered to you in the state's system, even though you have transferred the title. This is why it is important to complete the transfer quickly — the longer the gap, the longer you remain liable if something goes wrong.

If you have lost the title

If you cannot find your title before selling the car, you must request a duplicate from your state's DMV before you can transfer ownership. You cannot sell a car without the title document, and the DMV will not issue a new title to the buyer without proof that the seller's title was transferred.

To get a duplicate, contact your DMV and request a replacement title. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), proof of ownership (such as a registration or insurance card), and a photo ID. There is usually a fee, ranging from $10 to $50 depending on your state. Processing takes one to three weeks.

Once you receive the duplicate title, you can proceed with the transfer as normal. If you are selling the car and need the duplicate quickly, ask the buyer if they can wait — most will, because they cannot register the car without the title anyway.

Transferring a title when there are multiple owners

If the title lists two or more owners, all owners must sign for the transfer to be valid. The title will specify whether the owners are listed as "and" (both must sign) or "or" (either can sign). Check the title carefully before you sell.

If the title says "and" and one owner refuses to sign or cannot be reached, the transfer cannot proceed. You may need to go to court to resolve ownership disputes, which is time-consuming and expensive. If the title says "or," either owner can sign and transfer the vehicle without the other's consent.

If you are buying a car with multiple owners, make sure all of them sign the title and the bill of sale. If one owner's signature is missing, the DMV will reject the transfer and you will not be able to register the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell a car without the title?

No. The title is the legal proof of ownership, and the buyer cannot register the vehicle without it. If you have lost the title, you must request a duplicate from your DMV before you can sell. This process usually takes one to three weeks and costs $10 to $50.

What if the buyer does not register the car after I transfer the title?

The car will still be registered to you in the state's system until the buyer completes their registration. You remain liable for registration fees and potentially for accidents or crimes involving the vehicle. This is why the bill of sale is important — it proves you sold the car and are no longer responsible. Contact your DMV if bills arrive after the transfer; they can often note that you transferred ownership.

Do I need a notary to transfer a title?

It depends on your state. Some states require the seller's signature to be notarized, others require the buyer's, and some require both. Check your state's DMV website before you sign. If notarization is required and you sign without it, the DMV will reject the transfer and you will have to start over.

How long does a title transfer take?

Processing time ranges from one to four weeks depending on your state and how you submit. Mail submissions are slowest (two to four weeks). In-person submissions at a DMV office are faster (one to two weeks). Online submissions, where available, typically process within one to two weeks.

What if I signed the title but the buyer never submitted it to the DMV?

You are still at risk until the title is officially transferred in the state's system. The bill of sale protects you by proving you sold the car, but you should follow up with the buyer to make sure they submitted the paperwork. If they do not, contact your DMV and explain the situation — they may be able to note that you transferred ownership even if the buyer has not completed registration.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.