The basic steps for transferring a car title

To transfer car ownership, you and the buyer (or recipient) must complete a title transfer form, sign it in front of a notary or DMV official, and submit it to your state's DMV along with proof of sale and a fee. The exact form name and required documents vary by state — some use a "Certificate of Title" form, others call it a "Title Application" — but the core process is the same everywhere: the current owner signs the title over, the new owner registers it in their name, and the DMV records the change.

The person receiving the car does not have to be present when you sign, but they will need to complete their own paperwork at the DMV to register it. Most states require the title transfer to happen within 10 to 30 days of the sale, so waiting too long can result in late fees or penalties.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain the title document from your state's DMV before you can transfer ownership — if you cannot find it, request a duplicate from the DMV.
  • Both the seller and buyer typically need to sign the title in front of a notary public or at the DMV, depending on your state's rules.
  • You will need a bill of sale (a simple written record of the transaction), proof of the sale price, and the DMV's title transfer form for your state.
  • The new owner must register the vehicle at the DMV within the state's deadline, usually 10 to 30 days, or face late fees.
  • Some states allow electronic title transfers through the DMV website, which can be faster than mailing documents.

Gather the title and required documents

Start by locating your vehicle's title — this is the legal document proving you own the car. If you financed the car through a loan, the lender may hold the title until you pay it off. Contact your lender to ask whether they will release it to you or send it directly to the new owner. If you own the car outright, the title should be in your possession.

If you cannot find your title, contact your state's DMV and request a duplicate. This typically costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration and on the driver's side of the windshield.

Next, gather a bill of sale — a written record of the transaction between you and the buyer. This does not need to be fancy; a simple document with the date, both parties' names and addresses, the vehicle's VIN, the sale price, and both signatures is sufficient. Many states provide a bill of sale template on the DMV website. Keep a copy for your records.

Complete the title transfer form for your state

Each state has its own title transfer form, and the name and format differ. Some common names are "Application for Certificate of Title," "Title Transfer Form," or "Reassignment of Title." Visit your state's DMV website and download the form, or pick one up at a DMV office. The form will ask for your name and address, the buyer's name and address, the vehicle's VIN, odometer reading, and sale price.

Fill out the form completely and accurately — errors can delay the transfer or cause the new owner's registration to be rejected. Pay close attention to sections asking whether the vehicle has a lien (outstanding loan). If it does, you must note the lender's name and the loan status. Some states require the lienholder to sign the title as well.

Do not sign the form yet. Most states require your signature to be witnessed by a notary public or an authorized DMV employee, and signing before that moment can invalidate the document.

Get signatures notarized or witnessed at the DMV

The rules for witnessing signatures vary by state. Some states require a notary public to watch you sign; others allow a DMV employee to witness it; a few allow you to sign in front of the buyer without a third party. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm what your state requires before you schedule anything.

If a notary is required, you can find one at most banks, credit unions, UPS stores, or online through the National Notary Association's locator tool. Notarization typically costs $5 to $15 per signature. Bring your driver's license and the unsigned title form. The notary will watch you sign and then add their seal and signature to the document.

If your state allows DMV witnessing, you can sign the title at a DMV office during your visit to submit the paperwork. This can save you a trip and the notary fee. Call ahead to confirm that your local DMV office offers this service.

Submit the paperwork to the DMV

Once the title is signed and notarized (or witnessed), you can submit it to the DMV. Most states accept mail submissions, though some require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website for the mailing address and current processing times. Include the signed title, the bill of sale, and the title transfer fee, which typically ranges from $15 to $50 depending on your state.

Some states now offer online title transfers through their DMV portals. If your state offers this option, you can upload documents and pay the fee electronically, which is often faster than mailing. The DMV website will tell you whether your vehicle is may be able to access for electronic transfer.

Keep copies of everything you submit — the title, bill of sale, and proof of payment. The DMV will send you a confirmation once the transfer is recorded, though this can take several weeks.

What the new owner needs to do

After you transfer the title, the new owner must register the vehicle at the DMV in their name. They will need the signed title (which you will have sent to them or which the DMV will send directly to them, depending on your state), proof of insurance, and a completed registration application. Most states require registration within 10 to 30 days of purchase.

The new owner should not drive the vehicle on public roads until they have registered it and received new license plates or a registration sticker. Driving an unregistered vehicle can result in fines and impoundment. If the new owner is in a different state, they will need to register it in their home state's DMV, not yours.

Special situations: loans, out-of-state transfers, and gifts

If the car has an outstanding loan, the lender (lienholder) must release the title before it can be transferred. Contact your lender and ask for a lien release letter or a title with the lien notation removed. Some lenders will send this directly to the new owner or to the DMV. Do not sign the title until the lien is released, or the new owner will not be able to register the car.

If you are transferring the car to someone in another state, the process is the same on your end — you complete your state's title transfer. The new owner will then follow their state's registration process. Some states have reciprocal agreements that simplify this, but others do not. The new owner should contact their state's DMV to learn what documents they will need.

If you are giving the car as a gift rather than selling it, most states still require a title transfer and registration, but the bill of sale may show a sale price of $0 or "gift." Some states impose a gift tax or use tax on vehicles transferred as gifts, so check your state's rules. The process and timeline remain the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost the title and the car has a lien on it?

Request a duplicate title from the DMV using your VIN and proof of ownership (registration or insurance). The duplicate will show the lien. Contact your lender to confirm the lien status and ask whether they will release it or send a lien release letter. You cannot transfer the title until the lien is removed or the lender authorizes the transfer.

Can I transfer the title before the buyer has the money?

No. Do not sign the title until you have received payment and confirmed it has cleared (for checks, this usually takes three to five business days). Once you sign the title, you are no longer the legal owner, and you have no recourse if the payment bounces or the buyer refuses to pay.

How long does a title transfer take?

The DMV typically processes title transfers in two to four weeks if you mail the documents, or one to two weeks if you submit them in person or electronically. Processing times vary by state and by how busy the DMV is. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times before you submit.

Do I need to notify my insurance company when I transfer the title?

Yes. Contact your insurance company and ask them to cancel your policy effective the date of sale. You are not responsible for the car once the title is transferred, so you should not be paying premiums on it. The new owner will need to obtain their own insurance before registering the vehicle.

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

Once you transfer the title, the vehicle is legally theirs and their responsibility. However, if they do not register it and it is involved in an accident or crime, you could face complications. For this reason, some sellers ask to be notified once the new owner registers the car, or they keep a copy of the bill of sale and title transfer as proof they no longer own it.