What you need to do to transfer a car title to someone in your family
Transferring a vehicle title to a family member requires you to complete a title transfer form with your state's DMV, sign it in front of a notary or DMV official, and submit it along with proof of the transfer (usually a bill of sale). The exact form, fees, and required documents vary by state — some states charge $15 to $50, others charge more. The person receiving the vehicle may also need to register it in their name and pass an inspection, depending on where you live.
You cannot simply hand over the keys and call it done. The title — the legal document proving ownership — must be formally transferred in the state's records, or the new owner has no legal proof they own the car. If you skip this step, you remain liable if the car is in an accident or used illegally.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete your state's title transfer form, available from the DMV website or office, and have it notarized or signed in front of a DMV employee.
- Most states require a bill of sale (a written record of the transfer) even when no money changes hands, and some require it to be notarized.
- Fees range from $15 to $75 depending on your state, and some states charge extra if the title has a lien or if the vehicle is older.
- The new owner must register the vehicle in their name within a set timeframe — usually 10 to 30 days — or face late fees or registration suspension.
- If you still owe money on a car loan, the lender's name appears on the title and you cannot transfer it without their permission and signature.
Gather the documents you will need before you go to the DMV
Start by collecting the current title, your driver's license or ID, and the family member's driver's license or ID. If the title has a lien (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of the car), you will need written permission from the lender to transfer it, and in some states the lender must sign the title itself.
Next, create a bill of sale — a simple written record of who is transferring the car to whom, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the date, and whether money changed hands. Many states provide a bill of sale form on their DMV website; others accept a handwritten version as long as it includes those details. Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized; others do not. Check your state's DMV website to see what applies where you live.
You will also need the title transfer form itself. This is usually called an "Application for Title Transfer" or "Assignment of Title" and is available on your state DMV's website or at any DMV office. Download it, print it, and fill it out before you go in — this saves time and reduces errors.
How to complete and sign the title transfer form
The title transfer form asks for the current owner's name and address, the new owner's name and address, the vehicle's VIN, the odometer reading, and the date of transfer. Fill in every field that applies to your situation. If a field does not apply (for example, if there is no lien), leave it blank or write "N/A" rather than guessing.
Both you and the family member receiving the car must sign the form. In most states, you must sign in front of a notary public or a DMV employee — signing at home and mailing it in is not enough. Some states allow you to have the signature notarized before you go to the DMV; others require you to sign at the DMV office itself. Check your state's rules before you make the trip.
The family member receiving the car does not always have to be present when you sign. Many states allow the current owner to sign and submit the paperwork on behalf of both parties, as long as the new owner's signature is on the form (notarized or witnessed). However, some states require both parties to appear together. Call your local DMV office or check the website to confirm what your state requires.
Submit the paperwork and pay the transfer fee
Take the completed and signed title transfer form, the original title, the bill of sale, and both IDs to your local DMV office. Some states allow you to mail in the paperwork instead, but mailing takes longer and creates a gap during which the title is in transit. Going in person is usually faster.
The DMV will review your documents, charge a fee (typically $15 to $75 depending on your state), and process the transfer. They will issue a new title in the family member's name. In some states, you receive the new title on the spot; in others, it arrives by mail within two to four weeks.
Keep a copy of the receipt or confirmation the DMV gives you. This proves the transfer was submitted, which matters if there is a delay or if questions come up later.
Register the vehicle in the new owner's name
Receiving a new title does not automatically register the car. The family member must register it in their name, usually within 10 to 30 days of the title transfer. Registration is separate from the title transfer and involves a different form and fee.
To register the vehicle, the new owner takes the new title, proof of insurance, and a registration form (available from the DMV) to the DMV office. Some states require a vehicle inspection before registration is complete, especially if the car has not been registered in that state before or if the inspection sticker has expired. The DMV website will tell you whether an inspection is required.
Registration fees vary by state and sometimes by the vehicle's age, weight, or value. Budget $50 to $200 for registration, though some states charge more. Once registration is complete, the new owner receives registration plates and a registration card to keep in the car.
What to do if the car has a lien
If you still owe money to a bank, credit union, or other lender, their name appears on the title as the "lienholder." You cannot transfer the title to a family member without the lender's permission and signature. The lender has a legal claim to the car until the loan is paid off.
Contact the lender and explain that you want to transfer the title to a family member. Ask what paperwork they need from you. Some lenders will sign a release form that you then include with your DMV paperwork; others require you to pay off the loan first. If you pay off the loan, the lender will send you a release document, which you then take to the DMV along with the title transfer form.
Do not attempt to transfer the title without the lender's involvement. The transfer will be rejected, and you will waste time and money on fees.
State-by-state differences in title transfer rules
Every state has its own title transfer form, fee structure, and rules about notarization and documentation. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on the vehicle's value or age. Some states require both parties to appear at the DMV; others allow one person to handle the paperwork.
Before you start, visit your state's DMV website and look for the title transfer section. Download the form, read the instructions, and note the fee. If the website is unclear, call the DMV office where you plan to go — staff can answer questions about what you need to bring and whether both parties must be present.
A few states have special rules for transfers between family members. Some waive the sales tax if you are transferring to a spouse or child; others do not. Some allow a simplified form for family transfers; others use the same form for all transfers. These rules change, so checking your state's current rules is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay sales tax when I transfer a car to a family member?
It depends on your state. Some states waive sales tax for transfers between spouses or parents and children; others charge sales tax on all transfers, even within families. A few states charge sales tax only if money changes hands. Check your state DMV website or call to find out what applies to you.
What if I want to give the car to a family member but they do not have a driver's license?
The new owner does not need a driver's license to receive the title, but they will need one to register the vehicle and to legally drive it. If they do not have a license yet, you can transfer the title now and they can register it once they have a license. However, the car cannot be legally driven until registration is complete.
Can I transfer the title if the car is still being financed?
Not without the lender's permission. The lender's name is on the title, and they must sign off on the transfer. Contact the lender first and ask what steps are required. In some cases, you may need to pay off the loan before the transfer can happen.
How long does a title transfer take?
If you submit everything in person at the DMV, the transfer is usually processed within one to five business days. The new title arrives by mail within two to four weeks in most states. If you mail in the paperwork, add one to two weeks for mail delivery on each end.
What happens if I transfer the title but the new owner does not register the car?
The car cannot be legally driven, and the new owner may face fines for driving an unregistered vehicle. You are no longer the owner, so you are not liable, but the new owner is. Make sure they understand that registration must happen within the state's deadline, usually 10 to 30 days after the title transfer.