What you need to do to transfer a car title

To transfer a car title, you sign the title document over to the new owner, submit it to your state's DMV along with a bill of sale, and pay a transfer fee. The exact steps and documents vary by state, but the basic process is the same everywhere: the current owner signs the title, the new owner receives it, and the DMV records the change. Most states let you handle this by mail or in person at a DMV office.

The person receiving the car (the new owner) typically has a deadline—usually 10 to 30 days depending on your state—to register the vehicle in their name. If they don't, you may still be liable for parking tickets, tolls, or other violations that occur after the sale. This is why getting the signed title to the DMV quickly matters, even though the new owner is the one who must register it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must sign the title in the exact location your state's DMV specifies, and the new owner must sign it too before either of you submits it.
  • A bill of sale (a simple document showing the sale price and date) is required by most states and protects both you and the buyer if questions arise later.
  • The new owner, not you, is responsible for registering the vehicle and getting new plates, but you should confirm they have done so within the deadline to avoid liability.
  • Transfer fees range from under $10 to over $100 depending on your state, and some states charge extra if the title has a lien on it.
  • If the title is lost, damaged, or has errors, you will need to get a corrected or duplicate title from the DMV before the transfer can happen.

Signing the title correctly

The title document itself is where the transfer happens. On the back of the title, there are signature lines for the seller (you) and the buyer (the new owner). You must sign in the exact spot your state's DMV shows, and the new owner must sign in their spot. Some states require both signatures to be notarized; others do not. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to know whether you need a notary before you sign.

Do not sign the title until you and the buyer are ready to complete the sale. Once you sign, the title is partially transferred, and some states will not let you undo it without getting a new title from the DMV. Print or write clearly, and use the name exactly as it appears on your driver's license. If your name on the title does not match your ID, the DMV may reject the transfer.

If there are two owners listed on the title (for example, a married couple), both must sign. If only one owner's signature is on the title and the other owner is not present, you will need a power of attorney document signed by the absent owner, notarized, before the transfer can go through.

Preparing a bill of sale

A bill of sale is a simple written record of the sale. It should include the sale price, the date of the sale, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model of the car, the seller's name and address, and the buyer's name and address. You can write this by hand on a plain piece of paper, or download a template from your state's DMV website.

The bill of sale protects both you and the buyer. If a problem arises later—for example, the buyer claims the car was sold for a different price, or a lien holder comes forward—the bill of sale is proof of what actually happened. Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized; most do not. Even if your state does not require it, creating one is a good idea.

Both the seller and buyer should sign and date the bill of sale. Each person should keep a copy. You do not submit the bill of sale to the DMV in most states, but you should have it ready in case the DMV asks for it or if a dispute arises later.

Submitting documents to the DMV

Once the title is signed by both parties, you submit it to your state's DMV along with the bill of sale and the transfer fee. Some states let the seller submit the documents; others require the buyer to do it. Check your state's DMV website to see who must submit and whether you can do it by mail, online, or only in person.

The documents you will need are the signed title, the bill of sale, and proof of the transfer fee payment. Some states also ask for a completed transfer form (often called an Application for Title Transfer or similar). Your state's DMV website will list exactly what to send and where to send it. If you are mailing documents, use certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Processing times vary. Most states take two to four weeks to record a title transfer by mail. If you submit in person, some DMV offices can process it the same day, though you may have to wait in line. Online submissions, where available, are usually processed within a few days.

Understanding transfer fees and taxes

Every state charges a fee to transfer a title. The amount varies widely—some states charge $5 to $15, while others charge $50 to $150 or more. A few states base the fee on the sale price of the vehicle. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee, or call the DMV directly.

Some states also charge sales tax on the transfer, calculated on the sale price listed on the bill of sale. Other states do not charge sales tax for used car sales between private parties. A few states charge tax only if the sale price is above a certain amount. The buyer is usually responsible for paying sales tax, but you should clarify this with the buyer before the sale to avoid confusion.

If the car has a lien on it (meaning a bank or lender still owns it), some states charge an extra fee to process the lien release. The lien holder must sign off on the title before the transfer can happen. Contact your lender to find out how to get their signature and whether there is an extra fee.

What happens after you submit the transfer

Once the DMV records the transfer, the title is officially in the new owner's name. However, you are not completely off the hook yet. The new owner must register the vehicle in their name within the deadline set by your state—usually 10 to 30 days. If they do not, you may still receive bills for registration, tolls, parking tickets, or other violations that occur after the sale date.

Before you hand over the car, ask the new owner to show you proof that they have registered it, or ask them to contact you once they have completed registration. Some states let you check online whether a vehicle has been registered in a new owner's name. If the deadline passes and the new owner has not registered the car, contact your state's DMV to report the sale and protect yourself from liability.

Keep a copy of the signed title, the bill of sale, and any DMV receipts for your records. If a problem arises months or years later—for example, someone claims you still own the car—these documents prove you transferred ownership properly.

Common problems and how to fix them

If the title is lost or damaged, you cannot transfer it as-is. You will need to get a duplicate or corrected title from the DMV before the transfer can happen. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some states let you request a duplicate title online; others require you to visit a DMV office in person.

If the title has errors—for example, your name is misspelled, or the VIN is wrong—the DMV will reject the transfer. You must get the title corrected before you can sign it over. Contact your state's DMV to find out how to request a corrected title.

If the buyer's name does not match their ID, or if they do not have a valid ID, the DMV may reject the registration on their end. This is not your problem to solve, but you should make sure the buyer knows they will need a valid ID to register the car. If the buyer cannot register the car because of ID issues, the transfer may stall, and you could remain liable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notarize the title signature?

It depends on your state. Some states require notarization; most do not. Check your state's DMV website or call the DMV to find out. If notarization is required, you can get it done at a bank, a notary public office, or sometimes at a UPS Store or similar location for a small fee (usually $5 to $15).

What if I already sold the car but forgot to transfer the title?

Contact the buyer and ask them to sign the title and submit it to the DMV as soon as possible. If you cannot reach the buyer, contact your state's DMV and explain the situation. Some states let you file a report of sale to protect yourself from liability for violations that occur after the sale date. Do this right away to avoid being held responsible for tickets or tolls.

Can I transfer the title if the car has a loan on it?

The lender (the bank or finance company) must release the lien before the title can be transferred. Contact your lender and ask how to get their signature on the title. Usually, the lender will sign the title and send it to you, or they will send it directly to the buyer. The transfer cannot be completed until the lien is released.

How long does it take for the new owner to register the car?

The new owner has a deadline set by your state—usually 10 to 30 days from the sale date. They should register the car at their local DMV office or online if your state offers it. Registration usually takes a few days to a few weeks. Ask the new owner to contact you once they have registered so you know the transfer is complete.

What if the new owner never registers the car?

If the deadline passes and the car is not registered, you may still be liable for violations. Contact your state's DMV and file a report of sale or a notice of transfer to protect yourself. Provide the buyer's name, address, and the date of sale. This creates an official record that you sold the car and are no longer responsible for it.