What happens when you transfer a title
A title transfer moves ownership of a vehicle from one person to another in the eyes of your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The person selling the car signs the title document, the buyer signs it, and one of you submits it to the DMV along with a fee. The DMV then issues a new title in the buyer's name. Until that new title is issued, the seller remains the legal owner on record, which means they can be held responsible for parking tickets, tolls, or accidents involving that vehicle.
The exact process and documents required vary by state. Some states let you submit by mail; others require an in-person visit. Some charge a flat fee; others charge based on the vehicle's value. Some require a bill of sale; others do not. The title document itself also varies — some states print it on the back of the registration, others on a separate certificate.
This guide covers the general steps and what to expect at each stage. You will need to check your state's DMV website for the specific forms, fees, and rules that explore where you live.
Key Takeaways
- The seller must sign the title in the exact location your state's DMV specifies, and the buyer must sign it as well; signing in the wrong place can delay or reject the transfer.
- Most states require a bill of sale (a written record of the sale price and date), though some do not; check your state DMV website to see if one is required.
- The buyer or seller submits the signed title and other documents to the DMV, either by mail or in person, along with the transfer fee.
- The DMV processes the transfer and issues a new title in the buyer's name; this usually takes one to four weeks by mail, or same-day if submitted in person.
- Until the new title is issued, the seller remains the legal owner and can be held liable for the vehicle, so do not delay submitting the paperwork.
Before you sign the title: what to check
Before either party signs, verify that the information on the title is correct. Check the vehicle identification number (VIN), the current owner's name, the make and model of the car, and the odometer reading. If any of this information is wrong or missing, contact your DMV to correct it before the transfer. Signing a title with incorrect information can create problems for the new owner later.
If the title has been lost or damaged, the current owner must request a duplicate or replacement title from the DMV before the transfer can happen. This usually requires a separate form and fee. Do not attempt to transfer a vehicle using a photocopy or damaged title.
If there is a lien on the vehicle (meaning a bank or lender has a claim to it because of an outstanding loan), the lienholder's name will appear on the title. The lender must release the lien before the title can be transferred to a new owner. The seller should contact the lender to request a lien release, which the lender will send to the DMV or to the seller directly. This step must be completed before signing.
How to sign the title correctly
The seller signs the title in the section marked for the seller's signature. The exact location varies by state — some states have a specific line or box; others have a section at the bottom of the document. Sign your legal name exactly as it appears on the title. Do not use initials, nicknames, or a different spelling. If your name on the title is misspelled, do not sign it that way; contact the DMV first to correct it.
The buyer signs in the section marked for the buyer's signature, also using their legal name exactly as it appears on their identification. Some states require the buyer to sign in front of a notary public; others do not. Check your state's DMV website to see if notarization is required. If it is, both the seller and buyer may need to appear together before the notary, or each may sign separately depending on your state's rules.
Do not sign the title until you are ready to submit it to the DMV. Once signed, the title is considered executed, and some states will not accept it if there is a long delay between signing and submission.
Documents you will need to submit
| Document | Who provides it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Signed title | Seller and buyer | Must be signed by both parties in the correct locations for your state |
| Bill of sale | Seller (or both parties) | Required in most states; check your DMV website; includes sale price, date, and both parties' names and addresses |
| Odometer disclosure form | Seller | Required in most states for vehicles under a certain age; certifies the mileage at time of sale |
| Proof of identity | Buyer and seller (if submitting in person) | Driver's license, passport, or state ID |
| Proof of residency | Buyer (sometimes) | Required in some states; utility bill, lease, or bank statement with current address |
| Lien release | Lender (if applicable) | Only needed if there is an outstanding loan on the vehicle |
Your state's DMV website will list the exact documents required for your situation. Some states have a specific transfer form you must complete in addition to the title; others do not. read or request all forms from your DMV before you meet to sign, so you have them ready.
Submitting the transfer to the DMV
Once the title is signed and all documents are gathered, one party submits everything to the DMV. In most states, either the buyer or the seller can submit, but check your state's rules to be sure. Some states require the buyer to submit; others allow either party.
You can submit by mail or in person. Mailing takes longer — usually one to four weeks for the DMV to process and issue the new title — but you do not have to visit an office. In-person submission at a DMV office is usually faster; many states issue the new title same-day or within a few days. Include the transfer fee with your submission. Fees vary by state and sometimes by vehicle value; check your DMV website for the exact amount.
If submitting by mail, keep copies of everything you send and consider using certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof the DMV received your documents. If submitting in person, bring the original signed title, all required documents, proof of identity, and the transfer fee in the form your DMV accepts (cash, check, card, or online payment depending on the state).
What happens after you submit
The DMV processes the transfer and issues a new title in the buyer's name. During this time, the seller is still the legal owner on record. If the vehicle is involved in an accident, parked illegally, or used in a crime before the new title is issued, the seller can be held responsible. This is why it is important to submit the paperwork as soon as possible after signing.
The buyer should not register the vehicle or obtain new license plates until the new title arrives. Registering before the title transfer is complete can create confusion at the DMV and delay the process.
Once the new title arrives, it will be in the buyer's name. The buyer can then register the vehicle and obtain license plates if needed. Keep the new title in a safe place; you will need it if you ever sell the vehicle, refinance a loan, or file an insurance claim.
Special situations: what to do if circumstances change
If the seller dies before the title is transferred, the title must go through the seller's estate. The executor or administrator of the estate will need to sign the title on behalf of the deceased owner. This usually requires court documents proving their authority. The process takes longer and may require additional steps depending on your state's probate laws.
If the buyer backs out of the purchase after signing the title, the title cannot straightforward be unsigned. The buyer must sign a release or cancellation form, or both parties must submit a joint request to the DMV to cancel the transfer. Check your state's DMV website for the exact procedure.
If you discover an error on the title after it has been signed, contact the DMV when ready. Do not submit a title with errors; the DMV will reject it, and you will have to start over. Correcting errors before submission is faster than correcting them after rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the buyer and seller sign the title at different times?
This depends on your state. Some states allow the seller to sign first and the buyer to sign later; others require both signatures to be dated close together. Check your state's DMV website or call the DMV to confirm. If your state allows separate signing, make sure the title is stored safely between signatures and that you do not submit it until both parties have signed.
What if I lost the title and cannot find it?
The current owner must request a duplicate or replacement title from the DMV before any transfer can happen. This requires a separate process and fee. Once the replacement title arrives, the transfer process proceeds as normal. Do not attempt to transfer without a title document.
Do I need a bill of sale if I have a signed title?
Most states require a bill of sale in addition to the signed title, but some do not. A bill of sale is a written record of the sale price, date, and both parties' information. Check your state's DMV website to see if one is required. Even if not required, creating one is a good idea for both parties as proof of the transaction.
How long does it take to get the new title after I submit?
If you submit by mail, expect one to four weeks depending on your state's DMV processing time. If you submit in person at a DMV office, many states issue the new title same-day or within a few days. Contact your DMV to ask about current processing times, as these can vary.
What if the vehicle has a loan on it?
The lender must release the lien before the title can be transferred. The seller should contact the lender and request a lien release. The lender will send the release to the DMV or to the seller, who then includes it with the transfer documents. The transfer cannot be completed until the lien is released.