What you need to do to transfer a car title
A car title transfer means changing the name on the official ownership document at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The person giving the car signs the title, the person receiving it signs it, and you submit both signatures to the DMV along with a fee. The process takes two to six weeks in most states, though some offer faster processing if you go in person.
You cannot legally sell, gift, or trade a car without transferring the title. Keeping the old owner's name on the title creates liability — if the car is in an accident or gets a parking ticket after you own it, the registered owner may be held responsible. The new owner also cannot register the car with their insurance company or get license plates without a title in their name.
The exact steps and fees vary by state, but the core documents are the same everywhere: the signed title, proof of identity, and a completed process form. Some states require an inspection, odometer reading, or proof of sale price. A few states require both parties to appear in person; most allow mail-in transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Both the current owner and the new owner must sign the title in the spaces marked for transfer, and signatures must match the names on their government ID.
- You will need the original title document, a completed process form (the name varies by state), proof of identity for both parties, and the DMV fee, which ranges from $15 to $150 depending on your state.
- Most states allow you to mail in the signed title and process, but some require at least one party to appear in person at a DMV office.
- The new owner should not register the car or buy insurance until the title arrives in their name, because the DMV will reject registration applications that do not match the title holder.
Locate your state's title transfer form and fee
Each state's DMV publishes its own title transfer form and fee schedule on its website. Search "[your state] DMV title transfer" to find the official page. The form usually has a name like "process for Certificate of Title" or "Title Transfer Form," and it will list the exact fee for your state.
Some states charge a flat fee regardless of the car's value; others charge more for newer or more expensive vehicles. A few states charge different fees depending on whether you are transferring between family members or to an unrelated person. Write down the fee and the form name before you start, because you will need both when you submit.
While you are on your state's DMV website, check whether your state requires an in-person visit. Most states allow mail-in transfers, but some require the new owner to appear in person, and a few require both parties to be present. If an in-person visit is required, you will need to schedule an appointment or find out your local DMV's walk-in hours.
Gather the documents both parties need
The current owner needs the original title document (not a copy), a government-issued photo ID, and a signature. The new owner needs a government-issued photo ID and a signature. Both parties should check that their names on the ID match exactly how they will sign the title — if your ID says "Robert" but you sign "Bob," the DMV may reject the transfer.
You will also need the completed process form for your state and the transfer fee. Some states require additional documents: proof of a safety inspection, the odometer reading, a bill of sale showing the sale price, or proof of residency. Check your state's DMV website to see if any of these explore to you.
If the car has a lien (meaning a bank or lender owns it until a loan is paid off), the lienholder must sign the title or provide a separate release document. Contact the lender to ask what they need from you. Some lienholders will mail a release directly to the DMV; others require the owner to pick it up in person.
Complete and sign the title correctly
The title document has specific spaces for the current owner to sign and for the new owner to sign. The current owner signs in the "Seller" or "Current Owner" section. The new owner signs in the "Buyer" or "New Owner" section. Both signatures must be in blue or black ink and must match the names on their government IDs exactly.
Do not sign the title until you are ready to submit it to the DMV. Some states void a title if it sits unsigned for too long, and signing early can create problems if the sale falls through. If you make a mistake while signing, ask the DMV whether you can cross it out and initial it, or whether you need a new title document.
Print or write the odometer reading on the title if your state requires it. This is usually the number of miles on the car at the time of transfer. Some states ask for this on the title itself; others ask for it on the process form. Check your state's instructions to see where it goes.
Submit the signed title and process to your DMV
If your state allows mail-in transfers, send the original signed title, the completed process form, both parties' copies of their government ID (front and back), and the transfer fee to the address listed on your state's DMV website. Use certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof the DMV received it. Keep copies of everything you send.
If your state requires an in-person visit, bring the original signed title, the completed process form, both parties' government IDs, and the transfer fee to your local DMV office. Some offices require an appointment; others accept walk-ins during certain hours. Call ahead or check the website to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
The DMV will process the transfer and mail a new title to the new owner's address. This usually takes two to six weeks. During this time, the car is still registered to the current owner, so the current owner should not drive it or let it sit uninsured. The new owner should not register the car or buy insurance until the new title arrives.
What to do while you wait for the new title
After you submit the transfer, the DMV will send you a receipt or confirmation number. Keep this document — it proves you submitted the transfer if the DMV loses your paperwork or if there is a question about when the transfer was filed.
The new owner can contact the DMV to check the status of the transfer if more than six weeks have passed. Have the confirmation number and the vehicle identification number (VIN) ready when you call. If the DMV says the transfer is delayed, ask whether they need additional documents or whether there is a problem with the signatures.
If the new owner needs to drive the car before the title arrives, some states issue a temporary registration or a "title in transit" document that allows driving for a limited time. Ask the DMV whether this is available in your state and what you need to do to get it.
Common mistakes that delay or block transfers
Signatures that do not match the names on government IDs are the most common reason the DMV rejects a transfer. If your ID says "Mary Elizabeth Smith" but you sign "Mary Smith," the DMV will send the paperwork back. Sign exactly as your name appears on your ID, even if you normally use a nickname or middle initial.
Submitting a photocopy of the title instead of the original is another frequent mistake. The DMV needs the original document with the original signatures. A copy will be rejected, and you will have to request a replacement title from your state before you can try again.
Forgetting to include the transfer fee or including the wrong amount will delay processing. Double-check your state's fee schedule and include a check or money order for the exact amount. If you are mailing the transfer, do not send cash.
Leaving any required field blank on the process form or title will cause a rejection. Before you mail or submit the paperwork, go through the form line by line and make sure every field that says "required" or has an asterisk is filled in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title if the car has a loan on it?
Yes, but the lender (bank or credit union) must release the lien first. Contact your lender and ask what documents they need. Some lenders will send a lien release directly to the DMV; others require you to pick it up. You cannot complete the transfer until the lien is released.
What if the current owner is deceased?
The executor or administrator of the estate must sign the title. You will need a copy of the death certificate and proof that the person signing has legal authority to transfer the car (such as a court order or letter from the probate court). Contact your state's DMV to ask what documents they require.
Do both parties have to go to the DMV in person?
It depends on your state. Most states allow mail-in transfers if both parties sign the title. Some states require the new owner to appear in person. A few require both parties to be present. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out what applies to you.
How long does it take to get the new title?
Most states mail the new title within two to six weeks of receiving a complete process. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you submit in person. If more than six weeks have passed, contact the DMV with your confirmation number to check the status.
Can I register the car before the new title arrives?
No. The DMV will reject a registration process if the applicant's name does not match the title holder's name. Wait until the new title arrives before you register the car or buy insurance. Some states issue a temporary registration that allows driving while you wait for the title.