What you need to do to change a car title

A car title change happens when ownership of a vehicle transfers from one person to another. The process requires you to submit paperwork to your state's motor vehicle department — usually the DMV or Secretary of State — along with proof that the sale or transfer took place. Most states require both the seller and buyer to sign the title document itself, and some require notarization. The exact steps and fees vary by state, but the basic sequence is the same: complete the title form, gather supporting documents, submit everything to the motor vehicle office, and wait for the new title to arrive in the mail.

You cannot legally drive or register a vehicle under a new owner's name until the title has been officially transferred. Delaying this step leaves both the old and new owner at risk — the seller remains legally responsible for the vehicle, and the buyer has no proof of ownership if something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • Both the seller and buyer must sign the title document, and many states require a notary to witness the signatures.
  • You will need the original title, a bill of sale, proof of identification, and sometimes a vehicle inspection report, depending on your state.
  • Submit your completed paperwork to your state's motor vehicle department in person, by mail, or online if your state offers that option.
  • Processing times range from a few days to several weeks, and you should not register the vehicle under the new owner's name until the title transfer is complete.
  • If the title is lost, damaged, or held by a lender, you will need to follow a separate process to obtain a duplicate or release before you can transfer ownership.

Documents you need to gather before you start

The original title document is the foundation of any title transfer. If you are the seller, you must have this in hand before the buyer can take ownership. If the title is lost or damaged, contact your state's motor vehicle department to request a duplicate — this usually takes one to two weeks and costs a small fee.

A bill of sale is a written record of the transaction that shows the sale price, date, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the names and signatures of both parties. Many states do not legally require a bill of sale, but it protects both buyer and seller by creating a paper trail. You can read a template from your state's motor vehicle website or use a generic form available online.

You will also need a valid government-issued ID for both the buyer and seller. Some states require proof of residency — a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days. If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender holds the title), the lender must sign off on the transfer or provide a lien release document before the new owner can take full ownership.

A few states require a vehicle inspection or emissions test before the title can be transferred, particularly if the vehicle is being registered in a new county or state. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see whether this applies to your situation.

How to complete the title form in your state

The title document itself is a multi-part form provided by your state. The seller fills in their section, which typically includes their name, address, and signature. The buyer then fills in their section with their name, address, and signature. Some states print separate buyer and seller sections on the same document; others use a form called an "assignment of title" that the seller completes.

Read the instructions on the back of the title carefully — states have different rules about where signatures go and whether they must be notarized. Many states require both signatures to be witnessed and notarized by a notary public. If notarization is required, you can find a notary at a bank, UPS Store, or courthouse, usually for a small fee. Do not sign the title until you are in front of the notary, as some states will reject a title with signatures that were not notarized in their presence.

Fill in the odometer reading if your state requires it — this is typically the mileage at the time of sale. Double-check that the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the vehicle itself (you will find it on the dashboard and in the engine compartment). A mismatch will delay or block the transfer.

Where to submit your paperwork

Most states allow you to submit title transfer paperwork in person at a local DMV or motor vehicle office, by mail to the state motor vehicle department, or online through the state's website. Submitting in person is usually the fastest route because staff can catch errors when ready and process your paperwork the same day.

If you choose to mail your documents, send them to the address listed on your state's motor vehicle website. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and a brief description of what you are submitting. Keep copies of everything you send. Mail processing typically takes two to four weeks, though some states are slower.

A growing number of states now offer online title transfers through their motor vehicle portals. This option is usually available only if neither party has a lien on the vehicle and both parties can sign electronically. Check your state's website to see whether online transfer is available in your situation.

Along with the completed title form and bill of sale, include the filing fee. This fee varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $50. Some states charge different fees depending on whether you are transferring a title in-state or out-of-state, or whether the vehicle is new or used.

What happens after you submit the paperwork

Once the motor vehicle department receives your paperwork, they will review it for completeness and accuracy. If everything is in order, they will process the transfer and mail a new title to the new owner at the address provided. This process typically takes one to three weeks, though some states take longer during busy periods.

The new owner should not register the vehicle or obtain license plates until the new title arrives. Registering before the title transfer is complete can create confusion and delays. Once the new title arrives, the new owner can then register the vehicle and obtain plates.

If the motor vehicle department finds an error or missing information, they will contact you — usually by mail or phone. Common issues include a missing signature, a notarization problem, or a mismatch between the VIN on the title and the vehicle. Respond promptly to any requests for corrections, as delays can extend the processing time to several months.

Special situations: liens, out-of-state transfers, and lost titles

If the vehicle has a lien, the lender's name appears on the title. The lender must either sign off on the transfer or provide a lien release document before the new owner can take ownership. Contact the lender directly to request the lien release — this usually takes a few business days. Some lenders will mail the release directly to the motor vehicle department, which can speed up the process.

If you are transferring a title out of state, the process is similar but may have additional requirements. Some states require an out-of-state inspection or emissions test before they will issue a new title. The new owner will need to register the vehicle in their home state within a set timeframe (usually 30 to 90 days) or face penalties. Check the motor vehicle website in the state where the vehicle is being registered for specific requirements.

If the title is lost or severely damaged, the seller must request a duplicate from the state motor vehicle department before the transfer can happen. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. Some states allow you to request a duplicate and transfer the title in the same transaction, which can save time.

Common mistakes that delay or block title transfers

The most common error is an incomplete or incorrect signature. Both the buyer and seller must sign in the exact places specified on the form, and if notarization is required, both signatures must be notarized. A signature in the wrong place or a missing notarization will send the paperwork back to you.

A mismatch between the VIN on the title and the VIN on the vehicle is another frequent problem. Before you submit anything, verify that the 17-character VIN on the title matches the VIN on the dashboard and in the engine compartment. If there is a discrepancy, contact the motor vehicle department before submitting — they may require a vehicle inspection to confirm the correct VIN.

Submitting the paperwork without the correct filing fee or without proof of identification will also cause delays. Check your state's website to confirm the exact fee and what documents are required, then include everything in one package. If you are mailing your paperwork, include a copy of your ID even if it is not technically required — it helps staff process your request faster.

Attempting to register or insure the vehicle before the title transfer is complete is another common mistake. Wait until the new title arrives before you register the vehicle or obtain insurance in the new owner's name. Registering early can create duplicate records and slow down the title transfer process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new title after I submit the paperwork?

Processing times vary by state. In-person submissions at a DMV office usually take one to three business days, while mail submissions typically take two to four weeks. Some states are slower during busy periods. Check your state's motor vehicle website for current processing times.

Can I drive the vehicle before the new title arrives?

No. You cannot legally drive or register a vehicle under a new owner's name until the title transfer is complete and the new title has been issued. Driving without a valid title in your name can result in fines or vehicle impoundment.

What if the seller refuses to sign the title?

If you have purchased a vehicle and the seller will not sign the title, you do not legally own the vehicle. Contact your state's motor vehicle department or a local attorney for guidance. Some states have processes for resolving title disputes, but they can be lengthy and costly.

Do I need a bill of sale if my state does not require one?

While not legally required in most states, a bill of sale protects both buyer and seller by creating a written record of the transaction. It is inexpensive to create and can prevent disputes later, so it is worth doing even if your state does not mandate it.

What do I do if I lose the title after I buy the vehicle?

Contact your state's motor vehicle department and request a duplicate title. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a registration or insurance document in your name.