How to Change the Name on Your Car Title

What you need to do to change a car title into your name

The process starts with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the exact name and location vary by state. You will need the current title document, a completed process form (usually called an process for Title or Transfer of Ownership), proof of ownership, and a bill of sale or purchase agreement. Most states require you to submit these documents in person or by mail, along with a fee that typically ranges from $15 to $100 depending on your state.

The timeline matters: some states process title changes within two weeks, while others take six to eight weeks. During this period, you technically own the vehicle but do not yet have the new title in your name. This is why you should not delay — if you are financing the vehicle, the lender will not release funds until the title is in your name, and if you are buying from a private seller, you cannot legally register the vehicle in your name without it.

Key Takeaways

You must submit the current title, a completed transfer process, and proof of ownership to your state DMV, along with a processing fee.
The current title holder must sign the title document in the designated section, or the transfer will be rejected.
Processing times range from two to eight weeks depending on your state and whether you submit documents by mail or in person.
If the title is held by a lender or lienholder, they must release their claim before the title can be transferred to you.
Some states allow you to register and drive the vehicle while the title transfer is pending, but you cannot legally own it until the new title arrives.

Documents the current owner must sign

The title itself is the critical document. On the back or a designated section of the front, there is a space labeled "Signature of Seller" or "Signature of Previous Owner." The current owner must sign in blue or black ink — not pencil — and the signature must match the name printed on the title. If the name on the title does not match the person signing, the DMV will reject the transfer.

You will also need a bill of sale, which is a written record of the transaction. This document should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both the buyer and seller. Some states provide a specific bill of sale form; others accept any document that contains this information. A bill of sale protects both parties by creating a paper trail and is often required even in private sales between family members.

If the vehicle has a lienholder (a bank or finance company that holds the title as collateral for a loan), that lender must sign a release document called a lien release or payoff letter. The current owner cannot transfer the title until the lien is satisfied. You can ask the seller to contact their lender to request this document — it is usually free and takes a few days to arrive.

How to complete the DMV process form

Each state has its own process form, but they all ask for the same basic information: your name, address, driver's license number, the vehicle's VIN, the current owner's name, and the sale price. read the form from your state DMV website or pick one up in person at a DMV office. Some states allow you to fill it out online and print it; others require you to complete it by hand.

Common mistakes that delay processing include writing in pencil instead of pen, leaving fields blank, or providing a VIN that does not match the title. Double-check the VIN against the title document and the vehicle itself — it appears on the dashboard near the windshield and in the engine compartment. If the VIN on the title does not match the vehicle, do not proceed; this is a sign of a serious problem with the vehicle's history.

Some states require the process to be notarized, meaning a notary public must witness your signature and the seller's signature. If your state requires this, you can find a notary at a bank, UPS Store, or courthouse. Notarization typically costs $5 to $15 per signature.

Proof of ownership and identity documents

You will need to prove that you own the vehicle and that you are who you say you are. For ownership, the current title is usually sufficient. For identity, bring a valid driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some states also accept a military ID or tribal ID.

If you are buying the vehicle from someone else, you may also need to provide proof of the sale — the bill of sale serves this purpose. If you inherited the vehicle or received it as a gift, you may need additional documents such as a death certificate or a gift letter. Check your state DMV website for the specific requirements for your situation.

Where to submit your documents and what the fee covers

You can submit documents by mail or in person at your local DMV office. Mailing is slower but more convenient if you cannot take time off work; in-person submission is faster and allows you to ask questions if something is unclear. Some states also allow online submission through their DMV portal, though this is less common for title transfers.

The processing fee covers the cost of updating the state's vehicle registration database and issuing a new title document. This fee is separate from registration fees, which you will pay if you are registering the vehicle for the first time in your name. The total cost of changing a title into your name typically ranges from $15 to $100, but some states charge more if you are also registering the vehicle or if the title is being transferred between spouses.

When you submit your documents, ask for a receipt or confirmation number. Keep this receipt until you receive the new title in the mail. If you do not receive the new title within the timeframe your state provided, contact the DMV with your confirmation number to check the status.

What happens if the seller does not sign or cannot be found

If the current owner refuses to sign the title or cannot be located, you cannot legally transfer the title into your name. This is a serious problem that prevents you from owning the vehicle. If you have already paid for the vehicle, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit to recover your money, but this is expensive and time-consuming.

If the seller has died, you will need a death certificate and may need to go through probate court to transfer the title. If the seller is incarcerated or out of the country, they can sign the title and mail it to you, or in some cases sign it in front of a notary who can then mail it to you. Contact your state DMV to ask what options are available in your specific situation.

Changing a title after marriage, divorce, or name change

If you are changing the name on the title because you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name, the process is simpler than a full transfer. You will still need to submit an process form and proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The fee is usually lower than a standard transfer, often $10 to $30.

You do not need the signature of another person for a name change, only your own signature on the process. Processing times are typically faster for name changes than for transfers between different people, often two to four weeks. Some states allow you to handle this online or by mail without visiting an office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car while the title transfer is being processed?

This depends on your state. Some states allow you to drive with a temporary registration or a receipt showing you have submitted the transfer process. Others require you to wait for the new title before you can legally drive the vehicle. Check your state DMV website or call your local office to find out the rule in your state before you drive.

What if there is a lien on the title?

The lienholder must sign a release document before the title can be transferred. Ask the current owner to contact their lender and request a lien release. Once you receive this document, include it with your transfer process. The DMV will not process the transfer until the lien is released.

Do I need to notarize the title?

Some states require notarization; others do not. Check your state DMV website to see if notarization is required. If it is, you can get the title notarized at a bank, UPS Store, or courthouse for $5 to $15. Make sure the notary witnesses both the buyer's and seller's signatures.

How long does it take to receive the new title?

Processing times vary by state and range from two to eight weeks. In-person submissions are usually faster than mail submissions. Once processed, the new title is mailed to your address on file. If you do not receive it within the timeframe your state provided, contact the DMV with your confirmation number.

What if the VIN on the title does not match the vehicle?

Do not proceed with the transfer. A mismatched VIN is a red flag that the vehicle may have been stolen, salvaged, or involved in fraud. Contact the seller and ask them to clarify the discrepancy. If they cannot explain it, walk away from the purchase.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.