The basic steps for transferring a car title

To transfer a car title, you complete a form specific to your state, sign it in front of a notary or witness (depending on state rules), and submit it to your state's motor vehicle department along with the signed title document itself. The buyer also signs the title, and you both may need to provide identification. Most states charge a small fee—typically $15 to $50—and processing takes one to four weeks by mail, or same-day if you go in person.

The exact form name and process varies by state. Some states use a "Bill of Sale" form in addition to the title; others require it instead of a separate form. A few states let you start the transfer online, but you'll still mail in the physical title document. The key is that your state's motor vehicle department has the final say on what documents they need and how they want them signed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must sign the title in the presence of a notary or witness, depending on your state's rules, before mailing it to the motor vehicle department.
  • The buyer also signs the title, and both of you may need to provide a copy of your driver's license or state ID.
  • Most states require a Bill of Sale form in addition to the title, though some accept the title alone.
  • Processing by mail takes one to four weeks; in-person submission at your local motor vehicle office is usually same-day.
  • Your state's motor vehicle department website lists the exact form, fee amount, and signature requirements for your situation.

What documents you need to gather

Start with the original title document—not a copy. If you've lost it, you'll need to request a duplicate from your state's motor vehicle department before you can transfer it. You'll also need the Bill of Sale form for your state, which documents the sale price and date. Some states provide this form on their motor vehicle website; others accept any written agreement between you and the buyer that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, date, and both signatures.

Gather copies of your driver's license or state ID and ask the buyer for a copy of theirs. Some states require these; others don't. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see whether notarization or a witness signature is required—this determines whether you can mail the documents or must appear in person. If notarization is required, you'll need to visit a notary public (banks, libraries, and UPS stores often offer this service for $5 to $15) before mailing anything.

Signing the title correctly

The title has specific signature lines for the seller (you) and the buyer. Sign only your line—do not sign the buyer's section. Your signature must match the name printed on the title exactly. If your name on the title is misspelled or different from your current ID, contact your state's motor vehicle department before signing; they may require a corrected title first.

The buyer signs their section after you do. If the buyer is not present when you sign, you can mail them the signed title and they can sign it and return it to you, or they can sign it when they submit it to the motor vehicle department. Some states allow the buyer to sign at the motor vehicle office instead of beforehand. Ask your state's motor vehicle department which approach they accept.

Notarization and witness requirements by state

About half of U.S. states require a notary public to witness your signature on the title; the other half accept a witness signature or require neither. A few states require both the seller and buyer to appear before a notary together. Your state's motor vehicle website will specify which applies to you.

If your state requires notarization, visit a notary public with your unsigned title and ID. The notary will watch you sign and then stamp and sign the document. If your state accepts a witness instead, any adult can serve as a witness—they do not need to be a notary. They straightforward watch you sign and then sign the "witness" line themselves. Do not have the buyer serve as the witness; most states do not accept that.

Where to submit the title and what happens next

You can submit the signed title by mail to your state's motor vehicle department, or in person at a local office. Mailing is slower—typically one to four weeks—but you can do it from home. In-person submission at your local motor vehicle office is usually same-day, though you may wait in line. Include the completed Bill of Sale form, the signed title, copies of both IDs, and the transfer fee (check your state's website for the exact amount and whether they accept check, money order, or credit card).

After submission, the motor vehicle department updates their records to show the buyer as the new owner. The buyer will receive a new title document in the mail, usually within two to four weeks. During this time, the vehicle is in transition—the buyer should not drive it on public roads until they receive their new title and registration. If the buyer needs to drive the vehicle before the new title arrives, they may need a temporary registration or bill of sale as proof of ownership; ask your state's motor vehicle department what document they accept.

Common mistakes that delay the transfer

The most frequent error is signing the buyer's section of the title instead of only your own. Once you do this, the title is invalid and you'll need to request a duplicate. Another common mistake is submitting a photocopy of the title instead of the original—motor vehicle departments will not accept it and will return your paperwork.

Mismatched signatures also cause delays. Your signature must match your ID and the name printed on the title. If you sign differently than your ID shows, the motor vehicle department may reject the transfer and ask you to resubmit. Forgetting to include the Bill of Sale form (if your state requires it) or the transfer fee will also send your paperwork back. Before mailing, double-check your state's motor vehicle website for the exact list of required documents and fees.

What to do if the title is lost or damaged

If the title is lost, water-damaged, or illegible, you cannot transfer it as-is. Contact your state's motor vehicle department and request a duplicate title or replacement title. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks by mail. You'll need to provide your driver's license, proof of ownership (such as a registration card or insurance document), and sometimes a notarized statement explaining that the title is lost. Once you receive the duplicate, you can proceed with the transfer using the steps above.

If the title has a lien on it—meaning a lender or bank holds a security interest—the lienholder must sign off before you can transfer it. Contact the lienholder (usually listed on the title) and ask them to release the lien. They will send you a lien release document, which you submit along with the title. Do not attempt to transfer a title with an active lien; the motor vehicle department will reject it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the buyer is not present?

Yes. You sign your section of the title, and the buyer signs theirs separately. The buyer can sign before you mail the title to the motor vehicle department, or they can sign it when they submit it to the motor vehicle office themselves. Some states allow the buyer to sign at the motor vehicle office on the day they register the vehicle. Check your state's rules to see which option is allowed.

What if I sold the car but the buyer hasn't transferred the title yet?

You are still listed as the owner until the motor vehicle department receives the signed title and updates their records. If the buyer does not transfer the title, you remain responsible for registration, taxes, and any traffic violations or accidents involving the vehicle. Contact the buyer and ask them to submit the title when ready. If they refuse, contact your state's motor vehicle department about filing a report of sale, which may limit your liability.

Do I need a Bill of Sale if I'm transferring the title?

Most states require a Bill of Sale in addition to the signed title, but some accept the title alone. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see what documents are required. A Bill of Sale protects both you and the buyer by documenting the sale price, date, and vehicle details in writing.

How long does it take to transfer a title?

By mail, expect one to four weeks from the date the motor vehicle department receives your paperwork. In-person submission at a local motor vehicle office is usually same-day, though you may wait in line. The buyer receives their new title in the mail within two to four weeks after that.

What if I made a mistake on the title?

If you signed the wrong section or made an error, contact your state's motor vehicle department when ready. You may need to request a duplicate title and start over. Do not attempt to cross out or correct the title yourself; the motor vehicle department will not accept it.