Where to get a car title depends on whether you're buying a used car, getting a new one from a dealer, or inheriting a vehicle
A car title is a legal document that proves you own the vehicle. The process to get one varies by state and by how you acquired the car. If you bought a used car from a private seller, the seller must sign over their title to you, and you submit it to your state's motor vehicle department. If you bought from a dealer, they typically handle the paperwork and send it to the state on your behalf. If you inherited a vehicle, you'll need the deceased owner's title plus a death certificate and possibly a probate document, depending on your state.
The motor vehicle department in your state is the only body that can issue a title. You cannot get one from a dealership, a bank, or an insurance company — they may help you with the paperwork, but the state issues the actual document.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's motor vehicle department is the only place that issues a car title, and you must explore in the state where you plan to register the vehicle.
- When buying from a private seller, you need the signed-over title from them, a bill of sale, and proof of insurance before you can submit to the state.
- Dealers usually submit title paperwork to the state for you, but you should confirm they have done so within 30 days of purchase.
- If you inherit a vehicle, bring the deceased owner's title, a death certificate, and any probate or succession documents your state requires to the motor vehicle department.
- Title processing times range from a few days to several weeks depending on your state and whether the process is complete.
Getting a title when you buy from a private seller
When you buy a used car from a private person, the seller must sign the back of their title and give it to you. The title will have a section labeled "Assignment of Title" or "Seller's Signature" — the seller fills in the date, signs, and prints their name. Some states also require the seller to provide a bill of sale, which is a straightforward written record of the sale that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and both signatures. You can find a bill of sale template on your state's motor vehicle website or use a generic one.
Once you have the signed title and bill of sale, gather proof of insurance for the vehicle. Most states require you to show proof of insurance before the motor vehicle department will process the title. Then take these documents to your state's motor vehicle department office in person, or mail them if your state allows it. Some states now accept online submissions through their portal. You will also need to pay a title transfer fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $50.
Do not drive the car on public roads before the title is transferred to your name. You need a temporary permit or registration from the dealer or seller to drive it legally. Ask the seller if they have a temporary registration document, or ask the motor vehicle department what temporary permit you can get while your title process is being processed.
Getting a title when you buy from a dealer
When you buy a new or used car from a licensed dealer, the dealer is responsible for submitting the title paperwork to your state's motor vehicle department. Before you leave the dealership, make sure you have a bill of sale or purchase agreement that shows the vehicle details, the price, and both signatures. The dealer will also give you a temporary registration or permit that lets you drive the car while the title is being processed.
The dealer sends the title process, the manufacturer's certificate of origin (for new cars) or the previous owner's title (for used cars), and proof of insurance to the motor vehicle department. This usually happens within a few days of purchase. You should receive your title in the mail within two to four weeks, though some states are faster. If you do not receive it within 30 days, contact the dealership to confirm they submitted the paperwork. If they did not, you will need to submit it yourself using the documents they gave you.
Some dealers charge a documentation fee or title fee as part of the sale. This is separate from the state's title transfer fee and is negotiable — you can ask the dealer to reduce or remove it before you sign the purchase agreement.
Getting a title when you inherit a vehicle
If you inherit a car from someone who has died, you will need the deceased owner's title, an official death certificate, and proof that you have the legal right to the vehicle. The documents you need depend on whether the vehicle was left to you in a will, passed to you by intestate succession (when there is no will), or held in a trust.
If the vehicle was in a will, bring the title, the death certificate, and a copy of the will to your state's motor vehicle department. Some states also require a probate document showing that the will has been admitted to probate or that you have been named executor. If there was no will, you may need a court document showing that you are the legal heir. If the vehicle was held in a trust, bring the title, the death certificate, and a copy of the trust document.
Call your state's motor vehicle department before you go in person to ask exactly which documents they need. Probate and succession rules vary widely by state, and bringing the wrong documents will delay the process. Some states allow you to transfer a title without probate if the vehicle's value is below a certain amount — ask about this option, as it can save time and money.
What to bring to the motor vehicle department
| Situation | Documents You Need | Additional Items |
|---|---|---|
| Buying from a private seller | Signed-over title from seller, bill of sale, proof of insurance | Government-issued ID, title transfer fee (typically $10–$50) |
| Buying from a dealer | Bill of sale or purchase agreement, proof of insurance | Government-issued ID, temporary registration from dealer |
| Inheriting a vehicle | Deceased owner's title, death certificate, probate or succession document (if required) | Government-issued ID, title transfer fee |
How long it takes to get a title
Processing time depends on your state and whether your process is complete. If you submit all required documents in person at a motor vehicle office, some states issue a title the same day or within a few days. If you mail your process, expect one to three weeks. States that process applications online may be faster, sometimes issuing a title within a week.
Incomplete applications delay the process. The most common reasons for rejection are a missing signature from the seller, missing proof of insurance, or a bill of sale that does not match the title. Before you submit, double-check that every signature line is filled in and that the VIN on all documents matches.
While your title is being processed, you can drive the vehicle using the temporary registration or permit. Once the state issues your title, it will be mailed to you. Some states send it to your address on file, and some send it to your lienholder (the bank or lender) if you financed the car. Check your paperwork to see where your title will be sent.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged title
If your title is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you can request a duplicate from your state's motor vehicle department. You will need to fill out an process for a duplicate or replacement title, provide your government-issued ID, and pay a replacement fee (usually $5 to $25). Some states allow you to request a duplicate online, by mail, or in person.
If your title was stolen, some states require you to file a police report and submit a copy with your process. Contact your state's motor vehicle department to ask what they need. Processing time for a duplicate title is usually faster than for a new title — often just a few days to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a car before I have the title in my hand?
Yes. When you buy from a dealer, they give you a temporary registration or permit that is valid while your title is being processed. When you buy from a private seller, ask the seller if they have a temporary permit, or contact your motor vehicle department to find out what temporary document you can get. You must have one of these to drive legally.
What if the seller will not sign the title?
Do not complete the purchase. A title must be signed over by the current owner, and without it you cannot legally own the vehicle. If the seller is unwilling to sign, they are not selling you the car. Walk away from the deal.
Do I need a notary to sign the title?
Most states do not require notarization for a private sale title transfer. However, some states require the seller's signature to be notarized, and a few require both signatures to be notarized. Check your state's motor vehicle website before you meet the seller so you know whether you need to visit a notary together.
What if I bought the car but the dealer has not submitted the title paperwork?
Contact the dealership and ask them to confirm they submitted the paperwork to the motor vehicle department. If they say they did, ask for the submission date and reference number. If they did not, ask them to do so when ready. If the dealer refuses or goes out of business, you can submit the paperwork yourself using the bill of sale and other documents they gave you.
Can I register the vehicle before I have the title?
No. You need the title or a temporary registration to register a vehicle. When you buy from a dealer, they provide the temporary registration. When you buy from a private seller, you may need to get a temporary permit from the motor vehicle department before you can register the car.