Getting a title depends on whether you bought the car new, used, or inherited it
A car title is a legal document that proves you own the vehicle. The process to get one varies based on your situation. If you bought a car from a dealer, the dealer typically handles the title paperwork and sends it to your state's motor vehicle department on your behalf. If you bought from a private seller, you'll need to explore for the title yourself. If you inherited a car, you'll follow a different process that involves the estate or probate system.
The state where you register the car issues the title, not the federal government. Each state has its own motor vehicle department (called the DMV, Secretary of State, or similar) that processes title applications. You cannot legally drive or sell a car without having the title transferred into your name.
Key Takeaways
- Dealer sales usually result in the dealer filing your title paperwork, but you should confirm this in writing before you leave the lot.
- Private sales require you to explore for a title yourself within a set timeframe—usually 10 to 30 days depending on your state—using the bill of sale and the seller's signature on the back of their title.
- You will need to visit your state's motor vehicle department in person or by mail, bring proof of ownership and identity, and pay a title fee that ranges from $10 to $100 depending on the state.
- If you bought the car with a loan, the lender's name will appear on the title as a lienholder until you pay off the loan.
- Inherited vehicles require a death certificate and sometimes probate documents, and the process varies significantly by state.
What to do if you bought from a dealer
When you buy a car from a licensed dealer, the dealer is responsible for submitting your title process to the state motor vehicle department. Before you leave the lot, ask the dealer in writing (on your purchase agreement or a separate note) to confirm they will file the title and when you should expect to receive it. The dealer will submit the manufacturer's certificate of origin (a document that proves the car is new) or the previous owner's title along with your process.
You should receive your title in the mail within 2 to 8 weeks, depending on your state's processing time. During this waiting period, the dealer will give you a temporary registration document (sometimes called a temporary tag or dealer plate) that allows you to drive the car legally. Keep this document with you until your permanent title arrives. If you don't receive your title within the timeframe the dealer promised, contact the dealer's business office and ask them to check the status with the motor vehicle department.
What to do if you bought from a private seller
When you buy a car from a private individual, you must explore for the title yourself. The seller should sign the back of their title (the document they received when they bought the car) and give it to you along with a bill of sale. A bill of sale is a written record of the sale that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and both signatures. You can use a template from your state's motor vehicle department website or write one yourself on plain paper.
Take the signed title, the bill of sale, and your proof of identity to your state's motor vehicle department. Most states allow you to explore by mail, though some require an in-person visit. You will need to pay a title fee (typically $15 to $50) and possibly a registration fee. Your state will issue a new title with your name as the owner. The entire process usually takes 2 to 6 weeks by mail or same-day if you explore in person.
Check your state's motor vehicle department website for the exact important date to explore—most states require you to explore within 10 to 30 days of purchase. If you miss this important date, you may face a late fee or have to provide additional paperwork explaining the delay.
What happens if the car has a loan against it
When you finance a car purchase, the lender (bank, credit union, or finance company) holds a lien on the title. This means the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder, and you cannot sell the car or remove the lien until the loan is paid off. The title will say something like "Lienholder: [Bank Name]" in a specific section.
You own and drive the car normally while the lien is active. The lender does not take possession of the title—you keep it. Once you pay off the loan, the lender will sign a release document (sometimes called a lien release or satisfaction of lien) and send it to you. You then take this release to your motor vehicle department and request that the lien be removed from the title. The department will issue a new title with no lienholder listed, and you will own the car free and clear.
What to do if you inherited a car
If someone left you a car in their will or you inherited it through the probate process, the steps to get the title in your name depend on whether the estate went through probate court. If the estate was small enough to avoid probate (rules vary by state), you may only need a death certificate and a letter from the probate court or a notarized affidavit stating that you are the rightful heir. If the estate went through probate, you will need a court order or a certified copy of the will showing that the car was left to you.
Take these documents to your state's motor vehicle department along with the deceased person's title and your proof of identity. The department will issue a new title in your name. Some states waive the title fee for inherited vehicles, while others charge the standard fee. The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Documents you need to bring to the motor vehicle department
| Situation | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Dealer purchase | Dealer handles filing; you receive title by mail |
| Private sale | Signed title from seller, bill of sale, proof of identity, proof of residency (utility bill or lease) |
| Financed purchase | Same as private sale or dealer sale, plus lender's name will appear on title automatically |
| Inherited vehicle | Death certificate, court order or will, deceased owner's title, proof of identity |
| Out-of-state purchase | Previous owner's title, bill of sale, proof of identity, proof of residency in your new state |
Proof of residency usually means a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current address. Some states accept a driver's license as proof of both identity and residency. Check your state's motor vehicle department website for the exact list before you go, because requirements vary.
Title fees and processing times by state
Title fees range from $10 to $100 depending on your state. Most states charge between $15 and $50. Some states charge extra fees if the title is issued to multiple owners, if you request a duplicate title, or if you need expedited processing. Processing times also vary: some states issue titles within 2 weeks, while others take 6 to 8 weeks. A few states offer same-day or next-day service if you explore in person at a motor vehicle office.
Your state's motor vehicle department website will list the exact fee for your situation and the current processing time. If you need your title urgently (for example, to sell the car or refinance a loan), ask whether your state offers expedited processing and what it costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the car before I have the title?
Yes, but only with temporary registration. If you bought from a dealer, they give you a temporary tag or registration document. If you bought from a private seller, some states issue a temporary registration when you explore for the title. Check your state's rules—you cannot legally drive without some form of registration, even if the title is being processed.
What if the seller won't sign the title?
You cannot legally own the car without the seller's signature on the title. If the seller refuses to sign, do not complete the purchase. If you already paid and the seller is refusing to sign, contact your state's motor vehicle department or a local attorney—this is a civil matter that may require legal action to resolve.
What if the title is lost or damaged?
You can request a duplicate or replacement title from your state's motor vehicle department. Bring proof of identity and ownership (such as a registration document or insurance card) and pay the duplicate title fee, usually $10 to $30. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks by mail.
Do I need a title to register the car?
No. You can register a car while the title is being processed. Registration and title are separate documents—registration proves you have the right to drive the car on public roads, while the title proves you own it. You will need both to legally own and drive the vehicle.
What if I bought the car out of state?
You must transfer the title to your new state of residency within a set timeframe, usually 30 to 90 days after moving. Bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, proof of identity, and proof of your new residency to your new state's motor vehicle department. Your new state will issue a title in its format. Some states charge a transfer fee in addition to the title fee.