What you need to do to change a car title
Changing a car title means transferring ownership from one person to another, and it happens through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — not through the seller, the buyer, or a title company. The person selling the car signs the back of the title document, the buyer submits paperwork to the DMV with proof of purchase and identity, and the DMV issues a new title in the new owner's name. The exact forms, fees, and timeline vary by state, but the basic sequence is the same everywhere.
You cannot change a title online in most states, though some allow you to start the process online and finish it in person. You will need the original title document (or a duplicate if it is lost), a bill of sale or purchase agreement, proof of identity, and proof of your address. Some states also require an inspection or emissions test before the title can transfer.
Key Takeaways
- The seller must sign the back of the title document before handing it to the buyer; without this signature, the DMV will not process the transfer.
- You submit the signed title, a bill of sale, and proof of identity and address to your state's DMV in person, by mail, or through an online portal if your state offers one.
- Title transfer fees range from under $20 to over $100 depending on your state and whether you are also registering the vehicle.
- Processing time is typically one to four weeks by mail and same-day or next-day in person, though some states have longer backlogs.
- If the title is lost, you can request a duplicate from the DMV before transferring it, or some states allow you to transfer ownership using a bill of sale and an affidavit.
Steps to transfer a title when you buy a car
If you are the buyer, your first step is to get the signed title from the seller. Ask the seller to sign the back of the title in front of you before you hand over money. Do not accept a title that is already signed by someone else or left blank — the signature must be fresh and match the name on the front of the title.
Next, gather your documents: the signed title, a bill of sale (which you and the seller should both sign and date), your driver's license or state ID, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement usually works). Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because some states require additional documents like a safety inspection certificate or emissions test results.
Take these documents to your local DMV office, or mail them if your state allows it. Pay the title transfer fee — this is separate from registration fees if you are also registering the car. You will receive a receipt, and the DMV will mail the new title to you within the timeframe your state publishes (usually one to four weeks). Some states issue temporary registration while you wait for the title.
Steps to transfer a title when you sell a car
If you are the seller, your responsibility is to sign the title and provide it to the buyer. Sign the back of the title in the space marked for the seller's signature. Some titles have a separate odometer reading section — fill this in with the current mileage and sign there too. Do not sign anywhere else on the title, and do not leave any signature lines blank.
Provide the buyer with the original title document and a bill of sale. A bill of sale is a straightforward document that lists the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and both your signatures. You can use a form from your state's DMV website, a template from a legal website, or write one yourself — the format matters less than having proof that the sale happened and at what price.
Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records. Once the buyer takes the title to the DMV, your involvement is complete. You are no longer the registered owner, and you have no further obligation unless the buyer fails to register the vehicle and it is later involved in a crime or accident — in which case you may receive a notice and will need to contact the DMV to show you transferred ownership.
What to do if the title is lost or damaged
If you have lost the title or it is too damaged to read, contact your state's DMV and request a duplicate title or certified copy. You will need to provide your driver's license, proof of ownership (like a registration card or insurance document), and sometimes a small fee. The DMV will mail you a duplicate title that is legal for transfer.
Some states allow you to transfer a vehicle without the original title if you submit an affidavit of ownership — a sworn statement that you own the car and cannot locate the title. This is less common and usually requires notarization. Check your state's DMV website or call to learn whether this option is available to you.
If you are buying a car and the seller cannot produce the title, do not complete the purchase. A car without a clear title is difficult or impossible to register, and you may end up with a vehicle you cannot legally drive. Ask the seller to get a duplicate title before you hand over money.
Title transfers for inherited vehicles
If you inherit a car, the process depends on whether the previous owner left a will and whether the estate has gone through probate. In most cases, you will need a death certificate, proof of inheritance (like a will or court order), and the original title. Some states allow you to transfer an inherited title without probate if the estate is small enough, which varies by state.
Contact your state's DMV and ask what documents they need for an inherited vehicle. You may need to submit an affidavit stating that you are the legal heir, or you may need a letter from the probate court. Processing time is often longer for inherited titles because the DMV verifies the chain of ownership.
Title transfers between spouses or family members
Transferring a title to a spouse, parent, or child follows the same basic process as any other transfer: the current owner signs the title, you submit it with a bill of sale and proof of identity to the DMV, and you pay the transfer fee. Some states offer a reduced fee or waive the fee for transfers between spouses or when ready family members, so check your state's DMV website.
Even though you know the person and may not be selling the car for money, you still need a bill of sale. This protects both of you by creating a record of when the transfer happened and who owns the car now. If you are transferring the title as a gift, you can write "gift" or "$0" in the price field on the bill of sale.
Common mistakes that delay title transfers
The most common mistake is submitting a title with an unsigned signature line or a signature that does not match the name on the front of the title. The DMV will reject it and send it back, adding weeks to the process. Before you submit anything, check that every required signature is present and legible.
Another frequent error is forgetting to include a bill of sale or using a bill of sale that is not signed by both parties. The DMV needs this document to confirm the sale happened and to establish the new owner's right to the vehicle. A missing bill of sale will cause the DMV to return your paperwork.
Submitting the wrong form is also common. Each state has its own title transfer form, and using a form from another state will not work. Go to your state's DMV website and read the correct form before you fill anything out. Some states have different forms depending on whether you are transferring a title, registering a new vehicle, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new title after I buy a car?
If you submit your paperwork in person at the DMV, you may get a temporary registration the same day and the title by mail within one to four weeks. If you mail your paperwork, add one to two weeks for postal delivery, so expect four to six weeks total. Some states have longer backlogs, especially after the DMV reopens following closures.
Do I need a bill of sale if I have the signed title?
Yes. The DMV requires both the signed title and a bill of sale. The bill of sale documents the sale price and the date, and it protects both buyer and seller by creating a record of the transaction. You can use a state form or write one yourself.
What if the seller's name on the title does not match their ID?
Contact the DMV before you complete the purchase. The seller may need to get a corrected title first, which requires proof of a legal name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.). Do not accept a title with a name mismatch, because the DMV will reject it when you try to transfer it.
Can I transfer a title if the car has a lien on it?
Not until the lien is paid off. A lien means a bank or lender owns the car until the loan is repaid. The lender must sign off on the title transfer, and they will only do so once the loan is paid in full. Ask the seller to pay off the lien before the sale closes, or arrange for the sale proceeds to go directly to the lender.
What happens if I buy a car and never transfer the title?
You will not be the legal owner, and you cannot register the vehicle in your name. If the car is in an accident or involved in a crime, the original owner may be held liable. You also cannot sell the car or use it as collateral for a loan. Transfer the title as soon as possible after purchase.