What goes in each blank on a car title

A car title is a legal document that proves ownership. When you sell your car, you transfer that ownership to the buyer by filling in specific sections and signing in front of a notary public or authorized witness—requirements vary by state. The title itself has printed fields for the seller's name, the buyer's name, the sale price, the odometer reading, and your signature. Some states also require the buyer's signature on the title before it becomes valid.

The exact layout and required fields differ from state to state. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website lists what must be completed and in what order. Before you start writing, read or pick up the correct form for your state—using an old title or a form from another state can delay or invalidate the sale.

Most titles have a section marked "Seller" or "Previous Owner" and another marked "Buyer" or "New Owner." Print clearly in black or blue ink. Do not use pencil, marker, or correction fluid. If you make a mistake, stop and get a replacement title from your DMV rather than crossing out or using white-out.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV website shows the exact title form you need and which fields are required in your state.
  • Print clearly in black or blue ink only; do not use pencil, marker, or correction fluid, and do not cross out mistakes.
  • The odometer reading must match what the buyer sees on the dashboard at the time of sale, and some states require it to be notarized.
  • Both seller and buyer signatures are usually required, and many states require a notary public to witness at least the seller's signature.
  • Give the completed title to the buyer; they submit it to their DMV to register the car in their name.

Filling in the seller section step by step

Start with the section labeled for the seller or previous owner. Write your full legal name exactly as it appears on your driver's license. If the title is in two names (you and a spouse, or a co-owner), both names must appear on the title, and both of you must sign. Check your current title to see how your name is printed there, then copy it the same way.

Next, enter your current address. Use your home address, not a P.O. box. Some states also ask for a phone number or email; fill these in if the form has a line for them. Write your odometer reading in the field labeled "Odometer" or "Mileage." This number must match what appears on the car's dashboard at the moment of sale. Take a photo of the odometer before you meet the buyer so you have proof of the reading if a question comes up later.

Enter the sale price in the field marked "Sale Price" or "Amount Paid." Write the dollar amount in numbers and, if the form requires it, spell it out in words as well. Some states do not require the sale price, but including it protects both you and the buyer by creating a clear record of the transaction.

Getting the buyer's information on the title

The buyer section requires the new owner's full legal name, address, and sometimes phone number. You can fill this in before you meet the buyer if you have that information, or the buyer can fill it in themselves. Either way, the information must be accurate and match their driver's license. If the buyer is purchasing the car with someone else, both names go on the title, and both must sign.

Some states have a separate field for the buyer's signature on the title itself. Other states require the buyer to sign only when they register the car at the DMV. Check your state's DMV website or the title form itself to see whether the buyer needs to sign before you hand over the title. If they do, make sure this happens in front of a notary or authorized witness if your state requires it.

Understanding notary and witness requirements

Most states require at least the seller's signature to be notarized—that is, witnessed and certified by a notary public. Some states require both seller and buyer signatures to be notarized. A few states allow a DMV employee or other authorized official to witness the signature instead. Your state's DMV website lists which signatures need notarization and who can serve as a witness.

A notary public is available at banks, UPS stores, law offices, and some libraries. Bring your completed title, your driver's license, and the buyer's driver's license (if they are signing). The notary will watch you both sign, check your identification, and then stamp and sign the title themselves. This usually costs between $5 and $15. Do not sign the title before you meet the notary—they need to watch you sign.

If your state allows a DMV employee to witness instead, you can complete the title signing at the DMV office itself. Call ahead to confirm that this service is available and whether you need an appointment.

What to do if you make a mistake

If you write something incorrectly before the notary signs, stop and request a replacement title from your DMV. Do not cross out, erase, or use correction fluid. A title with alterations may be rejected by the buyer's DMV when they try to register the car, and you may be asked to provide a corrected version anyway.

Getting a replacement title usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on your state. You can often request one online through your DMV website, by mail, or in person. There is usually a small fee, typically $5 to $25. Plan ahead so mistakes do not delay the sale.

Handing over the title and what happens next

Once the title is completely filled out, signed, and notarized (if required), give the original to the buyer. Keep a copy for your records. The buyer then takes the title to their DMV office to register the car in their name. They will need the title, proof of insurance, and a completed registration process. The DMV will issue them a new title in their name and new registration plates or stickers.

Do not give the buyer a photocopy of the title—they need the original. If you lose the original after signing it, contact your DMV when ready to report it and request a replacement. This protects you if the buyer does not register the car and someone else tries to claim ownership later.

Common mistakes to avoid

Writing your name differently than it appears on your current title is one of the most common errors. The DMV will flag a mismatch and may ask for additional paperwork to prove you are the same person. Use your current title as a reference and copy your name exactly.

Leaving the odometer reading blank or entering an incorrect number can raise red flags about odometer fraud. Write the actual mileage clearly. If the car has over 99,999 miles, some older forms have a checkbox to indicate this; mark it if your form includes it.

Signing before a notary is present is another frequent mistake. The notary must watch you sign; a signature they did not witness is not valid. If you sign early, you may have to get a replacement title and sign again.

Forgetting to include the buyer's information is also common. Even if the buyer plans to fill in their own details later, confirm before you hand over the title that all required fields are complete. An incomplete title can delay registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell a car if the title is in two names?

Yes, but both owners must sign the title. If you and another person own the car jointly, you both need to be present when the title is signed and notarized. If one owner cannot be present, some states allow a power of attorney document to authorize one person to sign on behalf of the other; check your state's DMV website for this option.

What if I lost my title?

Contact your state's DMV and request a replacement title. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as your registration or insurance documents, and pay a replacement fee. Once you receive the new title, you can fill it out and sell the car normally. This process usually takes one to three weeks.

Do I need to sign the title in front of the buyer?

You need to sign in front of a notary public or authorized witness, not necessarily the buyer. However, many people arrange to meet the buyer at the notary's office so both parties can sign at the same time. This makes the process simpler and ensures both of you have a clear record of the transaction.

What happens if the buyer does not register the car?

If the buyer does not submit the title to their DMV, the car may remain registered in your name. You could receive bills for registration renewal or be held liable if the car is involved in an accident or traffic violation. Contact your DMV to report the sale and ask how to remove yourself from the registration. Some states allow you to file a notice of sale that protects you if the buyer does not register.

Can I fill out the title before I meet the buyer?

You can fill in your name, address, and the odometer reading ahead of time. Leave the buyer's information and signature blank until you have confirmed the sale. Do not sign until you are in front of a notary, and do not let the buyer sign until they are ready to take ownership of the car.