Where to get a car title depends on whether you bought the car, inherited it, or are replacing a lost one

A car title is a legal document proving you own the vehicle. The process to get one varies by state and by how you came to own the car. If you bought it from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the paperwork. If you bought it from a private seller, you'll handle it yourself at your state's motor vehicle department. If you inherited a car, you'll need the deceased owner's title plus a death certificate and possibly a will or court document. If your title is lost or damaged, you order a replacement from the same department that issued the original.

The motor vehicle department that issues titles goes by different names in different states — it might be called the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Secretary of State, the Department of Transportation, or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You can find your state's office by searching "[your state] motor vehicle department" or by visiting your state government's main website.

Key Takeaways

  • Buying from a dealer means the dealer files the paperwork with your state; buying from a private seller means you file it yourself at your motor vehicle department within a set important date, usually 10 to 30 days.
  • You will need the signed title from the seller, proof of ownership (like a bill of sale), proof of insurance, and a completed process form, which your motor vehicle department provides.
  • Inherited vehicles require the original title, a death certificate, and often a will or court document showing you are the legal heir.
  • Replacement titles for lost or damaged documents cost between $5 and $25 in most states and take one to two weeks by mail or can be obtained same-day in person.
  • Some states allow you to order a title by mail or online; others require you to visit in person, so check your state's rules before you go.

Buying a car from a dealer

When you buy from a licensed car dealer, the dealer is responsible for filing the title process with your state's motor vehicle department. You sign the paperwork at the dealership, and the dealer submits it. The dealer will give you a temporary registration document (sometimes called a temporary tag or dealer plate) that lets you drive the car while the title is being processed.

The title usually arrives in the mail within two to four weeks. The dealer will tell you when to expect it and may ask for your mailing address to confirm where it should be sent. If you don't receive it within the timeframe the dealer gave you, contact the dealership to check the status. The dealer has a financial incentive to complete this quickly because they cannot sell another car until the title work is done.

Buying a car from a private seller

When you buy from a private person, you must file the title process yourself at your state's motor vehicle department. This is your responsibility, and most states set a important date — usually 10 to 30 days after purchase — to file. Missing this important date can result in a fine or loss of your right to register the car.

You will need the original title signed by the seller, a bill of sale (a written record of the sale that includes the price, date, vehicle identification number, and both signatures), proof of insurance, and a completed process form. Your motor vehicle department provides the process form on its website or at the office. Some states also require a safety inspection or emissions test before you can title the car. Check your state's requirements before you visit.

Bring all documents to your motor vehicle department office in person, or mail them if your state allows it. Processing usually takes one to three weeks. You will receive a temporary registration to drive the car while the title is being processed. Once approved, the title will be mailed to you.

Inheriting a vehicle

To get a title for an inherited car, you need the original title from the deceased owner, an official death certificate, and proof that you are the legal heir. Proof of heirship can be a will, a court order from probate, or a letter from an estate executor. Some states also accept an affidavit of heirship if the estate is small or there is no will.

The exact documents required vary by state. Some states waive certain fees for inherited vehicles, and some allow the process to be faster if the estate is small. Contact your state's motor vehicle department before you visit to confirm what documents you need and whether you can file by mail or must come in person.

If the deceased owner's title is lost or damaged, you may need to order a replacement title in the deceased owner's name first, then transfer it to yourself. Your motor vehicle department can tell you whether this step is necessary in your state.

Replacing a lost or damaged title

If your title is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you can order a replacement from your state's motor vehicle department. You will need to prove you own the car — usually by providing your current registration, a bill of sale, or a notarized statement of ownership. Some states require you to report a lost title to the police first and bring the police report.

A replacement title costs between $5 and $25 in most states. You can order it by mail, online, or in person, depending on your state. By mail, it usually takes one to two weeks. In person at a motor vehicle office, you may be able to get it the same day or within a few days. Check your state's website to see which method is available and whether you need an appointment.

What to bring to your motor vehicle department

The documents you need depend on your situation, but most people need some combination of the following: the original title signed by the seller (for a purchase), a bill of sale, proof of insurance, a completed process form, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your current address (like a utility bill or lease). For an inherited vehicle, bring the death certificate and proof of heirship instead of a bill of sale.

Your state's motor vehicle department website lists the exact documents required for your situation. Many departments also let you read and fill out the process form before you visit, which speeds up the process. Some states require documents to be notarized; others do not. Check before you go so you don't make a wasted trip.

Timeline and fees

Processing time varies by state and method. In-person applications at a busy office might be processed the same day or within a few days. Mail-in applications usually take one to three weeks. Online applications, where available, are often faster — sometimes within a week.

Title fees range from $15 to $50 in most states, depending on the state and whether you are getting a new title or a replacement. Some states charge extra for rush processing or for certain types of vehicles. Check your state's motor vehicle department website for the exact fee and whether you can pay by check, card, or cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the title arrives?

Yes. When you buy from a dealer or file at the motor vehicle department, you receive a temporary registration document that lets you drive legally while the title is being processed. This temporary registration is usually valid for 30 to 90 days. Do not drive without it — you need proof of registration.

What if the seller won't sign the title?

The seller must sign the title for the transfer to be legal. If the seller refuses, you do not have a valid purchase. Do not give money until the title is signed. If you have already paid and the seller refuses to sign, contact your state's motor vehicle department or a local attorney for guidance on your options.

Do I need a bill of sale if I have the signed title?

The signed title is the most important document, but a bill of sale is also useful because it records the sale price, date, and both parties' signatures. Some states require it; others do not. It protects both you and the seller by creating a written record. Ask the seller to write one out or use a template from your state's motor vehicle department website.

How long does it take to get a title if I buy from a private seller?

Processing usually takes one to three weeks after you file at your motor vehicle department. The important date to file is typically 10 to 30 days after purchase, depending on your state. You can drive on the temporary registration during this time. Check your state's website for the exact timeline.

What happens if I don't file for a title within the important date?

Missing the important date can result in a fine, loss of registration, or loss of your right to title the car. Some states allow a grace period or let you file late with an explanation, but it is not may provide. File as soon as you have all the documents to avoid this problem.