How to Get a Title for Your Car

Getting a title depends on whether you're buying a car, inheriting one, or replacing a lost document

The path to getting a car title varies by your situation. If you're buying from a dealer, they usually handle the title transfer and send it to your state's motor vehicle department on your behalf. If you're buying from a private seller, you'll need to complete a bill of sale, get the seller's signature on the title, and submit both documents to your state's DMV or equivalent agency. If you've inherited a vehicle or lost your title, you'll file a separate form with your state and pay a replacement fee.

The specific forms, fees, and timelines differ by state. Some states process titles in two weeks; others take six to eight weeks. Some charge $15 for a replacement title; others charge $50 or more. Your state's motor vehicle department website lists the exact forms you need, the current fee, and how long processing takes.

Key Takeaways

Buying from a dealer means the dealer files the paperwork; buying from a private seller means you file a bill of sale and the seller's signed title with your DMV.
You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN), proof of ownership, and proof of your identity to get or transfer a title.
Replacement titles cost between $15 and $50 depending on your state and take two to eight weeks to arrive.
Your state's motor vehicle department website has the exact form, fee schedule, and processing time for your situation.

Getting a title when you buy from a dealer

When you buy a car from a licensed dealer, the dealer is responsible for submitting the title paperwork to your state's motor vehicle department. 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 permanent title is being processed. You do not file anything yourself in this scenario.

The dealer will ask you for your driver's license, proof of insurance, and the purchase agreement. They send these documents plus the manufacturer's certificate of origin (a document that proves the car is new or has never been titled before) to your state's DMV. Your permanent title arrives at the address you provided, usually within two to six weeks. If it does not arrive within the timeframe your state publishes, contact the dealer's business office to confirm they filed it.

Getting a title when you buy from a private seller

When you buy from a private seller, you must file the paperwork yourself. The seller signs over their title to you, and you submit that signed title plus a bill of sale to your state's motor vehicle department. Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized; others do not. Check your state's DMV website to see whether notarization is required before you meet the seller.

Bring the seller's signed title, your completed bill of sale, your driver's license, and proof of insurance to your local DMV office or submit them by mail. Include the title transfer fee, which ranges from $10 to $50 depending on your state. Your new title will be mailed to you within two to eight weeks. If the seller cannot find their title, you can still buy the car, but you will need to file for a duplicate title on the seller's behalf or ask them to do it first — your state's DMV can tell you which approach is allowed.

Replacing a lost or damaged title

If you own a car but have lost the title or it is damaged, you can request a duplicate from your state's motor vehicle department. You will need your driver's license, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of ownership — usually your current registration or insurance card. Some states also require a notarized affidavit stating that the title is lost.

Submit the replacement title form and fee to your DMV by mail or in person. The fee is typically $15 to $50. Processing takes two to eight weeks depending on your state. If you need to sell or transfer the car before the replacement arrives, contact your DMV to ask whether you can use a temporary document or whether the buyer can file for a title in their name while your replacement is pending.

What information and documents you need

Every state requires the vehicle identification number (VIN) to process a title. The VIN is a 17-character code found on the driver's side dashboard, the door jamb, or your current registration. You will also need a government-issued photo ID — your driver's license is the standard choice.

For a new title transfer, you need proof of ownership (the seller's signed title or your current registration) and proof of insurance. For a replacement title, you need proof that you own the car, which can be your current registration, insurance card, or a loan document showing you as the owner. Some states require a notarized statement if the title is lost. Your state's DMV website lists exactly what documents to bring or mail.

Title fees and processing times by state

Title fees and processing times vary significantly. Some states charge $15 for a replacement title and process it in two weeks; others charge $50 and take eight weeks. A few states charge different fees depending on whether the title is new, transferred, or replaced. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

The fastest way to find your state's exact fee and timeline is to visit your state's motor vehicle department website and search for "title transfer" or "replacement title." The website will show the form you need, the current fee, and the expected processing time. If your state's website does not list processing times, call the DMV directly — they can tell you how long titles are currently taking and whether there are any delays.

What happens if you drive without a title

Driving a car without a title in your name is not illegal, but you cannot legally sell it, trade it in, or register it in your name without one. If you are pulled over, the officer will check your registration and insurance — not your title. However, if you are in an accident and the other party's insurance company investigates, they will ask for proof of ownership, which is your title. Without it, you may have difficulty proving you own the car.

If you bought a car and the dealer or seller has not filed the title yet, you can drive on the temporary registration they gave you. If you have owned a car for years and never received a title, you can request a replacement from your state's DMV. If you are buying a car and the seller cannot produce a title, do not complete the purchase until you have confirmed with your state's DMV that a replacement can be issued and what proof the seller will need to provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a title after buying a car?

Processing time depends on your state and ranges from two to eight weeks. Dealers and private sellers both submit to the same DMV queue, so the timeline is the same either way. Your state's motor vehicle department website lists the current processing time. If your title does not arrive within that window, contact the dealer or seller to confirm they filed the paperwork.

Can I register my car before the title arrives?

Yes. Dealers give you a temporary registration document that lets you drive legally while the title is being processed. If you bought from a private seller, ask your DMV whether you can register the car with a bill of sale while the title transfer is pending. Some states allow this; others require you to wait for the title.

What if the seller's name is spelled wrong on the title?

If the name on the title does not match the seller's driver's license, the DMV will likely reject the transfer. Ask the seller to get a corrected title from their state's DMV before you complete the purchase. This usually takes two to four weeks, so plan ahead if you are on a timeline.

Do I need a notary to transfer a title?

Some states require the seller's signature on the title to be notarized; most do not. Check your state's DMV website before you meet the seller. If notarization is required and the seller's signature is not notarized, the DMV will reject your transfer and you will have to resubmit.

What if I bought a car but the seller never had a title?

You can still get a title, but the process is longer. Your state's DMV can issue a title based on the bill of sale and proof of purchase, though some states require additional documentation like a mechanic's inspection or a statement from the seller. Contact your DMV to ask what documents they need before you proceed with the purchase.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.