Related Questions from DMV Answers

• Where can I get an application for a temporary license plate?

  Probably because of the amount of paperwork that’s required (copies of title/registration documents, proof of identification, proof of residency, proof of vehicle identification number, fees, etc.), most states require owners to apply for temporary license plates (or temporary permits or temporary registrations, as some states call them) in person at the DMV or other state motor vehicle licensing agency. If this is the case for you, sweep through your state’s Web site and look to see if an temporary license plate application form is available online before heading out; it could save you some time.No matter what state you live in, when you purchase a new or used vehicle from a dealership your salesperson will start most of the registration-related paperwork for you and issue you a temporary license plate or equivalent; therefore, the grid doesn’t reflect the dealership option.Check your state in the grid below.
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• Where can I get a release of liability form?

  Not every state requires a specific release of liability form (see grid below) during a title transfer. If, however, you do reside in a state that requires this form, you can grab one from your local DMV office. Or, in some instances, download a copy from your state's DMV Web site. This form goes under many names. Arizona, for example, calls it a Sold Notice. California refers to it as a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. And Ohio names it a Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration form.Keep in mind that just because your state does not require a specific Release of Liability form, does not mean you're free from notifying your DMV office. In lieu of a specific form, many states substitute surrendering the vehicle's license plates as adequate notification. Others require a letter in writing. And some don't require any notification at all. The advantage of getting a release of liability on record is that should the new owner not properly file title transfer paperwork,...
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• If I bought a car out of state, what do I need to register my car in my home sta...

  At one point, drivers who needed new vehicles almost always made their purchase locally. Thanks in part to online auto Web sites, however, it's now becoming more common for people to travel out of state for their vehicle purchases. If that's your case, you may be asking, "What do I need to register my car?" Registering a vehicle purchased out of state is relatively similar to any other registration process. You'll typically need to have the following before you can register your vehicle: A completed vehicle registration application, which you can often download on your state's DMV Web site Proof of ownership in the form of the vehicle's original title, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or a registration certificate from a non-title state or country Proof of residency Proof of insurance Proof of a safety and/or emissions inspection, if required in your state of residence Demonstrating the proper payment of sales tax is where you might run into problems with your vehicle registr...
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• If a family member gives me a car, do I need a gift form to transfer ownership?

  It depends on your state. Check the grid below.Some states waive taxes for recipients of gifts, whether or not the relationship between the giver and receiver is a family one, and oftentimes these states require a gift form or affidavit to verify that the title transfer is a gift transaction. Keep in mind that if your state doesn’t list a gift form it doesn’t mean the recipient isn’t eligible for tax exemption or that there aren’t other special instructions in place for family or gift transfers. Be sure to contact your motor vehicle agency for more information about special instructions, as well as to find out about any tax deduction you can take advantage of if the gift counts as a car donation.
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• What needs to be on a bill of sale car form?

  In general, a Bill of Sale Form includes the date, the names and addresses of the buyer and the seller, and the make, model, year, and VIN (vehicle identification number) of the car.  Some states also require you to have the Bill of Sale Form signed in front of a notary public. States requiring a Bill of Sale Car form often have a link to a bill of sale form on the state car registration Web site. If your state does not, you can load one online or call the Department of Motor Vehicles or whatever agency handles car registrations in your state. Other states may not require a bill of sale, but creating your own will help you keep a record of this information.
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