Top What is a Title Transfer?

No other vehicle document carries as much clout as your title. It serves as proof of vehicle ownership. When it comes time to transfer ownership you'll need the title, whether you're the buyer or seller, to legally close the deal. If you're the buyer, you'll then have 30 days to title the vehicle in your name. Otherwise, you'll be assessed a $20 late fee.

Title transfers occur when:

• Buying or selling

• Gifting or donating a vehicle

• Inheriting a vehicle

• Transferring to family

• Paying off a loan

• Making a name change

Top Selling a Vehicle

Before taping a "For Sale" sign to your car's rear window, order a vehicle history report. It will ease the selling process by guiding you on an honest asking price and put you in the mind of potential buyers. Visit our section on vehicle history reports for more insight.

After agreeing to a deal, here's what to do:

1. Sign your name on the title's "seller's signature" line and include the date where it says "date sold."
2. Include an odometer count if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
3. If there's room on the front of the title, enter the selling price. If not, you must create a Bill of Sale.
4. File a Release of Liability Statement.
5. Remove your license plates.

Top Buying a Vehicle

New Cars

Title transfers will be managed by the dealer.

If you're in the car market, save time and gas by shopping online.

Used Cars

Before considering a vehicle that matches your style or image, you should focus on finding one that meets your budget. And then once you settle on a car, you should explore all financial options before signing any papers. Also budget for insurance costs. Before deciding on a carrier, you can compare rates at our Insurance Center.

And don't forget to protect yourself by studying your chosen car's vehicle history report, before buying. Another caution: Especially when dealing with private sellers, make sure the owner signs off and hands you the actual vehicle title.

After purchasing, you can either title your car by mail or visiting your county assessor's office. Either way, you must include:

1. The car's title signed over to you.
2. A bill of sale, if there's no purchase price listed on the title.
3. An odometer disclosure statement, if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
4. A Vehicle Identification Number Certification.
5. A completed Power of Attorney form, if applying by mail.
6. A completed Title Application.
7. Payment for a 6% sales tax, $14 title fee, and, if applicable, $20 late filing fee.

If you opt for the mail option, you must send all fees and documents to your county assessor.

Top Removing a Lien

Though not mandatory, to remove a lien from your title after paying off your car loan, you must:

1. Have your lender sign-off on your title.
2. Bring the released title to your county assessor's office.
3. Pay a $14 title fee.

Top Transferring to Family

You can transfer your vehicle to the following family members:

• Brother or sister

• Grandparent

• Grandchild

• Spouse

• Parent

• Child

To complete the transfer, you must visit your county assessor's office and bring:

1. The car's title signed over to you.
2. A completed Sales Tax Exemption Certificate - Transfer Affidavit.
3. An odometer disclosure statement, if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
4. A Vehicle Identification Number Certification.
5. A completed Title Application.
6. Payment for a $14 title fee.

Top Gifting a Vehicle

If you're the recipient of a "gift vehicle", you must visit your county assessor's office and:

1. Bring the signed-off title.
2. Complete a "Gift" application (unavailable online).
3. Have, for identification purposes, your driver's license.
4. Pay a $14 title fee.

NOTE: While titling you'll also need to register the vehicle.

Top Donating a Vehicle

The choice is yours. You can donate to a wide variety of causes and charities. Many even offer free pick-up. Visit our car donation page for the full scoop.

To increase your chances of receiving a full tax credit on your vehicle, consider hiring the services of a tax attorney.

Top Inheriting a Vehicle

You have 30 days following the date of death to transfer the title. To help negotiate through the legal process, it's always a wise idea to consult with a probate attorney.

As the heir, you must bring the following to your local county assessor's office:

1. The signed-over title.
2. The death certificate.
3. Cash or check for a $14 title fee.

If the registration has expired, you will need to re-register the vehicle. Otherwise, the county assessor's office will automatically implement registration changes.

You will also need to have the vehicle insured. You can shop for rates at our Insurance Center.

Top Making Name Corrections

Changing a Name

1. Visit your county assessor's office.
2. Depending on the situation, bring in your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court document.
3. Have your driver's license.
4. Pay a $14 title fee.

Before applying for a name change on your title, consider obtaining a vital record if you have misplaced or lost your proof of name change (marriage certificate or court decree). For detailed information on this topic, visit our Changing Your Name section.

Deleting a Name

Visit, in person, your county assessor's office and adhere to the following steps:

1. All involved parties must sign the title.
2. If the names on the title are combined by "AND" all involved parties must attend together. But if the names are combined by "OR" only the person maintaining the title needs to come in and complete the process.
3. Pay a $14 title fee.

Adding a Name

Visit your county assessor's office and:

1. Bring in the title with added name.
2. Pay a $14 title fee and a $3 updated registration fee.

NOTE: Both parties do not have to be present when adding the name.

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