What is a Title Transfer?

Your car title is your definitive proof of ownership. Unlike your license or registration certificate, it does not need to be with you at all times while operating your vehicle. But you do need it when transferring ownership.

Unlike many other states, you won't be charged with a late fee if you don't title your vehicle within a specific time frame.

Some common title transfers include:

• Buying or selling a vehicle

• Gifting a vehicle

• Inheriting a vehicle

• Transferring to family

• Adding or deleting a name

• Paying off a loan

NOTE: Only vehicles 15 years old or newer need to be titled.

Selling a Vehicle

Ordering a vehicle history report will ease the selling process. Not only will it help in establishing a reasonable asking price, but it can be used to confirm a potential buyer's doubts about odometer readings, frame condition, repair history and more.

After agreeing to sell, adhere to the following steps:

1. Create a bill of sale, and include the buyer's name, your signature, date of sale, the vehicle's year, make and serial number, and the price.
2. If your vehicle is 15 years old or newer, sign the back of title showing the buyer's name and address, and also include the date of sale and vehicle's mileage.
3. Complete and sign an odometer statement (included in registration application) if the vehicle is nine years old or newer.
4. Complete the back of your registration form and include the buyer's name and address. Do not give this to the buyer.
5. Remove your plates.

Buying a Vehicle

New Cars

Dealer handles titling.

If you're still in the deciding stage, ease the search by shopping online.

Used Cars

Consider affordability over style, looking for a car that suits your budget. Before inking your name to a deal, you should explore all of your finance options. Be sure to include insurance costs into your finance plan. If you haven't decided on a carrier, you can compare rates at our Insurance Center.

And it's also wise to order a vehicle history report before agreeing to buy. This will protect you from any concealed defects.

When you're ready to buy, you must submit the following by mail or in person at any Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) location:

1. A completed Vermont Registration, Tax and Title Application.
2. The original certificate of title given to you by the seller.
3. An Odometer Disclosure Statement.
4. A Bill of Sale.
5. Payment for sales tax (6% of price you paid for the vehicle).
6. Payment for $31 title fee.

Mail to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• 120 State St.

• Montpelier, VT 05603-0001

Registration will coincide with titling. Visit our registration page for information on fees and more.

NOTE: After handing over payment DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT THE TITLE.

Removing a Lien

Your lienholder will mail you a release statement after you pay off your loan. You then must mail the following to the DMV:

1. Your lienholder's release statement.
2. Payment for $31.

Mail to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• 120 State St.

• Montpelier, VT 05603-0001

Transferring to Family

A family transfer can take place with:

• Grandparents

• Grand kids

• Spouse

• Parents

• Kids

If money is involved in the transfer you must pay sales tax.

Bring the following to any DMV location:

1. The reassigned title.
2. A completed Gift Tax Exemption Form, filled out by the person giving you the vehicle.
3. A completed Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title Application.
4. Payment for $31 title fee.

Gifting a Vehicle

Gift status will be voided if any money is exchanged or a lienholder is involved. Otherwise, you will be exempt from sales tax.

To complete the transfer, visit any DMV location with the following:

1. The reassigned title
2. A completed Gift Tax Exemption Form.
3. A completed Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title Application.
4. Payment for $31 title fee.

To save time it is advisable to register the vehicle while titling. You can find fees and requirements at our registration page.

Donating a Vehicle

Donating a vehicle frees you from the hassle of selling, while instilling a sense of fulfillment from aiding a cause or charity of your choice. Visit our car donation page for detailed information.

To help maximize your tax credit, consider the idea of consulting a tax attorney.

Inheriting a Vehicle

Consulting a probate attorney is advisable if you're unsure on how to negotiate through the inheriting process. There are different requirements for different scenarios, as explained below.

Vehicle Jointly Owned With Surviving Spouse

You must submit to any DMV location:

1. A copy of the death certificate.
2. If the death certificate does not identify the surviving spouse, you will need to complete a Surviving Spouse/Party to a Civil Union Statement.
3. Payment for $31 title fee.

Vehicle Titled Only to Owner or Jointly With Persons Other Than Spouse

No Will and No Probate

Bring the following to any DMV location:

1. A copy of the death certificate.
2. A letter from an attorney confirming that the deceased died without a will, stating that there is no estate to be probated, and dictating the name of the person to receive the vehicle. If the attorney is from out of state, he or she will also need to proffer proof that he or she is a legal member of the Bar.
3. The original title properly assigned with "Release of Liens" section completed, if applicable.
4. Payment for $31 title fee.

No Will With a Probate

Here's what you need to provide the DMV with:

1. A letter from the probate judge naming the executor of the estate.
2. The original title properly assigned with "Release of Liens" section completed, if applicable. Also section 1 needs to be completed by the executor and other owners, if they exist, transferring the vehicle to the new owner.
3. Payment for $31 title transfer fee.

Will With No Probate

Visit any DMV location with the following:

1. A copy of the death certificate.
2. A letter from an attorney confirming that the deceased died without a will, stating there is no estate to be probated, and dictating the name of the person to receive the vehicle. If the attorney is from out of state, he or she will need to proffer proof that he or she is a legal member of the Bar.
3. The original title properly assigned with "Release of Liens" section completed, if applicable.
4. Payment for $31 title fee.

Will With a Probate

Bring to any DMV location:

1. A letter from the probate judge naming the executor of the estate.
2. Original title properly assigned with "Release of Liens" section completed, if applicable. Also section 1 needs to be completed by the executor and other owners, if they exist, transferring the vehicle to the new owner.
3. Payment for $31 title fee.

For all situations, you will need to register the vehicle or vehicles. You can do this during the titling process.

And as the new owner, you must also buy insurance. If you're new to the insurance market, you can compare rates from a variety of carriers at our Insurance Center.

Making Name Corrections

Changing a Name

You must submit to the DMV:

1. A completed Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title Application.
2. A completed Legal Name Notice form.
3. Depending on your situation, documentation in the form of a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.
4. Payment for $31 title fee.

Before notifying the DMV of a name change, it's always a good idea to obtain a vital record in case there's any challenge to the validity of your documents. Our Changing Your Name page has all the details.

Deleting a Name

1. Both involved parties must sign off on the title. You then must list yourself, on the title, as the new buyer.
2. Complete a Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title Application.
3. Bring the title and application to any DMV location and pay $31 title fee.

Adding a Name

1. Sign-off as the seller and have the other person sign-on as the buyer
2. Complete a Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title Application.
3. Bring both documents to any DMV center and pay $31 title fee. Both parties do not have to be present, provided there are proper signatures on both documents.

Your Opinion Matters To Us!