Transfer a car title, done right.
Buying, selling, gifting, inheriting—a title transfer makes it official. Plain-English steps for every situation, plus your state's exact forms, fees, and deadlines.
Find your situation ↓ Your state's steps ↓Buying a vehicle
From a dealer, the dealership usually files the title work for you—confirm it before you leave the lot. From a private seller, you'll typically need the signed-over title, a bill of sale, an odometer disclosure (for most vehicles), and payment for title fees and taxes. File promptly: most states charge late-transfer penalties after 10–30 days.
Selling a vehicle
Sign the title exactly as your name appears on it, complete the odometer disclosure if required, and give the buyer a bill of sale. In many states you must also file a notice of transfer/release of liability—it protects you from tickets and liability after the sale. Never leave the buyer section blank ("open title").
Gifting a vehicle
A gift is still a title transfer—same paperwork, usually with "gift" listed as the sale price context. Many states reduce or waive sales/use tax for gifts between immediate family members, but you often need a gift affidavit or family-transfer form to qualify.
Inherited a vehicle
What you need depends on how the estate was settled: with a will in probate, the executor signs with court documents; small estates can often use an affidavit of heirship instead. Expect to provide a death certificate. Your state's page has the specific forms.
Moved to a new state
You'll convert (retitle) your out-of-state title, usually alongside registering the vehicle. Most states require this within 10–60 days of establishing residency, and many require a VIN inspection or verification for vehicles titled elsewhere.
Lost or damaged title
You can't transfer what you can't sign—order a duplicate title from your state first (small fee, often available online). Selling? Start the duplicate early; processing can take weeks in some states.
Lien on the title
A vehicle with a loan against it has a lienholder on the title. Before ownership can fully transfer, the lien must be paid off and formally released—the lender signs a release or issues a lien-release letter. Buying a used car? Verify the title is lien-free first.
Name corrections
After a marriage, divorce, or a clerical error, update the title so it matches your legal name—bring the marriage certificate, court order, or corrected documents your state requires. Title and license names should always match.
- The certificate of title, signed by all owners listed
- A bill of sale (required in many states, smart everywhere) — create one free
- Odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 years old
- ID and proof of insurance (state rules vary)
- Title fee and any taxes — amounts are on your state's page
- Signing in the wrong spot or with white-out/cross-outs—many states void the title for alterations
- Missing the deadline—late-transfer penalties stack with regular fees
- Skipping the lien check on a used car—you can't fully own what the bank still holds
- Leaving an "open title" as a seller—you stay on the hook for the vehicle
- VIN mismatch—confirm the VIN on the title matches the car before money changes hands
Before you buy or transfer: check the vehicle's past and line up coverage.
Fees, forms, and deadlines are state-specific. Pick your state:
