A title transfer is a step-by-step legal process that moves a car’s ownership from one person to another. To do this, you’ll need to fill out some paperwork, pay a small fee and, depending on where you live, visit a notary. The title transfer cost usually ranges from $15 to $45.
To make things easier — and potentially save time and money — check out your state-specific requirements at the local DMV. They can give you the exact steps and any special rules or exemptions for your state.
What is a car title?
Think of a car title as your car’s legal paperwork. It’s an official document, issued by the state, that shows who owns the vehicle. It has all the car’s details, like its make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN). You need this title to register your car, sell it or transfer ownership to someone else.
What is a “pink slip?”
A pink slip and a car title are essentially the same thing: the legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle. The term “pink slip” is an older, more informal way to describe a car title, harkening back to a time when racing for “pinks” was a popular practice. Modern car titles are usually not pink.
How do title transfers work?
A title transfer is usually a fairly simple process, but take your time to get each step right — it can be costly and time-consuming to fix errors on a car title.
- The seller fills out the car title: By signing the title, the seller officially transfers ownership. If there are joint owners listed, both must sign unless specified otherwise. Notarized signatures may be required in certain states. Even if it’s not required, signing in the presence of a notary is usually a good idea because it can help prevent ownership disputes.
- The buyer submits the title: Bring the signed title to the relevant state office, usually the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Double-check your state’s regulations for any additional documentation needed.
- The DMV issues the new title: After it processes the documents, the DMV will mail out the new title within three to six weeks. It may be sent to the new owner or to the lender, if it’s a financed vehicle. Some states provide electronic titles. If you want a physical copy, you may have to pay a small fee.
How much does it cost to transfer a title?
Car title transfers can cost between $4 and $192, depending on your state and the make and model of the car. Twenty-eight U.S. states charge $25 or less for its title transfer fee, and only four states charge more than $100.
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Prices by State
Is there a time limit to transfer a car title?
Time limits are state-dependent. You have 45 days in Indiana, for example, whereas in Illinois, the buyer and seller collectively have 20 days to transfer the title. Colorado, meanwhile, allows residents up to 60 days to transfer a car title.
Check your state government website to confirm the correct time limit to transfer a car title and avoid paying late fees.
Dealership vs. private seller: How the title transfer process differs
If you’re buying a car from a dealership, most of the title paperwork should be handled for you. In a private sale, you’ll likely need to make a trip to the DMV.
Car title transfer with a dealership
Dealers are supposed to locate the title and manage the paperwork for a title transfer. They may charge fees for this, though.
If you’re buying the vehicle outright, you’ll receive the title. If you’re financing, your lender will receive the title.
Car title transfer with a private seller
In most states, you have between 10 and 30 days to complete a vehicle title transfer. If the vehicle has no liens, you can ask the owner/seller to sign the title and give you a bill of sale.
A bill of sale should include:
- Purchase price.
- Date of sale.
- Seller’s name and signature.
- Buyer’s name and address.
- Odometer disclosure or reading.
- Damage disclosure statement.
Consider notarizing this process for extra protection (it’s required in some states). Then, bring all the paperwork with the notary affidavit to the DMV and pay the fee.
States that require notarized car titles: AL, AZ, CA, LA, MD, MT, NC, NE, NH, OK, PA, WV*
What if the vehicle has a lien? If the vehicle still has a lien, you’ll have to negotiate a payoff or transfer the loan from the current lienholder with a lien release. Get the contact information for the financial institution from the legal owner.
*West Virginia only requires notarization for vehicle sales below 50% of NADA Clean Loan Book value.
What to bring to the DMV for a title transfer
The documents needed for a title transfer to the DMV will vary by state, but generally include:
- Signed car title.
- Proof of insurance.
- VIN verification.
- Bill of sale.
- Proof of identity (Driver’s license).
- Odometer reading.
- Lien release, if applicable.
- Emissions certificate, if applicable.
Remember to also bring an accepted method of payment.
Tips for transferring a car title
1. Do your due diligence. Verify that the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the seller’s name match the title. Use an online tool to check for liens such as financial obligations to pay child support. These won’t appear on a title but still affect who has rights to the vehicle.
2. Fill out the title application paperwork promptly. The owner is still legally responsible until the certificate of title transfer goes through. For instance, any parking tickets will be charged to the legal owner even if the new owner actually parked incorrectly.
3. Find out whether the license plates should be removed. In some states, the plates stay with the vehicle. Contact your DMV to learn more.
4. For out-of-state title transfers and inherited vehicles, prepare for extra paperwork. These situations may require additional documentation, taxes, and fees.
5. Get your car insurance set up ahead of time. You won’t be able to transfer ownership at a dealership or through a lender until you can show proof of insurance, so you’ll need your policy number to verify that you have coverage. In most cases, you have a brief grace period of coverage under an existing policy that will extend to a new vehicle. You can also set up your new policy as soon as you know you’ll be taking ownership over the vehicle.
How to transfer a car title from one state to another
When transferring a car title from one state to another, you’ll need a temporary registration. The dealer or the DMV can help you.
- Research the paperwork: Some states require emissions tests, safety inspections and other paperwork for out-of-state vehicles.
- Pay the fees: You may be subject to sales tax in a cross-state transaction, on top of title fees and transfer fees. This is calculated based on your sale price and it may be collected by the dealer, but not always.
- Make a plan to register: On arrival to its final home, the vehicle must be registered — unless it’s an older car and you live in a state that doesn’t require titles for older vehicles. In this case, the bill of sale is enough for vehicle registration and registration fees.
If you just moved to a new state, you have a grace period in which to handle your title transfer process. In most states, you have between 30 to 60 days to update your driver’s license, title, and registration to your new home address. But that grace period is shorter in some states — for instance, as soon as you become a California resident, you have 10 days to apply for a driver’s license. Check your state laws in order to stay in compliance.
How to replace a lost car title
If you can’t locate your original title, get a copy of it by requesting a duplicate from the DMV. Here’s how it usually works:
- Contact your DMV to submit a form online or pick one up in person.
- Pay a fee to get a copy of the vehicle title.
- Wait 15 to 30 days to receive your copy.
You may need to provide proof that you own the vehicle, especially if your name or address has changed since the title was issued. State requirements vary, so it’s a good idea to contact your local DMV before you start the process.
Financed cars
If your lender still holds the title, they will keep it until the loan is paid off.
Storing the title
Store the title in a safe place at home, not inside your vehicle.
Can I get a copy of my car title online?
Some states allow you to apply for a replacement car title online through the DMV website. But most states don’t allow online applications for replacement car titles — you’ll need to instead apply by mail or in person.
How to transfer a car title to a family member
Things only differ slightly if you’re selling privately to your own kin. First, the original owner signs the title to release it. Then, the new owner finishes the paperwork at the DMV. In most states, transferring a vehicle to a family member is not subject to sales tax and some other fees, so you may be eligible for cost savings. This perk may apply to spouses, parents, children, stepparents, stepchildren, grandchildren and siblings.
Inheritance: If the original owner is deceased and someone is inheriting the vehicle, it’s wise to get legal help from an estate lawyer to make sure you’re following your state’s laws. Start by confirming the will, then proceed with the title transfer. You may have to pay an inheritance tax.
How to save money on auto insurance when you’re buying a car
When you’re buying a vehicle, there’s more to consider than just the title paperwork. Before you drive home in your new car, make sure it’s protected with the right car insurance policy.
FAQ
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How much is it to switch a car title over?
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How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
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Two names on car title: How to remove one?
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Can someone transfer a car loan to another person?
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What happens if the car title is not signed by the seller?
Megan Lee is an editor, writer, and SEO expert who specializes in insurance, personal finance, travel, and healthcare. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for several websites, including NerdWallet. When she`s not crafting her next piece of content, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to drink cortados, attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
