How To Transfer The Title Of A Car: A Guide (2026)

What Is a Car Title Transfer and Why Is It Important?

A car title transfer is the process of changing the ownership of a vehicle from the seller to the buyer. It’s necessary for private sales and gifted or inherited vehicles.

A car title transfer functions as proof of ownership. You cannot register it, receive license plates or drive it legally without the title. The transfer of title also protects you from facing liability for accidents that the new owner causes.

How to Transfer a Car Title Step by Step

Typically, the process happens as follows:

1. The seller signs the title, which releases their ownership.
2. The seller completes any required odometer disclosure.
3. If required, the parties complete a vehicle bill of sale.
4. The buyer then takes the released title and application to the appropriate office.
5. The buyer pays tax and transfer fees.

Following title transfer deadlines matters if you want to avoid complications like potential legal liability. These deadlines can vary significantly by state. For example:

• In California, the buyer has 10 days to transfer ownership, while the seller has five days to file a notice of transfer and release of liability.
• In Texas, the buyer has 30 days to apply for a title (60 days if they’re active-duty military).
• In Florida, the buyer has 30 days to fill out an application for a certificate of title and submit it to a motor vehicle service center.

Because deadlines are set by state law, check your state’s deadlines before buying or selling a vehicle.

Odometer Disclosure

Federal law requires sellers to provide buyers with an odometer disclosure at the time of sale. It must include the following:

• Total vehicle mileage
• The transfer date
• The names and addresses of the buyer and seller
• The vehicle description
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Whether the mileage is actual or not
• Whether the mileage has exceeded the mechanical limits of the vehicle

There are a few exceptions to these disclosure rules. Vehicles manufactured in 2010 or earlier are exempt 10 years after their model year. Models 2011 or newer are exempt 20 years after the model year. Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating over 16,000 pounds is exempt.

What Does a Title Transfer Cost?

In most states, the buyer must pay a title transfer fee plus any required sales tax. Keep in mind that late payments can trigger penalties.

Car Title Transfer With a Dealership vs. Private Party

If you buy a car from a dealership, the title transfer process will be handled for you. That’s not the case with a private sale. When looking to buy or sell a car privately, you must ensure you know what your state requires.

Certain states may even require one of the parties to file a bill of sale. New York, for example, requires that the buyer and seller both sign Form MV-912, the vehicle bill of sale. There is often confusion regarding the bill of sale vs. title, but a bill of sale functions more like the receipt for the transaction.

Special Situations (Transferring Across State Lines or to a Family Member)

You will need to follow your new state’s regulations if you make the transfer across state lines. Most ask that you submit the signed original title and a bill of sale.

Transferring a car title to a family member is similar to the process of doing so for anyone else. You still must transfer the title, even if the car is a gift.

Tips for Transferring a Car Title (Buyers and Sellers)

Until the buyer registers the car, the vehicle is the seller’s responsibility. Report the sale to the DMV to limit your liability. In many states, you will need to remove the license plate. Buyers should verify the VIN and the name on the title.

To verify the VIN, run it through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. This database will show you any liens (including mechanics’ liens) on the title, flag junk or salvage titles and tell you whether the car has been reported stolen.

What to Do if the Title Is Lost, Damaged or Has a Lien

If the title is lost or damaged, contact your lender or visit your DMV. If the title has a lien, the debt must be satisfied. You can pay it off or get a lien release.

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