How to Sign Over a Car Title: Everything You Need to Know

You’ll need to know how to sign over a car title if you decide to sell your vehicle. Signing over a car title means that you’re transferring ownership to a new buyer. Transferring ownership is important whether you’re selling your vehicle privately or to a dealership. Some states may have unique requirements, including a bill of sale.

When to Sign Over the Car Title

If you sell your car, you’ll need to sign over the title to the new owner. Signing over your car title is important because the buyer will need this information to register the vehicle with their DMV office. The car’s title is proof of ownership that includes the following information:

Owner’s nameVehicle identification number (VIN)MileageMake and model of the vehicle

An original title comes from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must have an official title to sell your vehicle, whether you’re selling to private parties or a dealership. If you don’t have your title or can’t find it, you’ll need to request a new registration from the DMV office. This document proves that you’re the registered owner and that you can legally sell the vehicle.

How to Sign Over a Car Title

Signing over a car title is straightforward in most cases. You can sign over a car title with the following steps:

1. Release Ownership of the Vehicle

The seller can release ownership of the car by signing the title. It’s important that the person listed as the owner on the title is the one to sign it. If the vehicle’s title has more than one name, both people listed need to sign it when releasing ownership.

This is not the case if the title lists the first person’s name and then the word “or” followed by the second person’s name. This means that either person can sign over the title. If the title says the first person’s name followed by the word “and” before listing the second person’s name, then both parties must sign the vehicle title.

2. Create a Bill of Sale

Some states require a bill of sale when you transfer a car title. It may be a good idea to always create a bill of sale, just in case. A bill of sale is a document that tells the Department of Motor Vehicles how much you paid for the new or used car. The DMV will then use this purchase price to calculate sales taxes.

When you buy a car from a dealership, the taxes are already included in the price. However, when you buy a car through a private sale, the new owner is responsible for paying sales tax in addition to the purchase price.

3. Take the Signed Title to the DMV

Once signed, the buyer takes the signed title to the DMV to register the vehicle. With this document, the state then creates a new title and registration. The DMV may ask for additional information on the new car, including how much the buyer paid for it and its current odometer reading. It’s important to give the DMV an accurate price and odometer disclosure to avoid fines.

As long as the buyer has all the documents they need when they visit their state’s department, they should receive a temporary registration the same day. They should then receive an official new title by mail within a few weeks. The buyer will also be responsible for title transfer fees. The specific amount usually depends on the vehicle’s sale price. The fees also significantly vary between states. For example, a Texas title fee also requires a vehicle inspection fee. A California title fee differs depending on whether you buy an in- or out-of-state vehicle.

How to Sign Over a Car Title in Unique Situations

Sometimes, signing over a car title can be more difficult, especially if the vehicle belongs to deceased owners or there’s a lien on the vehicle. Here are a few unique situations:

Signing Over a Car Title When Buying From a Dealership

If you buy a new or used car from a dealership, they’ll typically handle all the paperwork for you. This includes all the steps involved in the title transfer process. You may not even need to visit the state department in person if you buy from a dealership.

Instead, you should receive the title in the mail. The process is similar if you’re selling your car to a dealership. However, the dealership may hold on to the title issued to them until they have a buyer.

Signing Over a Car Title When Buying From a Private Seller

If you buy a car from a private seller, it’s your responsibility to complete the car title transfer process. The seller should sign the title in black or blue ink. The buyer should then take the signed title to their nearest registration department.

Signing Over a Car Title When There’s a Lienholder

A title with a lienholder refers to a bank or lender who holds the car’s title. If you buy a car with a car loan, the lender holds the car title until you pay off the loan. You’re still permitted to sell your car, even if you have an auto loan, but you will need to pay off your loan first. Additionally, your lender or financial institution may charge fees for paying off the car early.

All lenders handle this process differently. It’s important to reach out to your lienholder to find out what you need to do when transferring a car title.

Signing Over a Car Title Between Family Members

You need to sign the title to transfer ownership, even if you’re gifting to a family member. Many states still recommend a bill of sale that lists the name of the previous owner, the mileage, and the price paid for the vehicle. If you’re gifting the vehicle, you can simply list $0 as the purchase price. However, the family member may still be subject to a title transfer fee.

Signing Over a Car Title After Paying Off a Loan

Once you make your final car payment, the lender will transfer the title to you. While some lenders may automatically send you the car’s title after your final payment, some may not. You can request the title by sending them a paid-in-full receipt.

Signing Over a Car Title When the Current Owner Is Deceased

It can be more difficult to sign over a car title when the owner is deceased. In this case, the deceased owner’s beneficiary or executor should apply for a new title with their state department. The beneficiary can include a copy of the will when filing for a new car title. The state will issue the new ownership form to the beneficiary, who can then sign the title when selling it to a new owner.

Tips for Signing Over a Car Title

Signing over a car title without signing in the proper place or having all the information your state requires can slow down the process. Here are a few tips for signing over a car title:

Find Out Your State’s Requirements

In some states, transferring a car title is as simple as the seller signing the title and the buyer taking it to the DMV office for registration. However, other states may have additional paperwork requirements when it comes to transferring ownership. For example, some states may require that the buyer also have a bill of sale present. Some states may also require the seller to sign the car title with a notary present, making it an officially certified copy.

Different states’ DMV offices may also have varying requirements on where the seller signs. Double-check that you’re signing the vehicle title because signing it on the wrong line can void the legal document. This can extend the timeline, leading to unnecessary delays. If you’re not sure where to sign, check your state’s DMV website.

Don’t Put Off the Vehicle Transfer for Too Long

It’s important to visit your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles as soon as possible to file the title transfer documents. Many states have a 30-day time limit for car title transfer, but this can vary between states.

Use or Black or Blue Pen When Signing a Title Transfer

Whether you’re the buyer or seller, it’s always a good idea to sign the car’s title using either a black or blue pen. This makes the signature easier to read and harder for others to edit. Avoid crossing things out or using correction fluid/tape to fix any mistakes when signing the title. This will usually void your title, meaning you’ll have to request a new one.

Double-Check the Vehicle’s Information

Double-checking the information when signing over the car title can protect both the seller and the buyer during the transaction. Check that the VIN number on the title matches the one on the vehicle. You’ll also want to check that the car’s odometer reading matches what’s on the title too. While a little variation is acceptable, the odometer reading should never be lower on the car’s title than what shows on the vehicle.

Consider Accompanying the Buyer to File the Title

Even after you sign the title, the ownership doesn’t officially transfer until the buyer registers it with the state department. If the buyer doesn’t take the signed title right to the Department of Motor Vehicles, you’re still responsible for the vehicle until they do. You can ensure that the buyer registers the vehicle in their name by accompanying them to the DMV.

Signing and filing a title with the state department is the way to transfer ownership of a vehicle. The process is typically simple and can be done in a single visit.

Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer with more than three years of experience covering personal finance and insurance. She has extensive knowledge of various insurance lines, including car insurance and property insurance. Her byline has appeared in dozens of online finance publications, like The Balance, Investopedia, Reviews.com, Forbes, and Bankrate.