How to Transfer Your Title and Registration

If you plan to sell your vehicle or give it away as a gift, you will need to transfer the title to the new owner. The new owner will also have to register the vehicle under his/her name. A similar process takes place when you move out of state. Within 30 days of your relocation, you must transfer the title of your vehicle and obtain registration for your new state of residence. In what follows, we'll walk you through the title transfer and registration process from beginning to end.

State Variations

Each state has different laws governing the transfer of car titles and the vehicle registration process. Before you begin the transaction, check with your local department of motor vehicles to make sure you complete the process properly.

In some cases, you can void the legitimacy of your vehicle's original title if you make any errors on the document, so accuracy is critical. If you are buying a new vehicle, the guidelines for an original title and initial registration do not vary much by state. When you buy a new vehicle, you will receive the title to the vehicle or a lien if the vehicle is financed. You can then obtain new registration for the vehicle or transfer your old vehicle's registration and plates to the new car.

Necessary Documents and Information

When you transfer ownership of a vehicle or obtain a new title/registration, you will need several documents and pieces of information, including:

• Original title to the vehicle
• Proof of insurance
• Lien documents if title indicates the existence of a lien
• Odometer reading

The Process

If someone has purchased your used vehicle or you are giving your vehicle to someone as a gift, you will need to sign the vehicle's title in the place indicated. In most states, this signature must be notarized. This means you need to pay a notary public to sign and stamp in the place indicated on your vehicle's title. The buyer may also have to sign on the title. Some fees may be associated with the transfer of title. The seller of the vehicle has two options regarding the vehicle's registration. First, the seller can surrender his/her former vehicle's plates and registration to the local motor vehicles department. Alternatively, you can visit the department of motor vehicles to transfer the existing registration and license plates to another car that you will register under your name.