What goes on a car title transfer form and where

A car title transfer form is the document your state's DMV uses to record that ownership of a vehicle has moved from one person to another. The form itself varies by state — your state DMV website lists the exact form you need and often provides a fillable PDF. The sections you will encounter on most forms are: seller information, buyer information, vehicle details, odometer reading, sale price, and signatures from both parties.

The seller fills in their name, address, and driver's license number in the seller section. The buyer does the same in the buyer section. Both must sign and date the form in front of a notary public in most states, though a few states allow self-notarization or do not require notarization at all — check your state's rules before you sign. The vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, and year go in the vehicle details section. The odometer reading at the time of sale goes on the form because it becomes part of the title record.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state DMV website has the exact title transfer form you need, and many states offer fillable PDFs you can complete on your computer before printing.
  • Both the seller and buyer must sign the form, and most states require a notary public to witness both signatures — plan for this step before you meet to sign.
  • The odometer reading, VIN, and sale price all go on the form and become part of the permanent title record.
  • After both parties sign, the buyer submits the completed form to the DMV along with the original title, proof of insurance, and any fees your state charges.

Finding and downloading the right form for your state

Each state has its own title transfer form with its own name and number. Go to your state's DMV website and search for "title transfer" or "change of ownership." The form is usually called an "process for Title" or "Certificate of Title" or "Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability." Some states bundle the title transfer with other documents into a single packet.

Most state DMV websites now offer fillable PDF forms that you can open in Adobe Reader, type your information into, and then print. If your state does not offer a fillable version, you can print a blank form and fill it in by hand using black or blue ink — check your state's instructions, as some require black ink only. Do not use pencil or highlighter. If you make a mistake, start over with a fresh form rather than crossing out or using correction fluid.

Filling in the seller's section correctly

The seller enters their full legal name exactly as it appears on the current title. If the title lists two owners, both names go on the form. The seller's current mailing address goes in the address field. The seller's driver's license number or state ID number goes in the ID field. Some forms ask for the seller's phone number or email — fill these in if the form has a line for them.

If the seller is a business, estate, or organization rather than an individual, the form will have a different section for that. A business enters its legal business name and the owner's or authorized representative's name. An estate enters the executor's name and title. If you are unsure which section applies to you, your state DMV has a phone line or email address listed on the form itself.

Filling in the buyer's section and vehicle details

The buyer enters their full legal name exactly as they want it to appear on the new title. If two people are buying the vehicle together, both names go on the form — the form will specify whether you list them as "and" (joint ownership) or "or" (either owner can act alone). The buyer's current mailing address and driver's license or state ID number go in the corresponding fields.

In the vehicle details section, copy the VIN from the current title or from the vehicle itself — it appears on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side, and also on the current title document. Enter the vehicle's make, model, and year of manufacture. The odometer reading at the time of sale goes in the odometer field — this is the number of miles showing on the vehicle's odometer when the buyer takes possession. Some states also ask for the sale price, though this information is not always required to transfer the title.

Getting the form notarized before submission

Most states require both the seller and buyer to sign the title transfer form in front of a notary public. A notary is a person authorized by the state to witness signatures and verify that the person signing is who they say they are. The notary will ask to see a government-issued photo ID from each signer, watch both people sign the form, and then add their own signature, seal, and notary number to the document.

You can find a notary at a bank, credit union, UPS Store, FedEx Office, or courthouse. Some notaries charge a small fee per signature — typically $5 to $15 per person. A few states allow the buyer or seller to notarize their own signature using an online notary service, but most do not. Check your state's DMV website to see whether in-person notarization is required or whether remote notarization is accepted. Do not sign the form before you meet with the notary — the notary must watch you sign.

What documents to submit along with the form

After the form is signed and notarized, the buyer takes it to the DMV along with the original title document from the seller. The DMV also requires proof that the vehicle has insurance — this is usually a copy of the insurance card or a letter from the insurance company showing the vehicle identification number and the policy dates. Some states ask for a bill of sale, which is a separate document showing the sale price and date. Your state DMV website lists exactly which documents you need.

The buyer also pays a title transfer fee, which varies by state — it might be $10, $50, or more. Some states charge an additional registration fee if the buyer wants to register the vehicle at the same time. The DMV website lists the current fee amounts. Bring a check or money order, or ask whether the DMV accepts credit cards or electronic payment. After you submit everything, the DMV processes the transfer and mails the new title to the buyer's address within a few weeks.

Common mistakes to avoid when filling out the form

The most common mistake is writing a name differently on the title transfer form than it appears on the current title or the signer's ID. If the current title says "Robert James Smith" but you write "Bob Smith," the DMV will reject the form. Copy names exactly as they appear on the official documents. Another frequent error is leaving fields blank that the form requires. Read the entire form before you start filling it in, and mark which fields are required versus optional.

Do not sign the form before meeting with the notary — the notary must witness the signature. Do not use white-out or cross out mistakes; start over with a fresh form. Do not submit a photocopy of the original title; the DMV needs the original document. If the current title is lost or damaged, contact your state DMV to request a duplicate before you try to transfer it. Do not assume the sale price is optional; some states require it and some do not, so check your state's form instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the title transfer form online and submit it electronically?

Some states now allow online title transfers through their DMV website, but most still require you to print the form, have it notarized, and submit it in person or by mail. Check your state DMV website to see whether electronic submission is available. If it is, the website will walk you through the process step by step.

What if the seller's name on the title does not match their current ID?

The seller must bring both the original title and a government-issued ID to the notary. If the names do not match — for example, due to a marriage or legal name change — the seller may need to bring additional documents such as a marriage certificate or court order. Contact your state DMV before you meet with the notary to ask what documents are needed.

Do I need to transfer the title before I can register the vehicle?

Yes. The DMV will not issue a new registration in the buyer's name until the title transfer is complete. You can submit the title transfer form and the registration process at the same time, but the title must be processed first. Some states allow you to drive the vehicle for a short period with a bill of sale while the title transfer is being processed.

What happens if I lose the form after it is notarized but before I submit it to the DMV?

You will need to start over. Both the seller and buyer will have to sign a new form in front of the notary again. This is why it is a good idea to submit the form to the DMV as soon as both parties have signed and the notary has completed their part.

Can the buyer and seller sign the form at different times?

No. Most states require both signatures to be witnessed by the same notary at the same time. If the seller and buyer cannot meet in person, some states allow remote notarization through an online notary service, but you will need to check your state's rules first. A few states allow the seller to sign first and the buyer to sign later, but this is uncommon.