The car title transfer is the final step which makes the car legally yours. Learn these facts about car title transfers, they will help you when you sell your car, or buy a used car.
If you have just bought a used car from a private seller, you still need to complete a few steps before the car is legally yours. The car title transfer legally transfers the ownership of the car to the new owner. It is handled through the DMV and must be initiated by the seller of the car.
After the seller has paid off the loan, they need to retrieve the car title from the bank which loaned them the money for the car. They then sign the title over to the new owner and send it to them through the mail.
The buyer of the new car then must complete the car title transfer through their local DMV office. The reason this step is important is the DMV needs to know who the new owner of the car is. This is called a title transfer.
Fast Car Title Transfer Facts
- A car title transfer must be completed at the DMV. Simply signing over the car title in your name is not enough.
- You will need the car title from the seller, to complete this process in almost every state.
- Before you can transfer the car title through the DMV the car title must be signed over to you by the new owner.
- If you do not have a car title (seller has a lien or owed money on the car) you can register the car temporarily without completing the car title transfer at the DMV. Typically, you have 30 days to transfer the title.
- Car title transfers are conducted through the DMV in the state the car is being registered in by the new owner.
- Not all DMVs require a hard copy of the car title to complete the title transfer but most require at least a copy of the title.
- Some DMVs will accept a bill of sale in lieu of a car title on vehicles 10 years old or older.
- A bill of sale or receipt of payment is required in most state for temporary registration.
- Some car title transfers can be completed online or through the mail. Check your DMV website for information.
- When you complete your car registration, the DMV will also register the title in your name, transferring the car title over to you.
- There may be a title transfer fee of $35 to $50 depending on your state.
- During a title transfer the DMV changes the registered owner of the vehicle to your name.
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