How to Change Vehicle Titles

When you buy or sell a vehicle, you'll need to change vehicle titles from the old owner to the new owner. This process can seem tedious, but it isn't terribly difficult. To do this, you'll need to make a trip to the local Department of Motor Vehicles, the DMV, in your county. Also, the specific steps you need to take may vary from state to state. One factor that does not change is that every state requires that you complete a set of paperwork and present some type of documentation to the DMV when changing titles.

Instructions

1

Get a Bill of Sale from the person or business from whom you are buying the vehicle. The Bill of Sale needs to indicate the year, make and model of the vehicle. It also needs to indicate the date it was sold to you and the full name of both the buyer (you) and the seller. It's a good idea to also have the Bill of Sale notarized.

2

Sign the back of the title under the section heading that reads "New Owner Information" or "Title Transfer." Have the seller fill out the back of the title and sign in the appropriate boxes, indicating that he or she is selling the vehicle to you. Make sure you have this notarized as well. While it is not absolutely necessary, it is a good practice, especially if you are buying the vehicle from an individual. The notary ensures that both parties did in fact agree and sign the document.

3

Take the title to the DMV or mail the title to the DMV in your state. Once the DMV receives the new signed title, they will consider the transaction as a transfer of the title. You will receive a new title in the mail with your name on the front of the title along with the vehicle information.

4

Pay any applicable fees. The DMV may require a fee when submitting documents to them. If you are sending the signed title to the DMV by mail, be sure to include the fee with the title.