A car title transfer occurs when you sell or give your car to someone else and you sign over the title that you received with the car, which proved it legally belonged to you. To transfer title documents shows that you no longer own the vehicle, and that the buyer now does. A car title transfer is a simple process completed by both you and your buyer at the local DMV office. However, it is still important that both of you understand the steps involved in how to transfer car title documents and where to transfer car title papers, as the process can differ, depending on your state of residence and which DMV you visit. The process for transferring car title documents from out-of-state to in-state is a separate process form transferring a title to another person. Learn more about car title transfers in the sections outlined below.
How do I transfer car title documents to a new owner?
A transfer car title shows that you legally sold, donated or gave the car to the buyer, and that he or she now legally owns the vehicle. A transfer of title is necessary in order to facilitate this process. Car title transfer documents show that you no longer own the car, and that the person you have sold it to now legally possesses the vehicle. Transferring car title documents is usually done in person at the DMV, as you will need to have the document notarized.
To complete a transfer of title, you and the person you have sold the vehicle to need to go to the DMV, together, to fill out the “Transfer of Title by Seller” section of the vehicle’s title. You will both need to sign this section of the document, while the buyer signs in the “Purchaser” section of the vehicle’s title. As the seller, to transfer car titles, you will also need to disclose the number of miles on the odometer at the time of the sale. This is only required if the car is younger than a certain age. Note that the names of the sections listed on your title may vary from state to state.
There may be other documents and proofs you will need to bring with you to transfer a vehicle title, such as signatures for any other owners of the car or the names of anyone else listed as an owner on the title.
Note that you may have to pay a fee when transferring a title. Fees may vary by state and/or DMV.
How to Transfer Car Titles for Seniors to In-State Vehicles
If you purchased your vehicle in a different state, or even a different country, you will need to complete a car title transfer for the title that came with your vehicle, so that you can complete the car registration steps in your current state of residence.
To receive a transfer car title, you will need to bring certain documents and proofs with you. These may vary depending on the state in which you reside. For example, Texas requires you to submit a proof of inspection form when applying for a transfer title on an out-of-state title, while Ohio requires you to bring proof of an out-of-state VIN inspection, instead. However, there will be some constants surrounding car title transfer requirements, no matter your state of residence. For instance, no matter where you are, you will need to complete an application for a title transfer (the name may vary from state to state, but the general content will not). Every state will also require you to pay a transfer title fee, or fees. However, the amount of fees you will have to pay will vary depending on your home state.
Where to Transfer Car Title Documents for Seniors
Whenever you need to complete a transfer of title, you will need to visit your local DMV office. You and the person you have sold, donated or given your vehicle to will need to visit jointly, as you both need to sign the transfer car title to complete the transaction. In some cases, you might need to get the title notarized if it is an out-of-state title.
What to Look for When Transferring Car Title Documents for Seniors
During the process of completing a car title transfer when buying a car from someone, it is important to be aware of the information on the vehicle’s title. This can help you tell if the car is being legally sold and if the seller is being honest with you about its condition. If you are selling a car, in addition to following car title transfer steps, it is important for you to know what potential buyers may be looking for when considering your car.
When buying a car as a senior, check the transfer title to make sure the seller is the current, legal owner, and actually has the legal right to sell the car. You should also check that the mileage disclosure that goes on the title matches what the vehicle’s odometer says. If it does not, make sure the title states why. You should also check the title to make sure the VIN number on the car matches the VIN number listed on the title. Non-matching VIN numbers can be a sign of a stolen vehicle. In addition, be sure to obtain a bill of sale once the vehicle transaction is complete, so you have additional proof of ownership for the vehicle.