How to Transfer a Car Title in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, a title transfer must be completed at the Puerto Rico DMV within 30 days of the private sale. The seller signs the back of the title, the buyer fills in their information, and both parties complete a signed bill of sale documenting the transaction.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer a Car Title in Puerto Rico

1. 1Obtain a signed bill of sale that includes the VIN, sale price, odometer reading, and both parties' full signatures.
2. 2Seller signs the back of the title in the presence of a licensed notary public — Puerto Rico requires notarization for title transfer.
3. 3Buyer takes the signed title and bill of sale to the Puerto Rico DMV (or county clerk office).
4. 4Buyer pays the title transfer fee ($50) and any applicable use tax or registration fees.
5. 5Buyer receives the new title in their name — typically 4–6 weeks by mail.

Puerto Rico-Specific Requirements

• ›Notarial intervention required — PR notaries (notarios públicos) are licensed attorneys; a notario público abogado must authenticate vehicle transfer deeds, unlike mainland US notary publics
• ›Official bill of sale form: DTOP-DIS-260 (Acta de Traspaso de Vehículo de Motor), issued by the Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas (DTOP)
• ›Vehicle transfers are processed at CESCO (Centro de Servicios al Conductor) offices across the island
• ›Federal odometer disclosure (49 CFR Part 580) applies to all Puerto Rico vehicle sales, same as US states
• ›IVU sales tax of 11.5% applies to the sale price; exemptions may apply to certain commercial transactions
• ›Governing law: Ley de Vehículos y Tránsito de Puerto Rico (Law No. 22 of January 7, 2000, as amended)
• ›Official documents are bilingual (Spanish and English); the DTOP-DIS-260 form is issued in Spanish — confirm you understand all terms before signing
• ›USCG documentation applies to vessels in PR territorial waters under the same federal rules as US states
• ›Title transfer must be completed at a CESCO office; online transfer not available for private party sales

Frequently Asked Questions