How to Transfer a Car Title
A complete state-by-state guide to car title transfers — fees, deadlines, required documents, and what to do when a lien is involved.
The Universal 5-Step Process
- 1Gather documents: Signed title, bill of sale, odometer disclosure, photo ID, and insurance.
- 2Seller signs back of title: Seller signs in the exact name shown on the front. Lienholder signs release if applicable.
- 3Buyer completes assignment: Fill in full legal name, address, and purchase price. No blank fields.
- 4Visit DMV or title office: Bring all documents. Pay title fee and applicable taxes.
- 5Receive new title: Title is mailed or issued in buyer's name. Register the vehicle within the state deadline.
Most-Searched States
California
Fee: $22 · Deadline: 10 days
10-day window; late fees apply
Texas
Fee: $33 · Deadline: 30 days
County tax office; VIR required
Florida
Fee: $75 · Deadline: 30 days
Electronic titles by default
New York
Fee: $50 · Deadline: 10 days
MV-912 bill of sale required
Illinois
Fee: $150 · Deadline: 20 days
Higher fee for private sales
Georgia
Fee: $18 + TAVT · Deadline: 30 days
One-time TAVT 7% FMV
All 50 States
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingPuerto Rico