How to Transfer a Car Title in Idaho
Step-by-step guide to completing a car title transfer in Idaho — required documents, fees, deadlines, and what to do if the title has a lien or is lost.
| Requirement | Idaho Rule |
|---|---|
| Transfer Deadline | 30 days from sale date |
| Title Fee | $25 |
| Notarization Required | ✗ No |
| Odometer Disclosure | ✓ Required |
| Online Transfer | ✗ In-person required |
| Agency | Idaho DMV |
Idaho Note
Check with Idaho DMV for any state-specific requirements not listed here.
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process
- 1
Gather required documents
Collect the signed vehicle title, a completed bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. Idaho requires the buyer and seller both have valid identification at the time of transfer.
- 2
Seller signs and releases the title
The seller must sign the back of the title in the exact name shown on the front. Fill in the odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. If a lien is listed, the lender must sign the release section first: If a lien is listed on the title, obtain a lien release from your lender before proceeding.
- 3
Buyer completes the title assignment
The buyer fills in their full legal name, address, and purchase price on the title assignment section. Do not leave any fields blank — incomplete titles are rejected by Idaho DMV.
- 4
Visit Idaho DMV
Both buyer and seller visit Idaho DMV with all documents. Pay the $25 title fee. Title fees vary by state. Check your state DMV website for the exact amount.
- 5
Receive new title
Idaho will issue a new title in the buyer's name. Complete the transfer within 30 days of the sale date.
Transferring a Title With a Lien
You cannot transfer a title with an active lien without the lender's involvement.
If a lien is listed on the title, obtain a lien release from your lender before proceeding.
Steps: (1) Contact your lender and request a payoff quote. (2) Pay off the loan. (3) Obtain a lien release document or wait for the ELT system to clear. (4) Proceed with the normal title transfer process.
Required Documents
- ✓Original vehicle title, signed by the seller on the back
- ✓Bill of sale (signed by both parties, includes sale price and date)
- ✓Odometer disclosure statement
- ✓Valid government-issued photo ID (both buyer and seller)
- ✓Proof of insurance (buyer)
- ✓Lien release document (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I have to transfer a car title in Idaho?
- Idaho requires the title transfer to be completed within 30 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.
- How much does a car title transfer cost in Idaho?
- The base title transfer fee in Idaho is $25. Title fees vary by state. Check your state DMV website for the exact amount. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.
- Does Idaho require notarization for a car title transfer?
- No, Idaho does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. Notarization requirements vary. Confirm with your state DMV.
- What if the car has a lien on the title?
- If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. If a lien is listed on the title, obtain a lien release from your lender before proceeding. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.
- Can I transfer a car title online?
- Idaho does not currently offer fully online title transfers. Check your state DMV website for online options.
- What documents are needed to transfer a car title?
- You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. Check with Idaho DMV for any state-specific requirements not listed here.
Need a Bill of Sale for Idaho?
A signed bill of sale is required alongside the title for private-party vehicle transfers in Idaho.
Generate Idaho Bill of Sale