How to Sign Over an Automobile Title

Signing over a title transfers ownership of the vehicle.

A car title is an extremely important document. Not only does it contain essential information about the vehicle, such as the vehicle identification number, but it also proves ownership of the car. When you sell an automobile, you must sign over the title to transfer ownership to the buyer. Unless you're giving the car away as a gift, it is important to receive payment in full before signing over the title. Once you sign the title over to someone, the car is legally his or hers.

Instructions

1. Make sure you have the current title. If you don't have the title, you can purchase a new one from the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) in the same county where the original one was first issued. A small fee is charged for the new title, and you will have to wait for it to arrive in the mail, so give yourself plenty of time.

2. Enter the information regarding the sale of the car, such as the sale price, the odometer reading, your name and the buyer's name. If the car was a gift, enter $0 as the sale price. Some states have spaces on the title for this information, but others require a bill of sale. If your state requires a bill of sale, ask one of the workers at the DMV if they have a standard form that they use for that. If not, you can download a generic one online, or buy one at an office supply store.

3. Sign the title, and have the buyer sign his or her name as well. If another owner is listed on the title, such as your spouse or a parent, he must sign his or her name also. In most states, the signature lines are located on the back of the title. Check with your local DMV before signing, as some states require the buyer and seller to sign the title together, in the presence of a notary.

References

• "Florida DMV: FAQs on Getting a Hassle Free Title"