How to Obtain a Vehicle Title Deed
The title to a vehicle, like the deed to a home, conveys the legal owner of the vehicle. When purchasing a vehicle, you will need to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles that you are taking ownership of the vehicle to obtain a new title. Without a new title describing you as the legal owner, the seller still has a legal claim to the vehicle, preventing you from registering or insuring it.
The process for requesting a new vehicle title is slightly different, depending on whether you originally financed your purchase or bought the vehicle in cash. If you still owe money toward the sale price, you will need to pay the outstanding amount in full before you can begin the process.
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Things You'll Need
- Original vehicle title
- Proof of lien satisfaction (if applicable)
- Sales receipt (if applicable)
- Proof of taxes paid (if applicable)
- Driver license
- Proof of residence
- Proof of insurance
- Registration card
- Application fee
Instructions
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Financed Vehicles
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Obtain a copy of the original signed title from the individual holding the lien, typically, your lender. Also request a written statement declaring you have satisfied the lien in full and that the title is free and clear.
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Locate your vehicle's most recent registration, proof of insurance, and your valid driver license, and ensure your vehicle's inspection is current and valid. Compile proof of your current address and secondary proof of your identity (in addition to your driver license). Also locate and write down the vehicle identification number, which you will need to complete the request.
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3
Bring the signed title, the written declaration of lien satisfaction, your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, proof of address and your driver license to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Request a blank form for a new title when you first arrive.
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Complete the form by providing your personal information, the vehicle's information (including the vehicle identification number), and the information of the lender who initially held the lien against your vehicle. Sign the bottom of the form when finished.
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Provide the agent with your completed form and documents. Be prepared to pay a nominal administrative fee, on average between $25 and $100, for the reissuance of the new title. Depending on local guidelines, you may also need to pay applicable state and county sales taxes, as well.
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Enter your name and address on the back of the new title, then sign the bottom. Store the new title somewhere safe but accessible.
Non-Financed Vehicles
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Obtain the vehicle title from the seller at the time of purchase, along with a receipt or other proof of purchase indicating the sale price. If the seller requires you to pay sales tax at the time of the sale, be sure to get proof of such at this time. Do not sign the back of the title at this time.
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Locate your proof of insurance and driver's license, and ensure the vehicle's inspection is up-to-date. Compile proof of your current address and secondary proof of your identity. Also locate and write down the vehicle identification number, which you will need to obtain a new title.
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9
Bring the original title and your documents, including the receipt for the sale, to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Provide the agent your documents and ask to transfer the title to your name.
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Enter your name and current physical address on the appropriate spaces in the agent's presence. After she confirms the information, sign the bottom of the section where you entered your information.
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Pay the appropriate sales tax only if you did not remit payment for taxes owed at the time you purchased the vehicle. If you already paid all applicable taxes, provide the agent with proof. Otherwise, you will need to pay the full amount of the sales tax owed again.
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