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Important papers should be kept in a safe and secure area. Unfortunately, sometimes they get misplaced, lost, damaged, or stolen. If you just can't seem to find that all-important title to your vehicle, what should you do? DMV.ORG outlines the steps you need to take to replace that document.

We'll help you through the process, tell you which forms you'll need to fill out, and how much the fees will be. Especially if you intend to sell or give away a vehicle, you'll need to process the paperwork for a lost title in time to have the transaction go through smoothly. It's also important to know that if anybody is asking for your title number, they are most likely referring to your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

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How to Sign Over a Car Title: Everything You Need to Know

Learn how to sign over a car title, including tips to ensure you follow all state requirements.

You'll need to know how to sign over a car title if you decide to sell your vehicle. Signing over a car title means that you're transferring ownership to a new buyer. Transferring ownership is important whether you're selling your vehicle privately or to a dealership. Some states may have unique requirements, including a bill of sale.

When to Sign Over the Car Title

If you sell your car, you'll need to sign over the title to the new owner. Signing over your car title is important because the buyer will need this information to register the vehicle with their DMV office. The car's title is proof of ownership that includes the following information:

• Owner's name
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Make and model of the vehicle

Find auto loan options that work for you.

How to sign over a car title.

Signing over a car title is straightforward in most cases. You can sign over a car title with the following steps:

1. Release Ownership of the Vehicle

The seller can release ownership of the car by signing the title. It's important that the person listed as the owner on the title is the one to sign it. If the vehicle's title has more than one name, both people listed need to sign it when releasing ownership.

This is not the case if the title lists the first person's name and then the word "or" followed by the second person's name. This means that either person can sign over the title. If the title says the first person's name followed by the word "and" before listing the second person's name, then both parties must sign the vehicle title.

2. Create a Bill of Sale

Some states require a bill of sale when you transfer a car title. It may be a good idea to always create a bill of sale , just in case. A bill of sale is a document that tells the Department of Motor Vehicles how much you paid for the new or used car. The DMV will then use this purchase price to calculate sales taxes.

When you buy a car from a dealership, the taxes are already included in the price. However, when you buy a car through a private sale, the new owner is responsible for paying sales tax in addition to the purchase price.

3. Take the Signed Title to the DMV

Once signed, the buyer takes the signed title to the DMV to register the vehicle. With this document, the state then creates a new title and registration. The DMV may ask for additional information on the new car, including how much the buyer paid for it and its current odometer reading. It's important to give the DMV an accurate price and odometer disclosure to avoid fines.

As long as the buyer has all the documents they need when they visit their state's department, they should receive a temporary registration the same day. They should then receive an official new title by mail within a few weeks. The buyer will also be responsible for title transfer fees. The specific amount usually depends on the vehicle's sale price. The fees also significantly vary between states. For example, a Texas title fee also requires a vehicle inspection fee. A California title fee differs depending on whether you buy an in- or out-of-state vehicle.

How to Sign Over a Car Title in Unique Situations

Sometimes, signing over a car title can be more difficult, especially if the vehicle belongs to deceased owners or there's a lien on the vehicle. Here are a few unique situations:

Signing Over a Car Title When Buying From a Dealership

If you buy a new or used car from a dealership, they'll typically handle all the paperwork for you. This includes all the steps involved in the title transfer process. You may not even need to visit the state department in person if you buy from a dealership.

Instead, you should receive the title in the mail. The process is similar if you're selling your car to a dealership. However, the dealership may hold on to the title issued to them until they have a buyer.

Signing Over a Car Title When Buying From a Private Seller

If you buy a car from a private seller, it's your responsibility to complete the car title transfer process. The seller should sign the title in black or blue ink. The buyer should then take the signed title to their nearest registration department.

Signing Over a Car Title When There's a Lienholder

A title with a lienholder refers to a bank or lender who holds the car's title. If you buy a car with a car loan, the lender holds the car title until you pay off the loan. You're still permitted to sell your car, even if you have an auto loan, but you will need to pay off your loan first. Additionally, your lender or financial institution may charge fees for paying off the car early.

All lenders handle this process differently. It's important to reach out to your lienholder to find out what you need to do when transferring a car title.

Signing Over a Car Title Between Family Members

You need to sign the title to transfer ownership, even if you're gifting to a family member. Many states still recommend a bill of sale that lists the name of the previous owner, the mileage, and the price paid for the vehicle. If you're gifting the vehicle, you can simply list $0 as the purchase price. However, the family member may still be subject to a title transfer fee.

Signing Over a Car Title After Paying Off a Loan

Once you make your final car payment, the lender will transfer the title to you. While some lenders may automatically send you the car's title after your final payment, some may not. You can request the title by sending them a paid-in-full receipt.

Signing Over a Car Title When the Current Owner Is Deceased

It can be more difficult to sign over a car title when the owner is deceased. In this case, the deceased owner's beneficiary or executor should apply for a new title with their state department. The beneficiary can include a copy of the will when filing for a new car title. The state will issue the new ownership form to the beneficiary, who can then sign the title when selling it to a new owner.

Tips for Signing Over a Car Title

Signing over a car title without signing in the proper place or having all the information your state requires can slow down the process. Here are a few tips for signing over a car title:

Find Out Your State's Requirements

In some states, transferring a car title is as simple as the seller signing the title and the buyer taking it to the DMV office for registration. However, other states may have additional paperwork requirements when it comes to transferring ownership. For example, some states may require that the buyer also have a bill of sale present. Some states may also require the seller to sign the car title with a notary present, making it an officially certified copy.

Different states' DMV offices may also have varying requirements on where the seller signs. Double-check that you're signing the vehicle title because signing it on the wrong line can void the legal document. This can extend the timeline, leading to unnecessary delays. If you're not sure where to sign, check your state's DMV website.

Don't Put Off the Vehicle Transfer for Too Long

It's important to visit your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles as soon as possible to file the title transfer documents. Many states have a 30-day time limit for car title transfer, but this can vary between states.

Use or Black or Blue Pen When Signing a Title Transfer

Whether you're the buyer or seller, it's always a good idea to sign the car's title using either a black or blue pen. This makes the signature easier to read and harder for others to edit. Avoid crossing things out or using correction fluid/tape to fix any mistakes when signing the title. This will usually void your title, meaning you'll have to request a new one.

Double-Check the Vehicle's Information

Double-checking the information when signing over the car title can protect both the seller and the buyer during the transaction. Check that the VIN number on the title matches the one on the vehicle. You'll also want to check that the car's odometer reading matches what's on the title too. While a little variation is acceptable, the odometer reading should never be lower on the car's title than what shows on the vehicle.

Consider Accompanying the Buyer to File the Title

Even after you sign the title, the ownership doesn't officially transfer until the buyer registers it with the state department. If the buyer doesn't take the signed title right to the Department of Motor Vehicles, you're still responsible for the vehicle until they do. You can ensure that the buyer registers the vehicle in their name by accompanying them to the DMV.

Signing and filing a title with the state department is the way to transfer ownership of a vehicle. The process is typically simple and can be done in a single visit.

Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer with more than three years of experience covering personal finance and insurance. She has extensive knowledge of various insurance lines, including car insurance and property insurance. Her byline has appeared in dozens of online finance publications, like The Balance, Investopedia, Reviews.com, Forbes, and Bankrate.

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• Original title
• Title and registration fees
• Michigan No-Fault insurance

Present the original title (photocopies or titles that have been modified, such as crossing out a name, cannot be accepted) with:

• Your signature – All titled owners must sign when the title is transferred. Owners who can’t visit an office to sign the title may appoint an agent to sign on their behalf by completing an Appointment of Agent form.
• Seller’s signature – The seller must complete and sign the seller’s portion of the title if they don’t plan to visit a Secretary of State office with you.
• Odometer disclosure statement – Ensure the odometer reading is accurately recorded on the title. If space is not provided on the title, complete and submit an Odometer Mileage Statement.
• Statement from loan provider – If there was a loan against the vehicle, provide the lien termination statement or signed title from the financial institution that administered the loan. If there is an active loan on the title, a letter of authorization from the lienholder must be submitted with the title application.
• You also will need to bring your Michigan driver’s license or ID.

Appointment of Agent form

Odometer Mileage Statement

• $15 – Title transfer fee
• $10 to $15 – Plate transfer fee (varies depending on whether the vehicle receiving the plate was bought in a private sale or sold to a family member)
• 6 percent sales tax (not collected for vehicle sales to immediate family members)
• Recreation Passport (optional) - $14 for a one-year vehicle registration; $28 for a two-year vehicle registration; $8 for motorcycle registration

A $15 late fee will be charged if the title isn’t transferred within 15 days of the sale.

Secretary of State offices accept payment by cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card (additional fees apply).

Registration fee calculator

Plate transfer

You must provide proof of a valid Michigan No-Fault insurance policy to register your vehicle in Michigan.

Michigan.gov/AutoInsurance

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Most dealerships will handle the title transfer and vehicle registration process for you.

Yes but only if you drive the vehicle directly to the first place of storage (usually your home) within three days of the sale. You must have the properly assigned title and proof of insurance with you as temporary registration. At the time of the sale, remove the seller’s plate from the vehicle and return it to them.

Anyone whose name will be listed as an owner on the title must be present. It is advised that the seller also accompany the buyer to transfer the title. Those who cannot visit a Secretary of State office to transfer the vehicle title may appoint a designated agent or power of attorney to attend the office visit and sign the title on their behalf.

Title transfer and registration fees are set by state law and cannot be amended without legislative action.

You need to transfer the title within 15 days of purchasing the vehicle. A $15 late fee is charged if you don’t transfer the title in time.

If possible, the seller should join you at a Secretary of State office to complete the title transfer. Dealerships typically manage title transfers for vehicles purchased through the dealership.

Under Michigan law, title transfers between the following relatives aren’t subject to sales tax:

• Parent (or stepparent or mother/father-in-law)
• Child (or stepchild or daughter/son-in-law)
• Sibling (or stepsibling, half-sibling, or sister/brother-in-law)
• Grandparent
• Grandchild (or grandchild-in-law)
• Legally appointed guardian

No other relationships are tax exempt.

If the deceased owner's estate isn’t probated, the surviving spouse or legal next-of-kin may transfer the vehicle into their name by presenting the following at a Secretary of State office:

• The original vehicle title
• A certified copy of the death certificate
• Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle form (TR-29) completed by the next-of-kin
• License or ID for the next-of-kin
• Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance, if the vehicle will be registered

If the estate is being probated, the personal representative appointed by Probate Court must assign the title to the surviving spouse. The spouse presents the assigned title and a copy of the personal representative's Letter of Authority document to apply for a title in their name at a Secretary of State office.

If the current title is in both your name and the deceased's name with the legend "Full Rights To Survivor" printed on it, then all that is needed to transfer the vehicle into just your name is the title and a copy of the death certificate.

Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle form (TR-29)

A title with a lien on it may be transferred only if the loan is paid off and a statement or letter of termination is provided by the lienholder, or if a letter of authorization from the lienholder approving the transfer is submitted with the title application.

Yes. A person who cannot prove they sold their vehicle as required by Section 257.240 is responsible for a civil infraction and subject to a civil fine of $15. The person is also presumed to be the last titled owner and is liable for towing fees and daily storage fees if the vehicle is abandoned.

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How to Transfer a Car Title

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A car title is a document that proves who owns a vehicle. When you sell your car , the title must be legally transferred to the new owner so that person can complete the registration process.

Beyond indicating who owns the car, the title also includes the vehicle identification number, the mileage at the time of sale and what type of car it is.

How car title transfer works

Transferring a car title consists of three steps, one for the seller, one for the buyer and one for the state.

The seller has to release ownership of the car by signing the title. 

The buyer takes the signed title to the state office that handles car titles, often called the department of motor vehicles, or DMV. Some states might require additional paperwork to complete the process, such as a bill of sale or a transfer of ownership form.

Your state DMV issues a new registration and title. 

A car’s title is sometimes called the “pink slip,” though it could be any color, really. Regardless of its color, the title is always issued by your state’s department of motor vehicles.

Differences between dealer and private-party sales

When you're buying a new car , a dealer handles the paperwork and you usually receive the vehicle title from your state’s DMV in the mail. But when private parties buy or sell cars, it’s up to them to transfer the title.

States may require the seller to provide basic information about the car, such as the odometer reading and the sales price, which is used to calculate the sales tax .

Before signing the title, check with your state’s DMV to find the proper line on which to sign and how to supply the correct information.

Whose name is listed?

For the seller, the first step is to look at how your name is listed on the car’s title. If your name alone is printed on the title, this means you are the only owner and can easily transfer ownership.

If, however, there’s also a bank or lender’s name on the title (referred to as a “lienholder”), this means you have an auto loan that has to be settled before you can sell. This complicates things, but it’s still possible to sell your car. Call your lender and ask how to sell a car that has a loan and how the transaction should be handled.

In many cases, a car is owned jointly by two people, such as a husband and wife. In this case, there are two ways the vehicle title can be written. The two names might have an “and” or an “or” between them. Generally, “and” means both parties have to sign the title to release ownership; “or” means either person can sign the title.

Avoid delays

Visit your state’s DMV website before you sell your car to see what documents are required, where to sign the title and how to handle multiple owners. Find your DMV website here:

If you make a mistake, such as signing on the wrong line, or if you try to erase something from the title, it will slow the process. Either you’ll need to file a second form, stating you made a mistake, or you might have to apply for a new title from the DMV before the sale can be concluded.

Buyer’s next steps

After the title is properly signed by the seller, the buyer must register the car in the new owner's name. In some states, the application for a new title and registration is on the back of the old title. In other cases, you might have to download a transfer of ownership form from your state’s DMV website.

Usually, a temporary registration is issued as soon as the title and proper forms have been presented to the DMV. A new title, in the new owner’s name, will be mailed later.

On a similar note...

• Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Title and Ownership

New federal odometer law.

You must complete the Odometer Reading section of the title on any 2011 or newer vehicle at the time of sale or transfer into a trust.

• Lien Payoffs and Lease Buyouts .
• Bonded Title
• Vehicle Beneficiary Transfer on Death
• Salvage Vehicles
• Flood-Damaged Vehicles

Title Backlog

The Department of Motor Vehicles currently has a significant backlog in processing vehicle titles. We are asking financial institutions to work with the auto industry and public until we resolve the issue. We appreciate your patience with a duplicate title request.

Duplicate Title

If your vehicle is titled in another state, you must obtain a duplicate from that state. See 50 State DMV Links .

If there is a loan, lease or other lien on the vehicle, you must contact the lienholder. The lienholder is responsible for ordering a printed title after you have satisfied the lien. Alternately, they may complete a Lien Release and you may submit this with an Application for Duplicate Title.

If your vehicle was last titled in Nevada and there are no liens, you may mail the application or apply in person at a DMV office. Make an appointment in our metropolitan offices. Your title will be mailed in approximately 6 weeks.

Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title (VP 012) This form is for use only if the vehicle was last titled in Nevada. If you are not sure whether your vehicle is titled in Nevada or if you do not have all of the information requested, please contact the Records Section for instructions.

Payment Authorization Form (ADM 205) To pay by credit or debit card.

Lien Release (VP 186) Releases an ownership interest held by a financial institution or other third party.

Application for Expedited Processing/Shipping of Nevada Title (VP 265) To expedite the processing and/or shipping of your title for additional fee(s).

Local DMV offices accept title transactions but do not issue titles over the counter. All Nevada titles are mailed from Carson City once processing is complete.

You may expedite the processing of your title and/or have it delivered through Federal Express by completing the VP 265 application. Additional fees apply.

Instructional Video

How to Apply for a Duplicate Title

See Private Party Vehicle Sales for instructions and a video on how to complete the title during a sale.

Title Issues/FAQs

Adding or dropping names.

The Odometer Reading section of a vehicle title must be completed on 2011 or newer vehicles, even if the title indicates the vehicle may be exempt due to age.

Without Lienholder

Sign the title as if you are selling the vehicle and put the new name(s) in the buyer section. Use your full legal name as listed on your driver license.

• If the title says 'person 1' AND 'person 2', both parties must sign it.
• If the title says 'person 1' OR 'person 2', either party can sign without the other.

If the vehicle is not registered or not operational, you may change the title only without obtaining insurance, a smog check or registration. Bring the title to a DMV office .

If you will be registering and driving the vehicle, you must obtain Nevada liability insurance in the same name(s) which will be on the new title and registration. If your vehicle requires a smog check, you must have a new test done if the last one is more than 90 days old.

Bring the signed-off title, current registration slip and smog check if needed to a DMV office to re-register the car. Credit will be given for the unused portion of the current registration.

If you are changing your name, you must have the legal document which authorizes the change (Marriage Certificate, divorce decree, etc.). Divorce decrees should include language which awards the vehicle to the new owner by Vehicle Identification Number.

With Lienholder

You must ask the lienholder to approve the change. Subleasing and "take over payments" arrangements are illegal.

The lienholder may wish to refinance any loan. They may ask you to sign the title and/or a power of attorney. The lienholder will have to apply for the new title and issue you a letter, including the Vehicle Identification Number, stating they will do so. You may also satisfy the lien and bring the signed-off title to the DMV.

If the vehicle is not registered or not operational, the lienholder may change the title only. If you wish to register the vehicle, you must obtain Nevada liability insurance in the same name(s) which will be on the new title and registration. If your vehicle requires a smog check, you must have a new test done if the last one is more than 90 days old. 

Bring the lienholder letter or signed-off title, current registration slip and an emissions Vehicle Inspection Report if needed to a DMV office to re-register the car. Credit will be given for the unused portion of the current registration.

Family Trusts

To transfer vehicles into a Family Trust, you must ask any lienholder to approve the change. The lienholder may ask you to sign either the title or a power of attorney, and may wish to refinance any loan. The lienholder will have to apply for the new title and issue you a letter, including the Vehicle Identification Number, stating they will do so. You may also satisfy the lien. The lienholder will release it and you may transfer the title into a trust.

You must add the name of the insured trustee to the registration and title or request that your insurance company report the vehicle in the name of the trust. The name of the insured on the Nevada Evidence of Insurance must match either a name of a trustee or the trust as the vehicle will be registered. This is necessary to comply with Nevada Liability Insurance Validation Electronically (NV LIVE) . 

Please note the name of the trust can be a maximum of 50 characters. Bring the following items to a DMV office :

• Vehicle Title or lienholder letter
• Current registration
• Nevada Evidence of Insurance
• A completed Trustee Appointment and Powers Affidavit (VP 188) or court-certified trust documents

An emission inspection and registration renewal are not required.

You have the option of renewing your vehicle registration for a full year. You will need to complete an emission inspection if required and if the last test was completed more than 90 days ago. Your expiration date will change if the current expiration date is more than 35 days away. Credit will be given for the unused portion of your current Nevada registration.

If you have a Governmental Services Tax Exemption for Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Surviving Spouses or the Blind, you may apply this to a vehicle registered to a trust by completing the Trust Affidavit for Exemptions (VP 242) . This must be filed at the registration renewal each year.

Death of Vehicle Owner

The transfer of a vehicle following the owner's death is specified in a family trust or handled in probate proceedings, if either of those situations apply. Contact us with details and the VIN for the documents you will need.

If there is no trust or probate, the heirs may be able to claim ownership using the Affidavit for Transfer of Title for Estates Without Probate (VP 024) .

Any loan or lien on a vehicle must be satisfied prior to a change in ownership.

Vehicle owners may also designate a Transfer on Death Beneficiary prior to death.

Proof of No Title Issued or Ownership Status

You must apply through the DMV Records Section to obtain proof that no Nevada title was issued on a vehicle or that the vehicle has been sold and a title issued to another person or business. Complete and mail an Application for Individual Record Information (IR 002) .

Locating Vehicle Owners/Bonded Title

Do not buy a vehicle from a private party unless the seller can provide a title in his or her name. A Bill of Sale by itself is not acceptable.

If you purchased a vehicle and do not have a title or adequate proof of ownership, bring any documentation you have to a DMV office . We will instruct you on how to attempt to locate and contact the previous owner.

If you are unable to contact the previous owner, you may be able to apply for a Bonded Title .

Publications and Contacts

Financial institutions and others who need more information on Nevada title requirements should review the guides below and contact us .

Registration and Title Guide Section VII has information for financial institutions.

Salvage Title and Non-Repairable Vehicle Certificate Guide Instructions on forms and procedures. See also Salvage Vehicles .

DMV Title Research 555 Wright Way Carson City, NV 89711 (775) 684-4810 - Reno/Carson City (702) 486-4368 - Las Vegas 8:00 am to 4:00 p.m.

Title Designs

Nevada’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) follows the latest national standards to make vehicle titles more secure and less vulnerable to fraud. Here are various title designs going back to 1996.

State law requires residents to list and sign their full legal name on all DMV documents including vehicle titles. This is reflected in designs since 2006 and vehicle owners are required to list their Nevada driver license number as well.

Odometer Disclosure Law

Effective January 1, 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires odometer disclosures until vehicles are 20 years old, beginning with vehicles of the 2011 model year. The previous rule was 10 years.

• If your vehicle is a 2011 model or newer , you must enter the current mileage in the Odometer Reading section of the title upon sale of the vehicle.
• If your vehicle is a 2010 model or older , you may check the exempt box on the title.

You must disclose the mileage even if the title says "Exempt - Model year over 9 years old." Titles now being issued reflect the new rule as shown below.

The seller must provide the buyer with a paper title for vehicles 2011 and newer. A Bill of Sale and Application for Duplicate Title or a non-secure Power of Attorney will not be accepted.

2011 vehicles will become exempt from odometer disclosure in the year 2031. 2012 vehicles will be exempt in 2032 and so on.

• Vehicle ownership transfers using a bill of sale and application for duplicate title and/or multiple bills of sale will not be allowed for model year 2011 and newer vehicles.
• Multiple private party sales will not be allowed for model year 2011 and newer vehicles.
• Use of a non-Secure Power of Attorney, for a vehicle sale, will not be allowed for 2011 and newer vehicles.