Q&A for How to Fill Out a Car Title Transfer

This is dependent on state by state. For some DMV offices, there are forms specially for family transfers that allow it to be done by mail.

It's not the law, but it's recommended for buyers to ask for this or conduct it themselves.

This depends on the state -- to give your vehicle to someone else as a gift, there cannot be a lien on the vehicle. If the owner has the title, they will need to sign off as the seller, and the person receiving the vehicle will sign as the purchaser. For the sales price write "gift" or "zero $0 dollars." The purchaser can then take the title to their local tax collector's office and apply for a title in their name. There will be applicable fees for transferring the title to their name. The seller does not have to be present as long as they have signed and given the title to the purchaser. No sales tax will be charged when a vehicle is gifted.

In the text block that says “Purchaser's legal name,” the buyer should print their name.

When a vehicle is sold or a title is transferred, the law requires written documentation of the total mileage as recorded on the odometer. If the odometer mileage is known to be incorrect for any reason, the seller is required to provide a written statement of this knowledge on the title to the buyer.

Yes. If there are two owners, you would need both of their signatures on the title.

The place the buyer and seller sign depends on the state. In California and some other states, the back of the title acts as a bill of sale. It has a space for the names and addresses of both the buyer and seller, along with the purchase price of the car.

You must do it in person. Before contacting the DMV, notify the Social Security Administration (SSA). DMV offices won't issue a new document if your name doesn't match the SSA's records. Visit your DMV in person. Unlike submitting an address change, which can be completed online or through the mail, updating a name change requires doing so in person. Bring proper identification confirming your previous name. DMV offices are extremely specific regarding acceptable ID. Visit your DMV's website for a list of acceptable forms of proof. Bring documentation of your name change. In most cases, depending on the circumstances behind your new identity, these vital records will be a marriage certificate, divorce document, or court papers issued in the U.S. proving your name change. Also, bring your existing vehicle title or car registration. Make sure you have proper payment to cover any duplicate title or registration fees.