If you own a car, you should have a document called a title to prove you’re the owner. Every state issues car titles when you first register the car with your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). When you decide to sell the car, you’ll need to know how to transfer a car title to the new owner.
This article will explain tips and tricks to transferring a car title when you sell it or use your car to get a loan.
1. How to Transfer a Car Title When Trading in Your Car
If you decide to buy a car from an auto dealer and trade-in your current car as a down payment, transferring the title is very straightforward. Most car dealerships have a document processing team that will walk you through title transfer while filling out your paperwork. You’ll need a clean title (a title that doesn’t have a loan against it) issued from your state’s DMV.
2. What If You Can’t Find Your Title?
With most documents now stored in some digital form, it’s easy to misplace a paper title. Luckily, you can order a replacement title from your state’s DMV or local clerk’s office. There is usually a small fee associated with replacing your title.
If you need help with DMV services like replacing a title or transferring it to a new owner, Placas Al Instante can help. They offer a full range of auto-ownership services to people in California.
3. What If the Title Isn’t in Your Name?
Sometimes people buy a car with the intent to sell it to someone else. Unless you are a licensed auto dealer, you must register the car’s ownership in your name before you can sell it. Make sure the vehicle title has your name printed on the front.
You cannot legally transfer a title that is in someone else’s name.
4. Fill Out the Title Completely
The back of your car title has several areas you must complete to transfer ownership legally. You’ll find a space for your printed name and signature, as well as the printed name and signature of the new owner. You’ll also fill in the amount the buyer paid for your car and the current odometer reading.
All of this information is necessary when transferring your title. If you do not fill out the title correctly, the new owner cannot register the vehicle in their name.
5. Provide a Damage Disclosure
If your car has been involved in a serious collision and repaired, you may need to fill out a damage disclosure to accompany your title. The laws in each state are different when it comes to disclosing previous damage. Check with your local DMV to determine what is required in your area.
Make the Transfer
When it’s time to sell or trade your car, now you know how to transfer a car title to help you complete the transaction. Make sure your title is clean – in your name and without any liens against it. Complete all the form areas on the back of the title to transfer ownership to the buyer.