You know what we love about getting back to the basics? They’re always in style. Whether it’s a crisp white tee or a 1965 Ford Mustang…the OG’s are never really a thing of the past. And while it might be a tiny stretch to put title transfers into this category, we maintain that they are an integral part of car buying and selling, and therefore never go out of style.
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In that spirit, we thought it was the right time to go over the basics of title transfers. Because the legal transfer of vehicle ownership is something that is always necessary in the automotive world. And of course, something that we pride ourselves in here at eTags.
Ready? Here we go:
How do I get started with a title transfer?
In order to transfer a title – and thereby, ownership of a vehicle – from one person to another, whether it’s through private sale, donation, or inheritance, the first step is gathering the necessary documents. You will need:
- The official certificate of title.
- This has to be the original or official duplicate title that comes from the DMV. No photocopies are ever accepted
- The title must bear the seller(s) name on the front of the title as current owner of the vehicle that is being sold
- The title must be signed over to you in the appropriate areas of the document. Both the seller and purchaser fill in all necessary areas including their name, address, and date of sale. The title must also have the current, accurate odometer reading and depending on your state, the purchase price.
- A bill of sale.
- A bill of sale should include
- The make, model, and year of the vehicle
- Seller and buyer names
- Purchase price and date
- A Gift Statement. If the vehicle is being transferred as a gift, most states will require a. This is similar to bill of sale, but informs that no money was exchanged…rather the car was given as a gift.
- With any legal process, the DMV will ask for state ID or a driver’s license. In some states (NY or Florida, for example) you may be able to use other forms of identification, such as a passport or military ID.
- Any necessary forms.
- A bill of sale should include
Do I need to have the title notarized?
This will depend on your state of residence. Certain territories require that titles are transferred in the presence of a notary public. It’s a good idea to check with your local DMV to ascertain whether or not you will need this element.
What if my title is torn, stained, or has corrections?
Unfortunately, title transfers can only be done with clean, legible documents. Therefore, if your title has mistakes, cross-outs, tears, or stains, you will need to obtain a duplicate (also called a replacement) title before a transfer can be facilitated. eTags provides duplicate title services in several states and can help you get one quickly and easily.
What if my seller doesn’t have a title?
No title, no transfer, sadly. Your seller will have to apply for a duplicate/replacement title before they can legally sell the car to you. In some cases, you may be able to apply for a Title Bond. For more information on bonded title, have a look here.
And there are your basics when it comes to title transfers. Keep in mind that each state has different laws and requirements, so you may have slightly more or less to gather when starting the transfer of vehicle ownership. And if you’ve got any questions, remember that we’ve got a team of title experts always ready to lend a hand. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
