There are many reasons to change ownership with a vehicle title transfer, which one is yours?

If you bought, were gifted or inherited a vehicle, or if you moved to a new state, you need to transfer the title of your car, motorcycle or boat there to become the legal owner. Whatever the reason, the process and requirements will vary based on the state that you are in. In states like California and Maryland, you may find commonalities like the need for a vehicle inspection whereas as in a state like Florida, inspections aren't required.

How to sign a car title over to new owner

Finding the vehicle you want at the price you can afford from a private seller or dealership is just the beginning of the car buying experience. To complete the process and become the new owner of the vehicle, you have to follow through with all the required paperwork. Neglecting to properly sign over a new title in a timely manner could land both buyers and sellers in hot water.

The paperwork for cars, trucks, or motorcycles purchased at a dealership are fairly easy to transfer because the dealership typically files an electronic title transfer and handles all the leg work. As the (future) vehicle’s owner, you just need to sign the forms they require and pay the necessary fees.
If you're the buyer of a vehicle held privately for sale, the seller (who also needs to be the person listed on the title) must sign over the title to you. Next, you will need to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Motor Vehicle Administration (MVD) or Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in your state and fill out the required title transfers form and pay the required cost to complete the transfer.
Keep in mind, this transaction will most likely all have to be done in person because transferring a title online is not an option most states provide. More likely than not, you'll also register the vehicle at the time you process your title transfer so you can get your license plate(s).

If someone is giving you a vehicle as a gift, or if you inherit a vehicle, a change in ownership and title is needed. The process is typically similar to a title transfer, as if the vehicle is sold. It’s still a transfer of ownership, from one person to another.

Moving And Title Transfers

When moving to a new state, you may want or be required to transfer your vehicle title so that you’re issued a title by the state you now reside in, for the vehicle you already own. It’s a simple process that requires you to hand over the out-of-state title for an in-state title.

If lost the title, you could (usually) get a copy from the state it’s filed with. You may also be able to just register your vehicle in the new state (where you just moved to) to get license plate(s) without having to transfer the title at all.

Contact your state’s DMV, MVD, or RMV for more information on this option.

Vehicle Verification And Emissions Testing

Depending on where you live, you may be required to have an approved state verifier complete a VIN verification such as CHP in California or law enforcement officer in FL. Your vehicle may also have to go through an emissions inspection. Often, any required value taxes may be waived as well.

Registration Info: It’s Not The Same As A Title

Remember, while often thought of as one thing, a vehicle registration is separate from a title. Your vehicle title establishes ownership, while a registration allows you to legally drive on public roads.

Registrations are important documents. If you’re stopped by the police or involved in a crash, you’ll need to show your registration card or certificate along with proof of insurance. This is virtually the case in every state, which is why it’s important to keep documents in car or always with you.

In regard to transfer of license plate(s) from one car to another, you can usually do that as long as the owner remains the same. You can’t typically do a registration transfer or plate(s) transfer to another person, such as the one you’re selling your vehicle to or gifting it.