Legal Regime

• Auto titles are issued by state governments. Consequently, procedures for transferring a title differ slightly according to which state issues the new title. These procedures can be found on the website maintained by the appropriate state government. In many cases, the appropriate web page will be maintained by the state Division of Motor Vehicles or Department of Transportation.
  
  

Out-of-State Drivers

• If you travel to another state temporarily, you do not need to transfer your title to that state. If you change your domicile to another state, however, you will have to apply for a new title by the statutory deadline, typically 15-30 days after you change your domicile. You can change your domicile to another state by moving to that state with an intent to remain indefinitely, as determined by objective evidence such as a long-term lease, a new job or a primary residence. Most states do not consider university students paying out-of-state tuition or military personnel living on base to be legal domicilliaries.
  
  

Proof of Transfer

• In order to obtain a new title after buying or selling an auto, you will need to provide proof of transfer. If you bought it from a licensed dealer, the sealer is responsible for handling the paperwork for you. If you bought it from a private party, you should prepare a bill of sale that describes the vehicle and lists its Vehicle Identification Number and sales price. Both buyer and seller should sign the bill of sale. If the auto is a gift, list the sales price as zero. Some states require you to fill out a special form in case of a gift.
  
  

Title Certificate

• The title certificates issued by most states have a section to be filled out by the buyer and seller upon sale. In most of these states, both buyer and seller must sign the certificate of title. The owner must provide an odometer reading, and the buyer should check to make sure that the reading is accurate.
  
  

Application for a New Title

• Most states provide a special form to apply for a new title certificate. In many of these states, the seller does not have to sign the form. In many large cities and populous counties, emissions and safety inspections are required for transfer. You will have to pay a filing fee, but the amount is usually less than $50. You may have to pay sales tax based on either the sales price or the book value of the auto. Your certificate of title can be mailed to you. In many states, however, you can receive same-day service if you present yourself personally at the appropriate state office during business hours.