Your DMV should have an application you can complete for requesting a duplicate title. The application or form might be available online. You might not have the title because you haven’t paid off your car loan. In that situation, you need to work with your lender to pay off your loan before you will receive the title. Once paid, you can submit a lien clearance letter or other release form to the DMV to get the lien removed. [1] X Research source If the car has a lien, then the duplicate will probably be sent to the lienholder, so it is best to take care of the lien before making the sale.
You can find your DMV online. Type “your state” and then “DMV. ” Look for a link that explains transferring title. You can also find the specific rules and regulations in your state regarding title transfer here: http://www. dmv. org/title-transfers. php. Click on your state. This website isn’t affiliated with any state government. However, they provide links and contact information to state offices.
names of the buyer and the seller signatures notary’s signature (in some states)[2] X Research source date of sale price Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) odometer reading (though in some states this is a separate form)
If your state doesn’t have a form, you can create your own. It should contain a description of the vehicle, VIN, final sale price, place of sale, and the names of both buyer and seller. If the seller made any warranties, those should be included in the Bill of Sale as well. There will also be implied warranties if a written warranty was provided by the dealer when the car was sold. [4] X Trustworthy Source Federal Trade Commission Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson Go to source
VIN description of the vehicle, such as its make, model, year, and color date of the sale or title transfer license plate number odometer reading new owner’s name and contact information your name and contact information
names of buyer and seller date of sale odometer number VIN number any other information necessary to the sale of the car
Most liens are held by the bank that gave the seller their car loan. The car is used as collateral for the loan. In that situation, the bank probably has held onto the title and the only way the seller can get the title is to pay off the lien. However, a seller could have other liens on the car. Accordingly, don’t assume that there are no liens on the car simply because the seller has title. For example, a child support lien might have been placed on the car. Alternately, a mechanic could get a lien on the car for unpaid repairs. If you buy the vehicle with the lien on it, you now become responsible for the lien. [6] X Research source If you have the VIN, you can check for liens by visiting your local DMV or checking their website to see if it has a title check feature. If your DMV’s website does have a title check feature, you can enter the VIN to see the title and lien information for the car. This is a critical step, so don’t neglect it.
Ideally, you should go with the seller to the DMV office and fill out the transfer form together there. Even if not required by the state, going together can protect you because you can check for liens while you are there. [8] X Research source The DMV should also have a notary public in the office, in case your state requires that your signatures be notarized.
You’ll also need the VIN and current odometer reading, which should be on the title form. In some states, the odometer reading will be written on a different form.
You typically must pay a fee for the title transfer, which will vary by state. You must turn over the title. Your state should send you a new title in the mail.
proof of insurance proof that you’ve paid sales tax certificates showing the car has passed safety and emissions inspections
