{"id":8505,"date":"2026-03-21T00:55:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T00:55:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.givemethevin.com\/sell-my-car\/?p=8505"},"modified":"2026-04-29T06:55:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T06:55:19","slug":"where-do-i-transfer-a-car-title","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.givemethevin.com\/sell-my-car\/where-do-i-transfer-a-car-title\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Do I Transfer a Title When I Sell a Car? A State-by-State Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Transfer a Car Title in All 50 States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every state in the country requires a title transfer when you sell a car, but not every state goes about it the same way. The government office responsible for processing the transfer, the forms required, the fees charged, and even the deadlines involved all vary depending on where you live. What’s routine in Texas may look completely different in Tennessee – which can make the whole title transfer process<\/a> feel more complicated than it needs to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At GiveMeTheVIN.com<\/a>, we’ve been navigating state title requirements on behalf of car sellers since 1994. Whether you’re selling a car in California or Connecticut, our team handles the paperwork from start to finish. But if you’re curious about the process in your specific state, or just want to know what office you’d be dealing with, this guide has you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article you’ll find the name and official website of the title transfer agency for all 50 states, along with notes on states where the process has a unique wrinkle worth knowing about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Title Transfers Work When You Sell a Car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of which state you’re in, the basic framework to transfer a car title is the same: the seller signs the existing title over to the buyer, and the buyer takes that signed document to the appropriate state office to register the car in their name. In most states, the seller also has a separate obligation to notify the state that the car has been sold, which helps release the seller from any liability connected to the vehicle going forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some states handle all of this through a Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”), while others route everything through the Secretary of State, the Department of Revenue, the Department of Transportation, or a Motor Vehicle Commission. Hawaii is the only state that handles title transfers entirely at the county level, with no central state office involved. Florida is another notable case: actual title work is processed through the County Tax Collector Office rather than through the state DMV directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, when you sell a car with a loan<\/a> (lien) on it, the process has an added layer: the lender must be paid in full and the lienholder’s name removed from the title before any transfer can take place. Most states are now part of an Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) system, which allows lenders to release liens digitally, speeding up the process considerably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You’ll Typically Need to Transfer a Car Title<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Requirements vary by state, but most title transfers when you sell a car involve a signed certificate of title, a government-issued photo ID, a completed title transfer application (provided by the state office), and payment of a transfer fee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some states also require a bill of sale, an odometer disclosure statement, or a smog or emissions certificate. A handful of states require a notarized signature on the title itself, which is worth confirming before sitting down to sign anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your title has been lost or damaged, you’ll need to apply for a duplicate through your state’s motor vehicle office before the sale can move forward. Processing times for duplicate titles vary, but most states can issue one within one to three weeks, with expedited options available in some cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Transfer a Car Title In Your State When You Sell a Car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The following list covers all 50 states. Where a state’s process has a notable quirk or unique requirement, a brief note has been added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alabama<\/strong> \u2014 Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division: revenue.alabama.gov\/division\/motor-vehicle<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alaska<\/strong> \u2014 Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dmv.alaska.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arizona<\/strong> \u2014 Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD): azdot.gov\/motor-vehicles<\/a> \u2014 Arizona allows many title transactions to be completed online through their AZ MVD Now portal, which can save a trip to the office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arkansas<\/strong> \u2014 Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle: dfa.arkansas.gov\/offices\/motorVehicle<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

California<\/strong> \u2014 California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dmv.ca.gov<\/a> \u2014 California requires both the seller and buyer to notify the DMV of the sale. Sellers must submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within five days of the sale, which can be done online. California also has a strict smog certification requirement in most counties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colorado<\/strong> \u2014 Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dmv.colorado.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connecticut<\/strong> \u2014 Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): portal.ct.gov\/DMV<\/a> \u2014 Connecticut requires a seller to cancel their registration and return the license plates. Plates do not transfer with the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delaware<\/strong> \u2014 Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dmv.de.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida<\/strong> \u2014 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV): flhsmv.gov<\/a> \u2014 Florida routes actual title transfers through county tax collector offices, not the state FLHSMV directly. Find your county’s office through the state site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Georgia<\/strong> \u2014 Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division: motor.georgia.gov<\/a> \u2014 Georgia uses an electronic title system (DRIVES) and requires the buyer to apply for a new title through this system within 30 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hawaii<\/strong> \u2014 Hawaii handles title transfers at the county level. There is no single state agency. Contact the appropriate county office: Honolulu County, Hawaii County, Maui County, or Kauai County, each of which maintains its own motor vehicle division. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Idaho<\/strong> \u2014 Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles: itd.idaho.gov\/dmv<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Illinois<\/strong> \u2014 Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services: ilsos.gov<\/a> \u2014 In Illinois, vehicle titles are handled by the Secretary of State, not a DMV. Sellers must complete a vehicle transaction report when transferring ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indiana<\/strong> \u2014 Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV): in.gov\/bmv<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iowa<\/strong> \u2014 Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division: iowadot.gov\/mvd<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kansas<\/strong> \u2014 Kansas Division of Vehicles (Department of Revenue): ksrevenue.gov\/vehicle<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kentucky<\/strong> \u2014 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing: transportation.ky.gov\/Motor-Vehicle-Licensing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Louisiana<\/strong> \u2014 Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV): omv.la.gov<\/a> \u2014 Louisiana requires a notarized Act of Sale in addition to a signed title, which is a notable extra step compared to most other states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maine<\/strong> \u2014 Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV): maine.gov\/sos\/bmv<\/a> \u2014 Maine’s BMV operates under the Secretary of State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maryland<\/strong> \u2014 Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA): mva.maryland.gov<\/a> \u2014 Maryland uses the Motor Vehicle Administration rather than a DMV. A completed MVA bill of sale form may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massachusetts<\/strong> \u2014 Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV): mass.gov\/orgs\/registry-of-motor-vehicles<\/a> \u2014 Massachusetts calls its agency the Registry of Motor Vehicles. License plates stay with the seller, not the car, which differs from most states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michigan<\/strong> \u2014 Michigan Secretary of State: michigan.gov\/sos<\/a> \u2014 Michigan title transfers are processed through the Secretary of State, not a DMV. Michigan also requires a completed title with an odometer reading for most sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota<\/strong> \u2014 Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS): dps.mn.gov\/dvs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mississippi<\/strong> \u2014 Mississippi Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau: dor.ms.gov\/motor-vehicle<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Missouri<\/strong> \u2014 Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau: dor.mo.gov\/motor-vehicle<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Montana<\/strong> \u2014 Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD): mvd.mt.gov<\/a> \u2014 Montana has no general sales tax, which makes it a popular state for registering vehicles for out-of-state buyers seeking to avoid tax. This has legal implications sellers should be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nebraska<\/strong> \u2014 Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dmv.nebraska.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevada<\/strong> \u2014 Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dmv.nv.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Hampshire<\/strong> \u2014 New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): nh.gov\/safety\/divisions\/dmv<\/a> \u2014 New Hampshire has no general sales tax, which can affect what buyers and sellers need to document at the time of sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Jersey<\/strong> \u2014 New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC): nj.gov\/mvc<\/a> \u2014 New Jersey refers to its agency as the Motor Vehicle Commission rather than a DMV. A notice of sale must be submitted by the seller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Mexico<\/strong> \u2014 New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD): mvd.newmexico.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New York<\/strong> \u2014 New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dmv.ny.gov<\/a> \u2014 New York has a specific title transfer form (MV-50 or MV-999) depending on the transaction type. Sellers should confirm which form applies to their situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Carolina<\/strong> \u2014 North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV): ncdot.gov\/dmv<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Dakota<\/strong> \u2014 North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division: dot.nd.gov\/divisions\/mv<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ohio<\/strong> \u2014 Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV): bmv.ohio.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oklahoma<\/strong> \u2014 Oklahoma Tax Commission, Motor Vehicle Division: oklahoma.gov\/tax\/business\/motor-vehicle<\/a> \u2014 In Oklahoma, title and registration services fall under the Tax Commission rather than a transportation or motor vehicle agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oregon<\/strong> \u2014 Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV): oregon.gov\/odot\/dmv<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pennsylvania<\/strong> \u2014 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Bureau of Motor Vehicles: dmv.pa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rhode Island<\/strong> \u2014 Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dmv.ri.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

South Carolina<\/strong> \u2014 South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV): scdmv.net<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

South Dakota<\/strong> \u2014 South Dakota Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dor.sd.gov\/motor-vehicles<\/a> \u2014 Like Montana, South Dakota has no general sales tax on vehicle purchases, which attracts some out-of-state buyers. Sellers should be aware this can influence deal structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tennessee<\/strong> \u2014 Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Title & Registration: tn.gov\/revenue\/title-and-registration<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texas<\/strong> \u2014 Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): txdmv.gov<\/a> \u2014 Texas requires both a Vehicle Transfer Notification (submitted by the seller) and a title transfer application (submitted by the buyer) within 30 days of the sale. Texas uses a separate agency, the Department of Public Safety, for driver’s licenses, so title and licensing are handled by different offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utah<\/strong> \u2014 Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dmv.utah.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vermont<\/strong> \u2014 Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dmv.vermont.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virginia<\/strong> \u2014 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): dmv.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washington<\/strong> \u2014 Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL): dol.wa.gov<\/a> \u2014 Washington State handles vehicle titles through its Department of Licensing, not a DMV. This is a common source of confusion for sellers who are new to the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

West Virginia<\/strong> \u2014 West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): transportation.wv.gov\/DMV<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wisconsin<\/strong> \u2014 Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Division of Motor Vehicles: wisconsindot.gov\/Pages\/dmv<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wyoming<\/strong> \u2014 Wyoming Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Services: dot.state.wy.us\/home\/titles_plates_registration<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

GiveMeTheVIN Handles Your Title Transfer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Knowing which office handles title transfers in your state is useful \u2014 but when you sell a car to GiveMeTheVIN.com, you won’t need to deal with any of this yourself. We manage the complete title transfer process on our end, in every state across the continental US. That means no forms to track down, no fees to calculate, and no trips to a government office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 1994, GiveMeTheVIN has been the original national online car buyer, building the kind of experience and infrastructure that makes selling your car as smooth as possible. You get a genuine offer from an actual human buyer who evaluates your specific car \u2014 not an algorithm \u2014 and payment on the spot with a live Bank of America check, cashable immediately. In most cases, we come to you for free pickup wherever you are in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you’re ready to sell a car and skip the paperwork altogether, enter your VIN or license plate number in the form on this page. We’ll take it from there \u2014 title transfer and all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Title Transfer FAQs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Where do I go to transfer a car title when I sell a car?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That depends on your state. Most route title transfers through a DMV, but some use the Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, or another agency entirely. See the full list above for your state’s specific office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I have to go to the DMV myself when I sell a car to GiveMeTheVIN?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No. When you sell your car to GiveMeTheVIN, we handle the title transfer completely on our end. You sign the title at pickup and we manage everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer:<\/strong> Government agencies can and do change their policies, office locations, procedures, fees, and web addresses. The information in this guide was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with your state’s official motor vehicle agency before completing a title transfer.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get an offer & sell your car today!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sell your car to GivemetheVIN! Enter your 17-digit VIN or license plate number to get an offer for the most money. No haggling. No pressure. Just the fastest, easiest, safest way to sell your car online!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n