Sample Car Title Transfer Form: Complete Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Transferring a vehicle’s ownership legally requires careful documentation and attention to state regulations. One of the most critical documents in this process is the car title transfer form. Whether you’re selling or purchasing a used vehicle, understanding how to accurately complete this form is essential to avoid legal complications and ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.

What Is a Car Title Transfer Form?

A car title transfer form is a legal document used to officially record the change of ownership of a vehicle. It ensures that the new owner is registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent authority in your state and that the previous owner is no longer legally responsible for the vehicle.

Most states incorporate the title transfer section directly on the certificate of title, but many also require a supplemental form or bill of sale to complete the process.

Why a Proper Title Transfer Is Legally Crucial

Failing to correctly transfer a title can result in:

• Fines and penalties

• Legal disputes over ownership

• Continued liability for accidents or tolls

• Issues with vehicle registration or resale

A correctly completed title transfer form ensures both the buyer and seller are legally protected.

Essential Components of a Car Title Transfer Form

1. Buyer and Seller Information

Both the buyer and seller must provide full legal names, addresses, phone numbers, and, in some cases, driver’s license numbers. This information must be accurate and consistent across all documents involved.

Example:

• Seller: Robert Allen, 1565 Elmwood Dr, Sacramento, CA 95814

• Buyer: Marissa Gomez, 2411 Sycamore St, Oakland, CA 94601

2. Vehicle Information Section

Every car title transfer form requires a detailed vehicle description that matches the original certificate of title.

Include the following:

• Make and Model

• Year

• Body Type

• Color

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

• Odometer reading at the time of sale

• License plate number (if applicable)

Example:

• Year: 2018

• Make: Toyota

• Model: Camry SE

• Color: Black

• VIN: 4T1B11HK1JU012345

• Mileage: 65,452 miles

• Plate: CA 8RLF902

3. Sale Details

This section specifies the:

• Sale price

• Date of sale

• Form of payment (cash, check, certified funds)

Example:

• Sale Date: June 1, 2025

• Sale Price: $15,000

• Payment Method: Cash in full upon title transfer

4. Odometer Disclosure Statement

Federal and state law often requires an odometer reading disclosure for vehicles less than 10 years old. The form will include a section that requires the seller to certify the mileage.

Example Declaration:

I hereby certify that the odometer reading of 65,452 miles is accurate to the best of my knowledge and does not reflect any rollback or tampering.

5. Lienholder Section

If there’s a current lien on the vehicle, the title transfer cannot be completed until the lien is cleared. This section should indicate:

• Whether the vehicle is free of liens

• The lienholder’s name and address (if applicable)

• The loan payoff amount (if still outstanding)

Example:

• Lienholder: Wells Fargo Auto Loans, PO Box 29704, Phoenix, AZ 85038

• Loan Paid in Full: Yes

6. Signatures and Notarization

Both the seller and the buyer must sign the title transfer form. Some states require these signatures to be notarized, especially when the title is transferred in person.

• Buyer’s Signature

• Seller’s Signature

• Date of Execution

• Notary Seal (if required)

Note: Any alterations or errors may void the title. Always use black or blue ink and avoid cross-outs or white-out.

State-Specific Title Transfer Requirements

Each state in the U.S. has its own DMV and unique regulations for transferring a vehicle title. While the core requirements remain similar, some notable differences include:

California

• Requires a completed REG 343 form

• Must notify DMV of transfer within 5 days

• Smog certification may be required

Texas

• Uses Form 130-U for title and registration

• The seller must file a Vehicle Transfer Notification

• Buyer must transfer title within 30 days

Florida

• Both parties must complete Form HSMV 82040

• Requires an Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration

• Sales tax and title fees must be paid by the buyer

Always consult your local DMV for state-specific forms and processing fees.

Sample Car Title Transfer Form (Template)

Below is a sample template of a car title transfer form. This example should be adapted to your state’s legal requirements.

VEHICLE TITLE TRANSFER FORM

SELLER INFORMATION
Name: __________________________
Address: _______________________
Phone: _________________________
Driver’s License No.: ______________

BUYER INFORMATION
Name: __________________________
Address: _______________________
Phone: _________________________
Driver’s License No.: ______________

VEHICLE DETAILS
Make: __________ Model: __________ Year: _____
VIN: ____________________________
Color: ____________ Body Type: ____________
Odometer Reading: ________________
Plate Number: ____________________

SALE DETAILS
Sale Price: $_____________
Date of Sale: _____________
Payment Method: ______________

ODOMETER DISCLOSURE
☐ The odometer reading is accurate
☐ The odometer has exceeded its mechanical limits
☐ The odometer reading is not accurate – WARNING: ODOMETER DISCREPANCY

LIEN INFORMATION
☐ No liens exist
☐ Lienholder: _______________________
Address: ___________________________

SIGNATURES
Seller Signature: ____________________ Date: ___________
Buyer Signature: ____________________ Date: ___________

NOTARY (if applicable)
Notary Public: ________________________
My Commission Expires: _______________

How to File a Car Title Transfer Form

Once completed, the form must be submitted to the appropriate DMV office either online, in person, or by mail.

Steps to File:

1. Complete all required fields accurately.

2. Attach any supporting documents (bill of sale, smog certificate, etc.).

3. Pay the required fees (title transfer fee, taxes, etc.).

4. Submit to the DMV within the time frame specified by your state.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete sections: Any blank fields can delay processing.

• Incorrect odometer readings can trigger fraud investigations.

• Failing to clear liens: Prevents legal transfer.

• Missing deadlines may result in fines or invalid transfers.

• Unnotarized forms (when required): Some states reject forms without notarization.

What Happens After Filing the Form

After submitting the car title transfer form:

• The DMV processes the application

• The buyer receives a new title in their name

• The seller’s liability ends as of the sale date

• The buyer can legally register and insure the vehicle

In some states, temporary tags or interim registration certificates may be issued until the permanent title arrives.

Conclusion

A sample car title transfer form provides the essential blueprint for executing a legally sound vehicle ownership transfer. Ensuring each section is filled out accurately protects both parties and satisfies state DMV requirements. Always verify state-specific regulations and act promptly to file the form and finalize the transfer.