Document text
Vehicle Title Transfer Checklist
A private sale. Rules differ by state, so check your own DMV. Your state: [Your state].
Seller
☐ Sign the title and give it to the buyer.
☐ Write the sale date and odometer reading where your state asks for them.
☐ Sign a bill of sale and keep a copy of everything.
☐ Report the sale to your DMV where your state asks for it.
Buyer
☐ Get the signed title and the bill of sale.
☐ Take them to your DMV or county office and apply for the title in your name.
☐ Bring what your state asks for, such as proof of insurance or an inspection.
☐ Pay the fees and tax your state charges.
Examples from three states
California Buyer: transfer within 10 days. Seller: notify DMV within 5 calendar days. Seller signs Line 1 of the title. Mileage record under 10 years old. Smog certification to finish registration. dmv.ca.gov
Texas Title in the buyer’s name within 30 days of the sale. Form 130-U signed. Seller: file a Vehicle Transfer Notification, within 30 days it protects against later tickets and tolls. txdmv.gov
New York A bill of sale shows year and make, VIN, date of sale, purchase price, and names and signatures of buyer and seller. Alone it is not proof of ownership: you also need the title or a transferable registration. dmv.ny.gov
Sources: California DMV (private party purchases; Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability), Texas DMV (Buying or selling a vehicle), New York DMV (Acceptable proofs of ownership). Checked 01.11.2026. Not legal advice.