Selling a car - how the heck do you transfer the title?

[The Sauce]

I am trying to transfer the title of my car to my step-daughter for her graduation. I had her fill out a bill of sale, but nowhere - anywhere - is there any information about how to transfer the title. My DMV webiste has no form or any informaiton about it. This is what Edmonds has to say on the matter:

"Once you have the money from the sale (it's customary to request either cash or a cashier's check), record the odometer reading and sign the car's title over to the buyer. In some states, the license plates go along with the car. A new title will be issued and mailed to the new owner. "

That's it...just sign it over? Sign my name on it and that's it? Do I need a notary or anything?

 

[The Sauce]

oops

 

[RossMAN]

What state will the car be registered in?

 

[iamwiz82]

Just sign it and hand it over. They take it to the SOS or DMV or whatever your state calls it and then they pay taxes on the transfer and get issued a new title.

 

[FoBoT]

did you look at the back? most of them these days have a form with instrctions printed on the back

how old is the title?

link to your DMV website? maybe you just missed it on the web site

 

[The Sauce]

Well the car is titled in Vermont but I am now in West Virginia for her graduation and she is moving to Colorado in 1 week...a little complicated.

 

[pontifex]

don't you have to do this in front of a notary or something?

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Snatchface
Well the car is titled in Vermont but I am now in West Virginia for her graduation and she is moving to Colorado in 1 week...a little complicated.

She needs to register it in the state she claims residency. Just take the Vermont title to that state office.

 

[dullard]

1) In my state, the title gives all the instructions you need.

2) Just go to the DMV and ask. The DMV is only busy on Fridays and at the end of the month. Today is neither. You'll have no line if you go today. Heck, call them if you want you won't be on hold long either today.

 

[Maximus96]

Originally posted by: pontifex
don't you have to do this in front of a notary or something?

not in CA at least

 

[The Sauce]

No I didn't look on the back... but that is a great idea. Thanks. Here is the VT DMV : DMV

 

[Rill22]

I just did that. My folks retired and gave me the title to the car I've been driving since I was 16. All they did was sign the back of the title where it says you're selling it, I took it to the DMV, signed and dated it, and then I paid for a new tag and license plate. A new title will be mailed in 7-10 days. That was it. No notary, they didn't even have to be there. Just a signature.

 

[The Sauce]

Great. Thanks for the help all.

 

[mercanucaribe]

If you spoke Spanish you'd be able to read the instructions.

 

[mrchan]

Originally posted by: Rill22
I just did that. My folks retired and gave me the title to the car I've been driving since I was 16. All they did was sign the back of the title where it says you're selling it, I took it to the DMV, signed and dated it, and then I paid for a new tag and license plate. A new title will be mailed in 7-10 days. That was it. No notary, they didn't even have to be there. Just a signature.

Did you declare a value on the sale? Do you/your parents have to pay taxes on it?