What a title transfer is
The title is the document that proves who owns a car. A title transfer changes the owner's name on that document.
You need one when a car is bought or sold, given as a gift, or inherited. You also need one when a name is added to the title or taken off it.
Each state sets its own title fee and its own tax rules. For the cost in your state, open your state's title guide and fee calculator in the table below.
Title is not registration
The title means ownership. Registration means permission to drive the car on public roads.
The two are often done at the same visit, but registration and title fees are separate fees. Our state calculators cover registration (and the taxes and fees paid with it). Our state title guides cover the title.
What you usually need
Most states ask for these:
- The title, signed over by the seller.
- Proof of identity.
- Often a bill of sale (a short written record of the sale: buyer, seller, car and price).
Some states also ask for an emissions or safety inspection, or a VIN check (an official look at the car's vehicle identification number). Each state's guide lists exactly what that state asks for.
Deadlines vary by state
There is no single national deadline. Some examples from our state guides:
- Massachusetts: apply for the title within 10 days.
- Missouri: title the car and pay the tax within 30 days.
- Indiana: apply for the title within 45 days.
For every other state, see its guide in the table below.
Late title transfer
Some states charge a late title penalty if you miss the deadline. The amount varies by state, and some states charge none. A late title penalty is not the same as a registration late fee.
The late title amounts are in each state's title guide. For renewing a registration late, see car registration late fees by state (that page is about registration, not title).
Title transfer guides and fee calculators for all 50 states
Each title guide covers that state's title costs and rules, with its official sources. Each calculator estimates that state's registration fees and the taxes paid with them.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get a title transfer?
It depends on the state and the car's value, because sales or use tax is often the biggest part. Use your state's title guide and fee calculator in the table above.
How much does it cost to change a title to your name?
Putting a car in your name is a title transfer, so the same answer applies. Your state's guide and calculator in the table above have the figures.
What is the title transfer late fee?
Some states charge a late title fee and the amounts vary. It is separate from a registration late fee. Your state's title guide has the figure; registration late fees are on car registration late fees by state.
Is a title replacement the same as a title transfer?
No. A replacement is a duplicate copy of your own title, for when it is lost or damaged. A transfer changes the owner.
Do I need registration and title together?
They are often done together, but they are separate fees. The calculator covers registration; the state title guide covers the title.
State figures live in each state's title guide, with that guide's official sources and check dates. Figures for the 8 coming-soon states will be added with their guides, each with its own official sources.
- Alabama title transfer guide
- Alaska title transfer guide
- Arizona title transfer guide
- Arkansas title transfer guide
- California title transfer guide
- Colorado title transfer guide
- Connecticut title transfer guide
- Delaware title transfer guide
- Florida title transfer guide
- Georgia title transfer guide
- Hawaii title transfer guide
- Idaho title transfer guide
- Illinois title transfer guide
- Indiana title transfer guide
- Iowa title transfer guide
- Kansas title transfer guide
- Kentucky title transfer guide
- Louisiana title transfer guide
- Maine title transfer guide
- Maryland title transfer guide
- Massachusetts title transfer guide
- Michigan title transfer guide
- Minnesota title transfer guide
- Mississippi title transfer guide
- Missouri title transfer guide
- Montana title transfer guide
- Nebraska title transfer guide
- Nevada title transfer guide
- New Hampshire title transfer guide
- New Jersey title transfer guide
- New York title transfer guide
- North Carolina title transfer guide
- Ohio title transfer guide
- Oklahoma title transfer guide
- Oregon title transfer guide
- Pennsylvania title transfer guide
- South Carolina title transfer guide
- Tennessee title transfer guide
- Texas title transfer guide
- Virginia title transfer guide
- Washington title transfer guide
- Wisconsin title transfer guide
General information, not tax or legal advice. Fees and tax rules change; confirm with the agency listed before you pay.