Where Seller Signs Car Title

June 30, 2022

How A Car Title Transfer Works

Did the seller sign the title in the wrong place?

Both the seller and buyer are involved in the process of transferring a car title. The seller releases the rights to ownership by signing the title in the designated area on the document. The buyer takes the title to their local Department of Motor Vehicles , or the appropriate authorized office in their state or county, to register ownership of the vehicle in their name. The agency will issue a new title in the buyers name.

Some states, like Arizona, are moving to electronic titles. You may have to pay a fee if you want a paper copy of the title.

Heres a brief overview of how the title transfer process happens check with your state DMV to find out the specific details of transferring a title in your state.

Where To Sign A Car Title In Massachusetts

Its a good idea to read these instructions, locate all the appropriate lines on the title, and read any instructions on the title before you start filling in information.

Turn to the back of your Massachusetts car title and look near the top.

In the first set of blocks, enter the sale price of the vehicle, the name of the buyer, and the date the vehicle was sold.

In the next set of blocks, enter the buyers street address, city, state and zip code.

Under that is a large block where you must enter the vehicles current mileage.

Where it says Signature of seller, the seller should sign their name. Note that if two people own the car, both people must fit their signatures in this box. In the box immediately next to the signature box, the seller should print their name. Next to that, one person should write in the date they are signing.

In the next set of boxes, the buyer should sign their name. Again, if two people are buying the car, both of them must fit their signatures in this box. In the box immediately next to the signature box, the buyer should print their name. Next to that, one person should write in the date they are signing.

For more details about transferring a car title in Massachusetts, visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles website.

How To Sign Your Texas Title

The person * listed on the front of the title must follow these steps, unless otherwise noted:

Texas titles must be notarized. Only sign the title in the presence of a notary public.

Sign your name * on the back of the title where it says Seller Signature.

Print your name * on the back of the title where it says Seller Hand Printed Name.

For vehicles less than 10 years old, you must include an odometer disclosure statement reflecting the current odometer reading.

To help with your donation and ease the Texas vehicle title transfer process, we have showcased the various Texas vehicle titles below as well as annotated on each title where to print and sign your name. To enlarge an image, simply click on the image. Texas title transfer questions? Give one of our friendly Title Clerks a call at 233-8586.

Note: Actual title designs may vary slightly from the images shown above.

Texas Titling Information:

All vehicles must be titled, except construction equipment and implements of husbandry.

Motorcycles must be titled. Moped are not titled.

Effective January 1, 2007, anyone who purchases or transfers a motorized vessel or sailboat 14 feet or longer or who owns a personal watercraft , is required to title the vessel. Vessels documented with the Coast Guard are not titled. Boat trailers are titled through the DMV as motor vehicles.

Motorhomes are defined as motor vehicles under Texas statute and must be titled.

*Texas Title Transfer For Multiple Owners:

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Tips For Buying A Vehicle In Montana

These are general guidelines. When buying a motor vehicle, every situation will be unique. If you have a question about a specific circumstance, email or call 406-444-3661.

Be Informed & Ask Questions

It is your responsibility to be an informed and educated consumer. Buying a vehicle is a big decision. Know about the vehicle you want to buy and take your time when making a decision. Make sure you are informed and comfortable with your decision before you approach a dealer or private seller.

Read everything thoroughly when signing paperwork and ask questions if you dont understand all of it.

Buy within your means. When budgeting for a vehicle, consider the costs of maintenance and repairs.

Here are some helpful questions to ask when buying a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle from a private seller or dealership:

Are you the owner of the vehicle? How long have you owned it?

What is the vehicles mileage?

How has the vehicle been driven?

What major work have you done on the vehicle? Do you have receipts?

Did you buy the vehicle new?

Has the vehicle ever had rust problems?

Has it ever been wrecked, had body repairs, or been repainted?

Do you have the title?

Are you a licensed vehicle dealer?

Buy From a Trustworthy Seller

If you would like to know if a dealer is legally licensed, you can email or call the MVDs Vehicle Services Bureau at 406-444-3661 option 3.

Test Drives & Mechanics

Check for Liens Against the Vehicle

Check the Vehicles History

Beware of Odometer & VIN Fraud

Why It Is Important To Transfer A Car Title Properly

Transferring the car title as soon as you make the purchase is one of the most important things to do when you buy a car. Waiting or failing to do so can lead to all kinds of problems, so heres why its important to transfer the title properly.

You want your name on the title If you paid for your car, you want your name on the title, its as simple as that. Your vehicle is your asset, and you want it legally recognized as such.

You may have to pay a fine If you don’t transfer the ownership of a vehicle within the first 30 days, there is a fee of $25, and $25 each month after that in which you fail to legally transfer ownership.

If you wait, the previous owner may become unavailable People often wait to transfer the title, and this can be a big mistake. Unexpected things can happen, and if the previous owner didnt give you a bill of sale and perhaps gets deployed overseas, incarcerated, or even just disappears, then you are going to have a real problem and you may be unable to transfer the title.

You may be held accountable for the previous owner’s legal troubles If you don’t transfer the title, you don’t yet legally own your vehicle. If the previous owner owed money or had some legal troubles, you could possibly face repercussions, like potentially getting your car repossessed. In order to avoid lengthy and often unpleasant discussions, just make sure to transfer the title immediately after purchasing a vehicle.

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How To Sign Over A Car Title With Multiple Owners

In some cases, the used car has multiple owners. If this is the case, then the title will list the owners. Usually, the title will use words like and or or to show how the owners are linked.

When the title uses the term and, all owners have to sign the title. On the other hand, if the car title uses the term or, they do not all have to sign. When or is used, only one owner needs to sign.

For example, if the title lists owners John Smith and Jane Smith, both John and Jane need to sign. You cant release ownership and complete the title transfer without both. However, if the title lists John Smith or Jane Smith, either can sign to complete the title transfer.

This is important to figure out before you have to give the car title to the new owner. It may cause frustration during the sales process if you have to track someone down to sign the title before you can give it to the new owner.

Sign In The Right Place To Avoid Delays

This may sound obvious, but its essential. Car titles have several boxes and blank lines, so they can be confusing. This is particularly true if the title is older or the paper is in poor condition, making it hard to read. Title transfers are only official if you sign on the right line.

If you make a mistake, its not the end of the world. But it could cause delays. A correction can require you to get a duplicate title separate from the original title. This certified copy then requires a whole new signature for releasing ownership.

In some states, you just need a correction form. Each state has its own rules, so check your state DMVs website if the seller signs on the wrong line. If the seller has any confusion about how to sign over a car title, get in touch with your states DMV.

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What Should It Look Like

Looking every bit like a cars birth certificate, the title will include the seal of the issuing state. Although the information displayed on a title varies by state, generally, every title includes certain facts.

Identifying information: VIN, make, model, year, and color
Owners name and address
Title issue date: The date the vehicle got purchased
Odometer: Reading and when it took place
Outstanding liens: Usually the financing lender
Signatures: Buyer, seller, and representative of the state

A seller scamming the system isnt unheard of. But, its up to you to ensure the title the seller presents is indeed a legal title. There are some things you can look for and do to avoid being duped.

Double-check the titles issuing state. If its not the state you are in, its likely not a valid title.
Verify the VIN by obtaining a vehicle history report from an online provider like AutoCheck. It will cost $25 for a one-time report, but its well worth it. Reports provide detailed information, including past car owners, accident history, and maintenance records.
Inspect the titles issue date. If its relatively recent, it could be forged.
Check for a watermark. The absence of a watermark is a sign the title is a copy.
Look for fuzzy or unclear printing in the document. These are indications the document is a copy.

Know Your State Laws On Title Transfer

How to Properly Fill Out A Florida Title

Title laws are different in various states. For instance, some states mandate shorter time while some mandate longer time for a car to be registered or pay a fine. Some state laws also mandate odometer disclosure statements to while some do not mandate it on the title.

Moreover, in some states, a vehicle seller must notify the DOL after selling their car. Some states may not, except that the buyer fills the release of liability form to show that they no longer possess the car. Note that the notice must be filed within specified days.

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Where To Sign A Car Title In Texas

Its a good idea to read these instructions, locate all the appropriate lines on the title, and read any instructions on the title before you start filling in information.

Turn to the back of your Texas title and look near the top.

On the first line, print the name and address of the person purchasing the car.

On the next line, write in the cars current mileage.

In the box that says Date of sale, print the date the car was sold. Immediately next to that, the current owner should sign their name. Next to that, the current owner should print their name. Note that if the car is owned by two people, or two people are buying it, both people need to fit their signature on the provided line, so leave plenty of space.

On the next line, the buyer should sign their name. On the line immediately next to that, the buyer should print their name.

For more information about transferring a car title in Texas, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Where To Sign A Car Title In Michigan

Its a good idea to read these instructions, locate all the appropriate lines on the Michigan car title, and read any instructions on the title before you start filling in information. At some point Michigan reformatted their car titles. This information assumes you have the newer style of title, where all information for an individual selling a vehicle to another individual is printed on the front

Look for the box near the middle of the title that says Printed name of purchaser. Print the buyers name in this box. If there are two buyers, both names need to fit in the same box. In the box immediately next to that, print the date of the sale. In the box immediately next to that, print the sale price.

In the next set of boxes, enter the buyers street address, city, state and zip code in the appropriate places.

In the set of small boxes under that, enter the cars current odometer reading.

In the next set of boxes, the seller should sign their name where it says Signature of seller. Again, if there are two sellers, both names need to fit in the box. In the box immediately adjacent, the seller should print their name.

In the next set of boxes, the seller should print their street address, city, state and zip code in the appropriate places.

In the following section , there is a box that says Signature of buyer. The buyer should sign their name in this box. In the box immediately adjacent, the seller should print their name.

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If Youre Working With A Private Party

If youre selling to a private party, create a bill of sale with the necessary information:

Date of sale
Buyers name and address
Sale price
Odometer reading

Some states require the seller to sign a car title in front of a notary public. If the seller and buyer go to the DMV office together, the clerk can take care of that.

The buyer must sign in the designated spot on the title with their full name, date of birth and address some states will also require your Social Security number or equivalent. The buyer must disclose if the car is being purchased with a loan so the title will indicate the lien.

In addition to signing the title, youll likely have to fill out an application for title transfer and registration form with all your personal information.

When you register the title transfer, be prepared to pay transfer and title fees, registration fees, sales or use tax and property or other taxes that your state or county may charge. Titling fees often vary by state: As an example, in Minnesota, the filing fee is $11 for each title transaction plus $8.25 for all title transfers, while in New Jersey, it ranges from $60 to $110, depending on whether the vehicles financed and the number of liens it has on it.

Where To Sign A Car Title In Maryland

Its a good idea to read these instructions, locate all the appropriate lines on the title, and read any instructions on the title before you start filling in information.

Turn to the back of your Maryland car title and look at the very top.

Enter the name of the buyers on the first line.

On the next line, enter the buyers address, including their street address, city, county, state and zip code.

In the large reddish block on the left, enter the vehicles current mileage.

In the reddish block to the right, enter the selling price on the top line, followed by the date of sale on the line right under it.

Where it says Signature of sellers, the seller should sign their name. There is a block immediately to the right where a co-seller can sign their name.

Where it says Printed name of sellers, the seller should print their name. Again, there is a block to the right where a second seller can print their name.

On the next line, the buyer should sign their name. There is a block immediately to the right where a co-buyer can sign their name.

On the next line, the buyer should print their name. Look to the right for a line where a co-buyer can print their name.

For more information about transferring a car title in Maryland, visit the Motor Vehicle Administration website.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A New State

As if you dont have enough on your plate when moving to a new state, add registering and re-titling your car to the mix. States have their own timetables for making your car legal in its new home, but 30 days is a good place to start.

Some states require an emissions test or a safety inspection or both to title and register an out-of-state vehicle. Many require a physical VIN verification, as well. Its up to you to determine what is necessary for your new home.

If you come from a state that issues titles, take your current title to the local DMV or Department of Transportation office. Additionally, youll need your drivers license, the current odometer reading, proof of residence , and a form of payment. If your new state requires any of the tests mentioned above, youll need proof of passing those.

Some states like Vermont dont require titles for cars more than 15-years-old. If you are coming from a state that doesnt issue titles, you will need your current registration, financing paperwork, and all the other documentation listed in the last paragraph.

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Tip #: Sign The Right Name

This may seem like a no brainer, but youd be surprised. If you have gotten married or changed your name for another reason since the original title was issued or signed over to you, do NOT sign the title using your new signature. Instead, sign the title with the signature that matches your name as it was printed on the title.

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Where Seller Signs Car Title

How A Car Title Transfer Works

Where To Sign A Car Title In Massachusetts

How To Sign Your Texas Title