Step by Step: Transferring Title & Plate in Any State
You ever sell or buy a car and think
“Wait — what do I do with the title”
“Do I keep the plates or give them to the buyer”
“Am I about to mess this up and get fined”
Yeah
I’ve been there too
Standing at the counter sweating because I brought the wrong form
So here’s your step by step guide to transferring title & plate in any state
No fluff
No panic
Just what actually matters
I’m Myriam
Makeup artist by day
Car paperwork ninja when needed
Let’s get this sorted
Why Does Transferring Title & Plate Matter?
Because you don’t want to be responsible for a car you no longer own
Or worse — driving around in a car that’s technically still someone else’s
✅ Title proves ownership
✅ Plate connects the car to your name for tax and tickets
Mess it up and you could be paying someone else’s parking fines
Or stuck trying to explain why you sold a car that’s still in your name
Step by Step: Transferring Title & Plate in Any State
Here’s what I do every single time
And it works whether you’re the buyer or the seller
Step 1: Gather Your Stuff
Before you even leave the house
✅ Vehicle title (logbook)
✅ Bill of sale (if your state requires one)
✅ Your ID
✅ Proof of insurance (sometimes)
✅ Current registration
✅ Cash or card for fees
Don’t be that person who gets to the counter and has to run home for paperwork
Step 2: Sign The Title Properly
Check the back of the title
Both buyer and seller fill it out
✅ Buyer name and address
✅ Odometer reading (required in most states)
✅ Signatures exactly as names appear on the title
No scribbles
No nicknames
No crossing out — or you’ll need a new title
Step 3: Remove Or Keep The Plates
This bit confuses everyone
In some states — the plates stay with the car
In others — the plates stay with the seller
How to know?
✅ Ask your DMV or check their site
✅ If you’re unsure — take the plates off just to be safe
✅ Some states even make you return the plates
Step 4: Head To The DMV
Yeah
You can’t skip this bit
Buyer and seller don’t always have to go together
But it’s easier if you do
✅ Hand over the signed title
✅ Pay the transfer fee
✅ Buyer registers the car in their name
✅ Seller cancels their registration
Pro tip:
Make an appointment online if you can
Saves hours of waiting
Step 5: Keep Copies
Once it’s done
✅ Keep a copy of the bill of sale
✅ Take a photo of the signed title
✅ Get a receipt from the DMV
Just in case the buyer forgets to register it
You’ve got proof you’re no longer responsible
My Own DMV Story
Once sold a car
Buyer promised to handle everything
Two months later — I got a speeding ticket from another state
Had to spend hours proving I sold it
Lesson?
Go to the DMV yourself
And keep proof
Quick Tips For Smooth Title & Plate Transfer
☑ Use black or blue pen only
☑ Double check spelling on all forms
☑ If there’s a loan on the car — pay it off before selling
☑ Don’t hand over the keys until the money clears and paperwork’s signed
☑ If buying — don’t drive off until it’s in your name and insured
FAQs About Step by Step: Transferring Title & Plate in Any State
Do I need insurance before transferring the title?
Yes — most states require proof of insurance before registering it in your name
Can I transfer the title without the seller?
If they’ve already signed it properly — yes
How much does it cost?
Depends on the state and the car — usually anywhere from £20 to £200
Can I drive the car home before transferring it?
Only if you’ve got valid insurance and a temp plate (if required)
What if I lost the title?
You or the seller will need to request a duplicate before selling
Final Word On Step by Step: Transferring Title & Plate in Any State
If you follow this step by step guide to transferring title & plate in any state
You’ll save yourself stress
You’ll protect yourself legally
And you’ll keep everything above board
Don’t rush it
Take your time
And leave the DMV with confidence instead of confusion
