Vehicle title transfer is shared among family members, friends, and organizations. The title transfer process resembles the private sale process, so it would be as if one sold the car to another private party. It also protects the original owner from potential future liabilities. The person listed as the vehicle's registered owner is legally responsible. That entails any criminal activity, including accidents, car theft, and liabilities that may occur from using the vehicle. One can also transfer the title of a vehicle with an auto loan, but it would be essential to contact the lender to discuss the process and the costs of vehicle transfer, along with registration, which can vary depending on the state of residence. However, taxes can be exempt during the transaction, especially if the car is given as a gift.
How to Transfer Title of Car to Family Member
Vehicle title transfers within the same state are fairly straightforward. Both parties have to follow the required steps to ensure car titles have been transferred appropriately. Some of the documents and fees can vary according to the state. Applicants will present the following forms to the local DMV or online if the state has a designated portal.
- Original title certificate with the Assignment of Title By Owner, section completed with required information on both the buyer and seller.
- Government-issued photo, identification and proof of insurance
- Odometer statement if the title does not have space for vehicle mileage
- Bill of sale and a price certificate for vehicles over five years old.
- Vehicle safety inspection for emissions and VIN checks
- Lien release forms if the buyer is taking over a lien on the vehicle
Fees to transfer a car title to a family member range between $15 and $100, depending on the state of residence. Additional fees may be charged, so visiting the local DMV website or appearing in person to learn about the costs of transferring a title would be advisable. The buyer will also have to pay registration fees, which vary similarly depending on the vehicle weight and the state of registration. Vehicle taxes do not usually apply as well to transfers to family members. This is because they have been marked as gifts in the title transfer section. The sales tax would apply to the location where the vehicle was originally purchased.
How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Another State
Ideally, vehicle title transfers are done within the same state because both buyer and seller follow the same rules and regulations. However, when the buyer is out of state, there are a few more processes to go through. The first thing to do is to get a vehicle emissions test done. Most states require their cars to be emissions-compliant to pass registration requirements. This would also be required during registration renewal. Depending on the state, the requester will also be required to facilitate VIN inspections. The goal is to ensure the vehicle is not involved in any criminal activity.
In most cases, the persons involved in the vehicle title transfer must be at the DMV or appropriate state authority. They will present the following documentation.
- Identification of the person on the title
- Proof of insurance in the new state
- Driver’s license
- Current registration
- Completed VIN inspections
- Proof of lien
How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Michigan
Parties may give a vehicle to spouses, parents, stepparents, in-laws, siblings, and children. If the vehicle is a gift, the recipient does not have to pay any sales or use taxation in Michigan. That said, they will present the original title and abide by the following processes.
- All titled owners must sign when the title is transferred to a family member. Owners who cannot visit an office to sign the title can appoint a representative.
- The odometer disclosure statement should be accurately recorded on the title. Complete and submit the statement if space is marked absent on the title.
- If the car has a loan against it, provide the lien termination statement or the signed title from the financial institution that administered the loan. If the loan is active, a letter of authorization must be given with the title application.
The vehicle ownership transfer fee is $15, and interested parties must also pay $10-$15 for a license plate transfer. A late fee of $15 is charged if the title has not been successfully transferred to your family member within 15 days of the vehicle transfer.
How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Massachusetts
Transferring a car title to a family member is similar to selling it to a private citizen, except that ‘Gift’ is indicated on the purchase price on the bill of sale. In Massachusetts, parents, children, siblings, and spouses fall into the category of tax exemptions. As such, they will complete a sales tax exemption form and follow the same steps as would be the case when buying from a private party.
- Complete and sign the TTLREG100 form for the Application for Registration and Title.
- Take the TTLREG100 application to the insurance agent for it to be signed and stamped.
- Acquire the title and check for specific information such as the seller's name and signature, date of sale, gift indication, and vehicle odometer reading.
If the title is being transferred to a surviving spouse, they have to fill out a TTL103 form to either transfer the vehicle into their name, remove the name of the deceased spouse, sell the car, or to give it away.
How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in South Carolina
Transferring a car title to a family member in South Carolina requires requesters to visit their local DMV. The process is similar to transferring it to a private party during a sale, though the recipient will check the box indicating the transfer is a tax-exempt gift. The documents required for car ownership transfer in South Carolina include the following:
- Application for Certificate of Title and Registration for Motor Vehicle or Mobile Home
- Completed odometer reading statement
- Assigned Manufacturer Certificate of Origin
- Proof of state insurance cover
VIN verification is also required, especially if the vehicle is transferred from another state. In South Carolina, the fee for vehicle title transfer to a family member is a flat $15 for the service and a 5% road tax.
How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in California
Family members who get a vehicle as a present will still need to title and register it within ten days following the date of receipt. Parties will have to go to the local DMV with the required documentation, such as:
- Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title
- Lien Satisfied
- Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability
- Smog Certification
- Vehicle Emission System Statement
- Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight
- Affidavit for Transfer without Probate
- Verification of Vehicle
If you get a vehicle of an inheritance, you need to submit an Affidavit for Transfer without a Probate. The family member title transfer fee in California is $15, while smog transfer fees are $8.
How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Texas
Transferring ownership of a car to a family member requires both parties to complete and sign the Assignment of Title section. Both parties will also be required to sign the 130-U form, which is present on the state website.
One will also have to fill out and sign the Gift Transfer 14-317 form, which can be printed on the website. The vehicle should be insured according to the recipient’s policy unless the recipient is a member of the gifter’s house. Applicants will also have to provide proof of identification and insurance. Family member title transfer fees range from $28 to $33. This transaction is subject to motor vehicle tax, while standard presumptive values apply. The $10 gift taxation is due when the vehicle is transferred between family members.
How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Maryland
Parties can apply for a title in person at the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration branch offices. The required paperwork may also be mailed to the MVA Glen Burnie office. Requesters must provide the following:
- The current Maryland title signed sections. That is Assignment of Ownership and Application for Title and Registration.
- Provide completed Application for Maryland Gift Certification. This form identifies the relationships included within the state’s gifting statutes.
- Proof of the relationship between the giver and the receiver. This may entail marriage certificates, birth certificates, divorce decrees, or adoption certificates.
- Gift title transfer form VR-299. The form can only be issued when an aunt or uncle over 65 gives the vehicle to their niece or nephew.
- Liens are released if the current title indicates that a lien is present. Therefore, individuals must submit proof that the lien has been released. It may be a completed and signed Maryland Security Interest Filing or a signed letter from the lien holder identifying the vehicle.
- The Maryland Safety Inspection certificate is required to register the vehicle. An inspection is not mandatory when one receives the car from a family member or meets current registration regulations.
How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Virginia
To complete a title transfer to a family member in Virginia, the recipient of the vehicle will have to provide the following documentation to a local Virginia DMV office.
- The recipient must complete the Assignment of Title By Owner, including odometer readings and the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration.
- Affidavit of the vehicle purchase price
- Completed Purchaser Statement of tax exemptions for gifts between family members
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of Virginia residency
- Payment for title transfer fees
A family member title transfer and registration must be completed at the DMV on the same day but within 30 days of a gift exchange.
How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Louisiana
The person gifting the vehicle to a family member must fill out the seller’s part of the transfer section on the back of the title. The recipient will also have to fill out the buyer’s part. Per Louisiana law, parties gifting vehicles must sign the title with two witnesses or a notary.
The section where it asks for the sales price should be filled out as a gift. In the state, though, one will have to do the following:
- Complete a Vehicle Application form to have the vehicle be-titled in the recipient's name
- Get a lien release form from the holder
- Complete an odometer disclosure statement if the vehicle is less than ten years old
- Complete and notarize Act of Donation of a Movable form.
- Register the vehicle according to the recipient's details.
- When the notice of transfer has been completed, remove the old license plates from the vehicle and return them to the Office of Motor Vehicles.
How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Kansas
When the vehicle’s ownership is transferred from one individual to another, the back of the title should also be completed and signed before transferral to the new owner. Some of the required documents include a signed certificate of transfer of ownership, proof of insurance, and a completed motor vehicle examination form. This will be presented to the county treasurer along with the title transfer application. Vehicle Inspection Certificates will also be issued primarily if the car is from outside of the state. The registration fee can vary depending on the vehicle weight and model year. However, a title transfer to a family member costs $10 in the state.
How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Pennsylvania
Transferring a vehicle title to a family member in Pennsylvania is the same, except paying attention to sales tax. In this state, vehicle owners must pay sales tax on the vehicle's fair market value up to 6%. There are, though, exemptions to the sales tax rule. The form MV-4ST for Certificate of Title is required for transfers.
Notary appointments must be made ahead of the vehicle title transfer to a family member. The buyer and seller must agree to a date and time and sign the title before the Pennsylvania notary public to complete the process. Odometer readings are also required to maintain transparency.
Parties may also provide proof of vehicle ownership, insurance, and identity to the DMV. Ideally, both parties involved in gifting the vehicle should be present at the notary office with the required documentation.
How to Transfer a Car Title in Florida to a Family Member
In Florida, transferring a vehicle title to your family member is similar to transferring a regular car title, except the transfer is for gifts. So, parties will fill in the sale price section on the title to reflect $0 or write in the word ‘gift.’ The following documents are required in Florida title transfers.
- Application for Certificate of Title with/without registration form 82040
Identification of the title as the giver needs to be present. If any of the parties cannot be present, form 82040 or the power of attorney has to be completed.
- Driver’s license
- Proof of insurance
- Plate number for transferal
How to Transfer a Car Title in Illinois to a Family Member
Illinois residents have 30 days to transfer a title once the vehicle has been given. The process is similar to a typical vehicle transfer between private parties. Requesters must submit all the required documentation to the Illinois Secretary of State. The documents required include the following:
- An application for vehicle transaction VSD 190
- Mileage statement
- List of lienholders
- Owner's signature
- Applicable fees are required
The difference with the typical vehicle title transfer is that there are lower taxes. There is an additional $15 title transfer correction fee, which applies to family members. Gift documentation of $0 is also needed for family members. Family members can also be expedited. More flexibility is also required to retain family registration and plates.
Transferring a Car Title as a Gift
Vehicle title transfers to someone’s name may be done for individuals who want to gift their family members. These transactions are without a bill of sale, considering no transactions were committed between the two parties. Most states require the individual parties to present the necessary documentation to the DMV or appropriate state agency. These include proof of identification, title transfer, and insurance documentation. Title transfer fees also apply depending on the parties’ state of residence. Depending on the state, these documents may be provided in person or not, but they will require power of attorney. These orders are typically expedited due to the simplistic nature of the vehicle transfer.
