Thinking of giving your car’s ownership to a family member but don’t know where to start? Or perhaps someone in your family needs to remove their name from your car's pink slip so you can qualify for a title loan. No matter why you need to transfer ownership of a vehicle, we’re here to help you in just that!
For anyone who’s looking to transfer their car’s ownership to a family member for any reason whatsoever, the whole process can seem very confusing! Especially if it’s your first time with something like this, you might end up getting confused and ultimately stressed over a lot of things. But thankfully, the car transfer procedure is quite simple in most states in the US.
In this article, we are going to discuss in detail, how you can transfer your car’s ownership to a family member. We’re going to simplify what may seem like a jumble of documentation and processes, for you, so stay with us till the end. One thing to note, many of our clients at Highway Title Loans can not get approved for a title loan until they show proof of a vehicle that's titled and registered in their name only. Because of that, it's really important for anyone with a cosigner on their car's title to first transfer that ownership to whomever needs the title loan! Read on to find out how this process works and the steps you need to follow to get this done quickly!
Step 1 – Is the Title Transferable?
First and foremost, it is important that you determine whether or not the car you want to transfer ownership of is actually transferable or not. For this, it is essential that you have the car title. Note here that only the person who is named on the title can transfer the ownership of the car. So if you have the car title in your name, you can simply proceed with the transfer process.
However, there can be cases where the title is actually under the name of a lender or a bank (usually when you have an auto title loan). In such a case, you will have to clear your loan balance, contact your lender, and get the car’s title under your name before you can proceed with the transfer.
In other cases, the car title might be under two people, that is, joint ownership, for example, a husband and wife jointly owning a car. If such a car title is to be transferred it is important that both individuals agree to the transfer. However if the title reads your name “or” someone else’s name on it, any one individual consent will be enough for the transfer to be legit.
Step 2 – Complete the Title Certificate To Transfer The Title Information
Once it is determined that the car title is transferable and the owner wants to transfer its ownership – the next step is obtaining and completing a title certificate. A title certificate allows the recipient to get the car’s title transferred under their name. For this, the original owner will have to fill out a car title certificate and then sign it. Once that is done, the recipient can take the certificate to their local DVM office and get the ownership transferred.
The steps that the recipient will have to follow to complete the transfer can vary from state to state but they are still quite simple and straightforward. It is important to note here that after the title is transferred, the recipient must get the car registered under their name.
Where the whole process can seem strenuous, it is there to protect you from fraud. So make sure you follow all steps involved to make the ownership transfer legal.
Documents Needed for an Ownership Transfer Of A Vehicle
The documentation you’ll need for a car ownership transfer can vary depending on the state you’re living in. Additionally the process can take longer if you're applying for an online title loan and attempting to transfer ownership of a vehicle in a state such as Texas or Florida. But usually, the following documents will suffice:
- The original car title properly signed by the owner
- The receiver’s car insurance.
- Transfer of ownership form.
- The recipient’s driver’s license.
- A Vehicle Identification Number or VIN verification form
- Evidence of the car’s current odometer reading.
Note that you might need a few other documents depending on the state you or your family member who you want to transfer the ownership to is in.
Fees Involved
Fees involved in the ownership transfer procedure can differ from state to state but they are usually very minimal. For complete details of the fees, we suggest you contact your local DVM office.
How to Transfer a Car to a Family Member in Another State?
Transfer of a car’s ownership to a family member who is living in the same state as you is very simple as discussed above. However, if they happen to live in another state, you might have to clear a few loopholes. This is because the rules and regulations for vehicle ownership transfer can differ from one state to another. For example, in a lot of cases – you might have to provide verification of your car’s VIN number. This is why we suggest you visit your local DVM office and get the details by telling them in which state the person you want to transfer the ownership lives.
Can I Sign a Car Title Over to Someone Who Is Not Family?
Yes, you can sign a car title over to someone who is not your family. The process would be exactly the same in that case as well. One thing to note with a title transfer to someone you may not know is that it's best to be careful and only transfer your car's title to someone you know and trust. There's not a lot stopping someone from getting a title loan in Arizona or any other state that allows online title transfers and this can lead to you losing your vehicle quickly.
If you're ever a victim of a fraudulent title transfer it's best contact the authorities and then look up the most recent information regarding your vehicle history. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System has a online database of service providers that will get you an up to date vehicle history report.
I've Completed The Title Transfer Process - What's Next
If you're looking for a car title loan, we've got good news! Highway Title Loans can get you approved for up to $15,000 based on the value of your vehicle and you can get started on an application now that your car's title has been transferred to your name only! Call us at 877-433-5454 to learn more about you can borrow money with your lien free car title today!
Janet Patterson is VP of Marketing Communications for Highway Title Loans and the feature editor of its Lending Blog. Janet has worked in the financial service industry for over a decade, with 7 years of experience in the car title loan industry. She previously managed a customer service team that helped and advised consumers on all their lending related questions and concerns.