No, a car title cannot be "forwarded" like a piece of mail. The process of transferring ownership is a formal procedure involving the physical title document, specific paperwork, and your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The seller must properly reassign the title to the buyer by filling out the correct sections on the title itself, including the sale price, odometer reading, and signatures. The buyer then takes this reassigned title to the DMV to apply for a new title in their name.
Attempting to simply mail an unsigned title to a new owner is invalid and will cause significant problems. The transaction must be handled correctly to release the seller from liability for the vehicle. If the title is currently held by a lienholder (a bank or finance company), you must contact them to settle the loan and have them send the title directly to you or the designated party. The exact requirements can vary by state.
Here is a comparison of common title transfer scenarios:
| Scenario | Can the Title be "Forwarded"? | Correct Procedure | Key Considerations |
|---|
| Selling to a Private Party | No | Both parties meet to sign the title. Seller keeps a bill of sale. Buyer submits title to DMV. | Seller must report the sale to the DMV to avoid liability for parking tickets or violations incurred by the new owner. |
| Gifting to a Family Member | No | The title is signed over, often with a section indicating it's a gift. May require a notarized signature. | Some states offer tax exemptions for transfers between immediate family members. |
| Title is with a Lienholder | Yes, but only by the lienholder. | The seller pays off the loan. The lienholder mails the title directly to the owner or the new buyer. | This process can take several weeks. Do not attempt a sale without the physical title in hand. |
| Inheriting a Vehicle | No | The executor of the estate handles the transfer using a death certificate and court documents to obtain a new title. | The process varies significantly based on state probate laws and whether the vehicle is part of a formal will. |
| Lost Title | N/A | The current owner must apply for a duplicate title from the DMV before any sale can proceed. | Getting a duplicate title can take time and requires the owner to submit specific forms and pay a fee. |
The safest approach is always to handle the title transfer in person or through a verified process with your lienholder. Never send an unsigned title through the mail, as it is a legal document equivalent to a deed for a house.
