can someone else transfer car title

[Barbara]

Yes, someone else can transfer a car title to you, but the process must be done correctly to be legally binding. The seller must properly sign the title over to you, and you must then submit the necessary paperwork to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to officially register the vehicle in your name. Failing to complete this process can lead to significant legal and financial complications.

The most critical document is the vehicle's certificate of title. The seller must sign the title in the designated "seller" or "transferor" section, exactly as their name appears on the document. You, as the buyer, will then print and sign your name in the "buyer" or "transferee" section. Many states also require a bill of sale, which acts as a receipt detailing the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, date, and signatures of both parties. This document is crucial for tax purposes.

You must then take the signed title, the bill of sale, and a completed application for title/registration to your local DMV. You will need to pay the required sales tax and title transfer fees. It is also highly recommended to verify the vehicle's history and ensure there are no liens (outstanding loans) against it, as a lienholder must be paid off before a clean title can be transferred.

Each state has specific requirements. The table below outlines key differences in a few states to illustrate the variability in the process.

State	Notarization Required?	Smog/ Safety Inspection Required?	Temp Tag for Transfer?	Typical Title Transfer Fee (Approx.)	Grace Period for Registration
California	Yes, for most title transfers	Yes, smog certification required	Yes	$22	10 days
Texas	No, but signature must match DMV record	Yes, VIN inspection and safety inspection	Yes	$28 - $33	30 days
New York	No	Yes, safety inspection required before registration	No	$50 - $75	30 days
Florida	No	No statewide inspection required	Yes	$77.25	30 days
Illinois	No	No emissions test for downstate counties	Yes	$95	20 days

After the DMV processes your documents, you will receive a new title in your name, completing the transfer. Always handle the transaction promptly to avoid penalties for late registration.

[OliveLynn]

Absolutely, but you gotta do it by the book. Get the signed title from the seller—make sure their signature matches the name printed on it. Then, head to the DMV with that title, a bill of sale, and your ID. You'll pay the sales tax and a transfer fee. The key is to get everything done at the DMV right away. If you delay, you could be stuck with parking tickets or fines that the previous owner racked up, which is a huge headache.

[SimonDella]

As someone who just went through this, the paperwork is everything. The seller signing the title is just step one. You must also fill out a bill of sale; you can find a simple template online. Double-check for any liens listed on the title. If there are, the loan must be paid off before you can get a clean title. Then, take a day off work to visit the DMV with all your documents. It's a process, but doing it right the first time saves you from massive trouble later.