can you postdate a car title

[SadieMarie]

No, you cannot legally postdate a car title. The date of sale on a car title must be the actual calendar date on which the ownership transfer and payment occur. Intentionally writing a future date is considered title fraud, as it misrepresents the transaction timeline to government agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This practice is illegal across all U.S. states and can lead to serious consequences for both the buyer and the seller.

The primary motivation for someone wanting to postdate a title is often to delay the start of registration fees, taxes, or insurance obligations. However, this creates a significant legal gap. During the "postdated" period, the legal owner of record (the seller) remains financially and legally responsible for the vehicle. If the car is involved in an accident, receives parking tickets, or is used in a crime, the seller could be held liable. For the buyer, driving a car they don't legally own yet means they have no valid registration or proof of ownership, which can lead to fines and the vehicle being impounded if pulled over.

The correct procedure is straightforward. Both parties should complete the title transfer on the actual day of the sale. The seller should provide a signed title and a bill of sale, while the buyer should submit these documents to the DMV promptly to officially register the vehicle in their name. This protects everyone involved and ensures a clean, legal transfer of ownership.

[DeRose]

Absolutely not. I learned this the hard way years ago when a buddy asked me to do him a "favor." He wanted to postdate the title by a week. It felt shady, but I agreed. That car got a speeding ticket a few days later, and because I was still the legal owner, it came to me. I had to track him down to pay it. Never again. It’s just not worth the risk. Always sign over the title on the actual day you get paid.

[MaliaLee]

It's a terrible idea that exposes both parties to unnecessary risk. From a buyer's perspective, you're driving a car that isn't legally yours. You can't register it or get proper plates until the date on the title, leaving you vulnerable to fines. For the seller, you're still liable for anything that happens to that car until the future date passes. If the intent is to give the buyer a few days to handle paperwork, a simple, dated bill of sale is a much safer temporary solution than falsifying the title.

[VonTucker]

Think of it this way: the title is a legal document, not a personal check. You can't postdate it. The date of sale has to be the real date the money changes hands. Doing otherwise is fraud. The moment you sell the car, you want to sever all legal ties to it. Why would you want to remain responsible for a vehicle you no longer own or control? The only safe way is to complete the transfer immediately and officially.