who signs the title when selling a car

[VonTessa]

The person who signs the car title when selling it is you, the seller. Your signature, along with the buyer's, is the most critical part of transferring ownership. The exact location and number of required signatures depend on your state's specific title document. Generally, you must sign in the section labeled "Seller's Signature," "Owner's Signature," or "Transfer of Title by Owner." Failure to sign correctly is a primary reason for title transfer rejections at the DMV.

Before you sign, it’s crucial to complete the odometer disclosure statement accurately. This legally declares the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale. Both you and the buyer must sign this section. Additionally, you need to fill in the sale date and the final sale price. The buyer will then take the signed title to their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to apply for a new title in their name.

It's also your responsibility to check if there is a lienholder (a bank or lender) listed on the title. If the car was financed and you've paid off the loan, you must have the lienholder's release notation or a separate lien release document before you can legally sell the vehicle. In some states, the title might require a notary's seal to make the signatures official. Always check your local DMV website for the exact requirements to avoid any legal complications or delays for the buyer.

Action Item	Responsible Party	Key Details	Potential Issue if Incorrect
Signing the Title	Seller (Owner)	Sign exactly as your name appears on the front of the title.	DMV rejects transfer; buyer cannot register car.
Odometer Disclosure	Seller & Buyer	Must be accurate; falsifying is a federal offense.	Legal penalties and sale invalidation.
Lienholder Release	Seller	Obtain official documentation from the lender if loan is paid off.	Cannot transfer clear title; sale is blocked.
Notarization	Seller (& sometimes Buyer)	Required in certain states (e.g., Georgia, Colorado).	Title transfer is not legally processed.
Bill of Sale Completion	Seller & Buyer	Serves as a secondary proof of sale terms.	Disputes over sale price and conditions.

After the sale, protect yourself by completing a bill of sale, keeping a copy for your records, and promptly notifying your state's DMV that you are no longer the owner. This releases you from future liability for parking tickets or accidents involving the car.

[Alina]

You do. Grab the title and find the spot that says "seller" or "owner." Sign your name exactly how it's printed on the front. Don't forget to write down the exact mileage and the sale date. It seems simple, but messing up the signature is the biggest reason buyers get stuck at the DMV. Double-check it before you hand it over with the keys.

[McBarrett]

As the seller, your signature is the key that unlocks the transfer. The buyer can't do anything without it. My advice is to look up your state's DMV website beforehand. Some titles have two places for the seller to sign, and some require the signature to be notarized. It’s not just about signing; it’s about filling out the entire seller section flawlessly. An incomplete title is a headache for everyone involved and can even jeopardize the sale.

[StAnthony]

Think of it as a joint effort where you start the process. The buyer signs too, but your signature is the first and most important step. It's a legal declaration that you are releasing ownership. I always make sure the car is paid off and I have the lien release in hand before I even think about signing the title. Then, I fill in every blank meticulously—odometer, date, price. A clean, correctly signed title makes the entire transaction smooth and professional.