Social Security Number: You are no longer required to provide your social security number on a vehicle title application. If the title application provides a space for a social security number, it should be left blank.
Sellers
Vehicles are required to be titled in the buyer's name within 20 working days. Failing to properly transfer a vehicle into the buyer's name could result in the seller being held responsible for tickets, toll violations or even they could have property seized if the vehicle was used to commit a crime. To ensure this doesn't happen to you, accompany the buyer to your county tax office and make sure a vehicle title application is filed.
If you sell or trade-in your vehicle to a licensed motor vehicle dealer, the dealer is not required to title the vehicle under the dealership's name. The vehicle stays in your name until it is sold to an individual, which may take months or even years. To protect yourself, file a vehicle transfer notification.
Provide the buyer with a properly signed title, including the date of sale and odometer reading and a signed vehicle title application, with the sales price clearly shown. Keep detailed written records of any transaction, including contact information for the buyer, the date of sale and information on the vehicle, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Buyers
If buying from an individual, have the seller accompany you to the county tax office to avoid any unwanted surprises. Before submitting the title application, a tax office representative can tell you if the title being signed over to you is correct and if it has any legal or salvage issues.
If you buy your vehicle from a dealer, the dealer is required to file the title papers on your behalf, so you will not have to visit the tax office. Make sure the dealer provides you with a receipt showing the vehicle has been titled in your name within 20 working days.
In addition to the title, ask the seller to provide you with the vehicle registration receipt, signed vehicle title application and any other supporting documents, such as a release of lien or power of attorney. Keep a written record that includes the name and address of the seller, date of sale and vehicle information, including the Vehicle Identification Number. Failing to title a vehicle within 20 days may result in the buyer being fined.
You must provide proof of liability insurance when you title and/or register your vehicle. If you do not provide proof of insurance, the tax office will not process your application.
Fees
When you apply for a vehicle title, you must pay the motor vehicle sales tax, which is 6.25 percent of the purchase price, or if buying a used vehicle from a private party, the standard presumptive value. You will also be charged a title transfer, registration and local fees. Your county tax office can tell you the exact amount you must pay.
For more information about vehicle title transfers, please read our FAQs, call us at (512) 465-7611 or send us an e-mail.
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