A car title is a legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle. The local county tax office is responsible for issuing the title of a car. In order to buy or sell a car, the title of the vehicle must be transferred from the previous owner to the new owner. Read on to understand how to sign over a car title.
Sign Over a Car Title
When the title of a car is being transferred in a private sale, the seller signs the title to release the ownership of the vehicle. The buyer then goes to the local county tax office with the signed title and registers the car under their name. Mostly, the office issues a temporary registration and mails the new title within few weeks.
Remember, titles have multiple blank lines so it is very important that the seller signs in the right place when signing over a car title. If the seller signs on the wrong line, it may delay the process or create some complications depending on the rules of your local county tax office. In case the seller has any confusion regarding where to sign, they can always contact the local tax office in your county.
Once a new title is issued, the ownership has officially changed. However, it’s important to know that you may require some additional documentation to complete the process like the bill of sale or Transfer of Ownership form.
Double Check the VIN
The first thing one must do is ensure that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is correctly written on the title. You can match the VIN from the windshield of the vehicle. If the VIN is not correct, the buyer could have an issue while registering the car. Before buying or selling the car, make sure you double-check what’s written on the title matches with the VIN on the vehicle.
Only Use Blue or Black Ink
When signing over a car title, it Is important to use a pen with blue or black ink. Signatures that are done with black or blue ink hold up better over time. Blue ink is usually preferred by people as it makes it easier to differentiate between the original document and the photocopy.
Write a Bill of Sale
When you buy or sell a used vehicle, make sure both parties have a copy of the bill of the sale. This document shows the amount paid, the date of the transaction, and the signatures of both the buyer and seller.
Compare the Odometer Reading
Match the mileage listed on the title with the mileage on the car’s odometer. If the odometer reading is different from the original title, then this is an indication that the odometer has been altered.
Check for Liens
Even if you are the owner of the vehicle for many years, still check with your local county tax office to make sure you have no liens against the vehicles. The buyer should also check for liens before purchasing the car. Typically, liens must be paid before the car title transfer takes place. Also, make sure you sign the right name in the right place.
Now you can Sign Over the Car Title
Once all these steps are taken care of, you can sign over the car title.
