How To Fill Out Car Title When Selling
When it comes to selling a vehicle, it’s crucial to ensure the proper transfer of ownership and registration. This process involves several steps and requirements to be fulfilled. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to fill out a car title when selling a vehicle.
Seller’s Responsibilities
As the seller, there are specific responsibilities that need to be fulfilled to facilitate the transfer of ownership. These include:
- Removing the plates and surrendering them to a motor vehicle agency, unless they are being transferred to another vehicle.
- Signing in the seller’s section of the reverse side of the title and providing it to the buyer.
- Providing a bill of sale with essential information such as the buyer’s name and address, date of sale, mileage odometer reading, and sale price.
Buyer’s Obligations
On the buyer’s end, certain obligations need to be met to complete the transfer of the title:
- Signing in the buyer’s section on the reverse side of the title and inserting their driver’s license or Entity Identification Number (EIN).
- Visiting a motor vehicle agency to transfer the title and complete the Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49) if applicable.
What to Bring to the Agency
Depending on the vehicle’s previous ownership status, different requirements need to be fulfilled when titling and registering a vehicle that was pre-owned in New Jersey, another state that issues titles, a state that does not issue titles, or purchased at an auction.
Transfer of Title Upon Death of Owner
In the unfortunate event of the owner’s death, specific procedures need to be followed to transfer the title. This includes different requirements based on whether the title is in the decedent’s name alone or in co-ownership.
Additional Information
There are other essential details to consider, such as providing an accurate odometer reading, addressing liens on the title, and understanding sales tax exemptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What documents are required for transferring the title as a seller?
As a seller, you will need to provide the signed title, a bill of sale, and any other specific documents required by your state’s motor vehicle agency.
2. What should buyers look for when receiving the title from the seller?
Buyers should ensure that the seller has signed the title over to them and that all the necessary information, including the odometer reading and sale price, is accurately provided.
3. Are there any exemptions for sales tax when transferring a vehicle title?
Exemptions from sales tax may apply if the vehicle is indicated as a gift on the purchase price line of the title. However, it’s essential to check with the relevant authorities for more information.
4. What should be done if the vehicle is titled in the name of a deceased owner?
When dealing with a vehicle titled in the name of a deceased owner, specific procedures need to be followed, including presenting the necessary documents and obtaining the required certificates from the County Surrogate.
5. Can a power of attorney be used for transferring the title on behalf of the seller or buyer?
Yes, a General, Durable, or Limited Power of Attorney (POA) can be used for handling title transfer transactions on behalf of the seller or buyer, provided that it is notarized and includes all the required details.
6. What payment methods are accepted for title transfer and registration fees?
The motor vehicle agency typically accepts payments through various methods, including credit cards, checks, money orders, and cash. It’s essential to inquire about the accepted payment methods at the specific agency.