Transferring vehicle title to another person
 

I bought my girlfriend a car and put both of our names on the title until she paid me back for it. It's coming time where she has almost paid me back, so I want the title to only have her name on it.

How do I go about taking my name off the title?

Draft a simple bill of sale and both of you sign the back of the title in the correct place. (Call your license department to be sure) Depending on the state, you are taxed by the value stated on the bill of sale. To avoid errors I would go with her to the title dept. and let them show you where to sign the title.

I second what newtx said. My mom co-signed on my car, and she just had to sign off on the title, but I think that's because she was family. Your relationship would be a different situation. Also, I think there was a form I had to fill out provided by the CA DMV, but I think that's just something you need to sign. You can also check out your state's DMV website and see what info they have about doing this, in terms of what forms you need and who needs to sign them.

In NJ at least, there is a space on the back of the title for the current owner to sign and transfer to a new owner. Once the current owner signs, the new owner just has to take the titale down to the DMV and request a new title. There's a small charge.

Just be sure tha tin the space asking for the price paid you write $0. Otherwise, you'll have to pay state sales tax.

You have to be careful of putting a value of $0. Im not sure about all states but in some if you put $0 there is no sales tax but instead a gift tax based on the book value of the vehicle.

Ahh right on... So I may want to write $1 then... I'll run down to the title office this week and find out. Thanks for the replies.

i dont belive state sales tax is assesed if you are just transfering one party off, because the vehicle didn't sell or change hands -- one party is just releasing interest in it. Pretty sure that can be done without filling out the back.

Well, if they want a new title, they have to fill out the current title, take it to the DMV, and get a new title. However, you can sign the title and release your interest in the vehicle. Your girlfriend would then take that to the DMV and get herself a new title for the car. Furthermore, to protect your own interests, do write out a bill of sale. Look on your DMV's website. They should have information about all of this. I know in Oregon they have a bill of sale you can print out from their site. Make sure to write "as is" on the bill of sale. ALWAYS write "as is" on the bill of sale, even if you're not really selling the vehicle. (I sold my car last summer to a girl who then tried to return it a month later...I told her that the bill of sale said "as is", I had a copy, and to kiss my ass when she threatened legal action...haven't heard a thing since ;) )

It depends on the state you are loated in. Usually you pick a price which is the price you will pay tax on, then you have the title signed by a notary and take it to the DMV. They then flop the title over into the new "owners" name. (At least thats how its done in Ohio)