- 1). Visit the website or local office of your state's motor vehicle authority. (For a state-by-state index of websites, see Resources.) Inquire about the procedure for updating your title. Though the basic steps are similar from state to state, details may vary.
- 2). Determine whether your title has been properly endorsed, which will allow you to update the title and transfer it into your name. In most states, on the back of the title certificate is a form that includes spaces for the buyer's name, the seller's name, the seller's endorsement, an odometer reading and the date of sale. If the previous owner has not completed this form, you must contact him and request that he do one of two things. First, if he resides in your area, ask him to meet you so that he can endorse the title. Second, if he can't or doesn't want to meet you, ask him to complete an official bill of sale and send it to you. Typically, the appropriate Bill of Sale form can be downloaded from your motor vehicle authority's website.
- 3). Download and print a title application from your motor vehicle authority's website. Complete those sections of the application that apply to you, the new owner of the car.
- 4). Take the completed title application and either the endorsed title or the unendorsed title and a signed bill of sale to your local motor vehicle office. Submit the documents and pay the required fees. Alternatively, mail the forms and the required fees to the address indicated on the title application. After processing, and according to local procedure, you will be issued a new title certificate updated to show you as the owner, and you can sell your vehicle.
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