Depending on your state, you may need to transfer a vehicle title when you move. Check with the DMV to prepare the right paperwork and necessary fees.
Written by Jessica Barrett Updated on May 23, 2024
If you need to redo your car title for an out-of-state move , you’ll need to gather your state’s required documents, pass any state-required inspections or testing, and pay the appropriate fees to purchase a new certificate of title .
QUICK LOOKMost states offer you a 30-day window to register your car after your move. Some states require you to purchase a new vehicle title as well.
Some states require you to update your driver’s license and pass safety inspections and/or emissions testing before you can apply for your new title
The fees for car inspections, vehicle registration fee, and re-titling fee vary from state-to-state. Check your new state’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) website for accurate pricing.
Step 1: Check your new state’s requirements Check your new state’s DMV requirements to determine whether a new vehicle title is required to register your vehicle Some states, like Florida, require an updated title for registration. Other states allow you to register the car using the original out-of-state title. Most states provide a 30-day grace period for you to register your vehicle with your new address. Expert tip: Getting a new title for your new state might be a good idea if you’re planning to sell your vehicle down the road. Having an in-state title makes the vehicle sale process much easier.About car insurance: You’ll also need to make sure you take out an auto insurance policy that meets the
minimum car insurance requirements of your state . You may be able to stay with your same insurance company if they operate in your new state. Step 2: Get your paperwork togetherYou’ll generally need to bring the following required documents to your new state’s DMV office to complete the
title transfer process Proof of ownership from an existing registration or car title Your updated driver’s license Proof of your address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage document Proof of insurance Proof of lease, if your vehicle is leased Letter from your car lienholder or a lien release if applicable Step 3: Get an inspection done, if required Some states require a car inspection and/or emissions testing prior to getting a new vehicle title. What to do: Check your state’s DMV website to find out whether you require an inspection or emissions test.If your new state requires inspections, you’ll need to find an inspection site—either at your local DMV or an approved third-party site (depending on your state).
Bring the DMV proof that you had the inspection or tests done and that your vehicle passed.Car inspection fees vary from state to state. Check your DMV’s website for the most accurate pricing information.
Step 4: Submit a title application and pay the re-titling feeYou’ll need to pay a re-titling fee to complete the title transferring process at your new state DMV.
How much it costs: The cost to get a new title depends on where you live—different states charge different fees. Check with your state DMV for a breakdown of the title cost and any other associated fees that you may be responsible for.
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Compare quotes from 50+ insurers with Jerry in under 45 seconds? 4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers How do I transfer a car title to someone in another state?Transferring a car title to someone in another state is pretty much the same as transferring a car title anywhere else.
Sign the necessary information on the back of the title, including your name as the seller. Depending on your state, you may have to sign additional information, such as the buyer's name, the odometer reading, and the sale price.
Make a bill of salefor both the buyer and yourself. After that, the buyer is responsible for registering and titling the vehicle in their own state.
What is a vehicle title?A vehicle title is a legal document issued by the DMV that declares the legal owner (or owners) of a vehicle. Sometimes you may hear it referred to as a ‘
You use the vehicle title to show proof of ownership when you register your car and get license plates in your new state. How do you find out whether you need a new title when you move?Check with the DMV in your new state to find out if you have to purchase a new vehicle title after your move. That said, all states typically offer a grace period after moving to take care of it—so you don’t need to worry about having everything in place on the day you arrive.
What documents do you need to register your vehicle in a new state?Having your documents together can make registering your vehicle a smooth process. Here’s what you’ll need when you go to the DMV:
Proof of ownership from an existing registration or title Your driver’s license Proof of your address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage document Proof of insurance Proof of lease, if your vehicle is leased Do you need a new insurance policy when you move out of state?Moving to a new state almost always means that you’ll need to purchase a new insurance policy. The laws and minimum insurance requirements are different in each state, so it’s important to revisit your policy to make sure you’re covered.
Are you overpaying for car insurance? Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds. 4.7 17k Ratings 5M+ Drivers Joined $600/yr Average Savings You might also be interestedJessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit. Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry's editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.
