DMV Info & Links
Here are links to the latest rules, regulations and downloadable forms which may be needed to complete your sale, plus state-by-state information:
- FORMS indicates paperwork the state requires between seller and buyer.
- LICENSE PLATES lists requirements regarding your vehicle plates after the sale.
- OTHER indicates additional forms or information you may need.
- WEB LINKS take you directly to the DMV site or to downloadable forms.
DISCLAIMER: The vehicle-selling information included here is gathered from DMV sites and from phone conversations with DMV personnel. It cannot be guaranteed for its timeliness or accuracy. Please contact your DMV for the latest official information.
Downloadable forms (.pdf) may require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader browser plug-in.
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Under the provisions of Act 96-733 (effective January 1, 1998) license plates are to be removed by the registrant upon sale or disposal of the vehicle, for possible transfer to a replacement vehicle. The plates are not transferable between vehicle owners.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(334) 242-9000
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale; Transfer of Ownership
LICENSE PLATES :
If your vehicle has personalized/specialty plates, remove the plates upon sale. The buyer will be issued a new set of plates at no additional charge, and can pick up the vehicle after transferring it to their name.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(907) 269-5551
FORMS :
Signed and Notarized Vehicle Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Remove and retain your plates.
OTHER :
Official info from site: As the seller, you must sign off the back of the title and have your signature notarized. Give the title to the purchaser. Complete the notice of sale on the reverse side of the registration and mail it to MVD at the address indicated - do not give the registration form/notice of sale to the purchaser.
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(800) 251-5866
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller; can be transferred
OTHER :
Authorization of title assignment form
WEB LINKS :
Arkansas DMV | Motor Vehicle Forms
PHONE :
(800) 662-8247
FORMS :
Notice of Release of Liability (REG 138); Title; Bill of Sale; Smog Certificate
LICENSE PLATES :
Keep them and reuse them
OTHER :
Most vehicles have sequentially issued "standard" license plates that remain with the vehicle when ownership is transferred. If the license plate is a special interest or personalized license plate, you must decide if you want to retain the plate for use on another vehicle, or release your interest in the plate. Complete a Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17)(PDF) or a Special License Plate Application (REG 17A)(PDF) indicating your retention or release of the special plate and give the form to the buyer.
WEB LINKS :
California DMV: "What is required if I sell my vehicle?"
PHONE :
(800) 777-0133
FORMS :
Bill of Sale; Current Emissions Inspection Certificate is required is the buyer lives in an emissions area; Colorado Certificate of Title
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller, not car
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Colorado DMV | Selling a vehicle
PHONE :
(303) 205-5608
FORMS :
Certificate of Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller, not car
OTHER :
The marker plates from your vehicle should be removed and returned to the DMV with the registration certificate and ask that they be canceled. You will be given a receipt when the plates are turned in. By doing so the vehicle will be removed from your local property tax list.
WEB LINKS :
Connecticut DMV | Selling Your Vehicle
PHONE :
(860) 263-5700
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller, not car. If you sell your car and do not transfer your license plates to another vehicle, or if your insurance is canceled, you are required to return your license plates to DC DMV.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(202) 727-5000
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
The Division of Motor Vehicles recommends the seller transfer the title of the vehicle to the buyer at a Division facility. This will ensure the buyer actually obtains a new title on the vehicle, ensures the seller’s name is removed as the vehicle owner and allows a Motor Vehicle Title Specialist to review the paperwork and provides the ability to correct any errors with the paperwork. If the seller and buyer cannot meet at DMV for the title transfer, Delaware law requires the registered owner to notify DMV of the sale or transfer of a vehicle. The seller must complete the Seller's Report of Sale and registration card and mail them to DMV except when the vehicle is sold/transferred to a dealer. In that case, provide the registration card to the dealer and mail the Seller's Report of Sale to DMV. You must remove the tag and take it to your local DMV office. The DMV will issue a temporary tag to the new owner for a fee of $10. The buyer must provide proof of insurance, the Bill of Sale, and a description of the vehicle, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
OTHER :
WEB LINKS :
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
PHONE :
(302) 744-2500
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
When a vehicle is sold and the license plate is transferred to a replacement vehicle the $100 Initial Registration fee is not required. If the vehicle is not replaced, the license plate must be turned in to the driver license office or tax collector to prevent a driver license suspension. The vehicle registration will be stamped "canceled" and this may be used to exempt the $100 Initial Registration fee when a replacement vehicle is registered.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Florida DMV | How do I sign my title over to someone else?
PHONE :
(850) 617-2000
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Plates belong to the seller, not vehicle. If you are not going to reuse your tags, remove and discard the plate. If you plan to reuse them, notify the DMV and pay a tag transfer fee with the new title application.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Georgia Motor Vehicle Division
PHONE :
(404) 657-9300
FORMS :
Title; Current Safety Checks Form
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to the car.
OTHER :
Requirements may vary from county to county within Hawaii
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(808) 532-7700
FORMS :
1. Title (for used vehicles) - must be properly released by the previous owner and lien holder (if any)
2. Bill of Sale - must include vehicle description, sales price, buyer's name, original signature of seller, and date.
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller. Remove from car.
OTHER :
Sellers must return a Release of Liability form after sale of vehicle ($2.00 fee)
WEB LINKS :
Idaho Division Of Motor Vehicles
PHONE :
(208)334-8663
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
If the vehicle will not be replaced, the license plates should be removed and destroyed. If the vehicle will be replaced, you may transfer the license plates to the newly purchased vehicle, as long as both vehicles fall under the same plate category.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Illinois Driver Services Department
PHONE :
(800) 252-8980
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to the seller
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Indiana Division Of Motor Vehicles | Guide To Buying Or Selling A Vehicle
PHONE :
(317)233-6000
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale ; Damage Disclosure Statement
LICENSE PLATES :
If another vehicle is purchased within 30 days, the plates can be put on that vehicle, provided the fees are paid on the replacement vehicle. If a replacement vehicle is not purchased, turn the plates in to the county treasurer.
OTHER :
Iowa DMV Seller's Checklist | Refund Claim of Registration Fees
WEB LINKS :
Iowa Vehicle Services| How To Sell Your Vehicle In Iowa
PHONE :
(800) 532-1121
FORMS :
Properly signed and notarized title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to the seller (you may receive a tax refund if you turn them in to the DMV)
OTHER :
Seller's Notification of Sale Form TR-216
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(785) 296-3621
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale; Buyer needs Proof of Insurance
LICENSE PLATES :
Remain on vehicle
OTHER :
State recommends that buyer and seller visit a county office together to transfer title
WEB LINKS :
Kentucky Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing
PHONE :
(502) 564-5301
FORMS :
Title; Notarized Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Car: plates must be turned into the DMV
Truck: plates can be transferred to buyer.
Note: Transfer or turn-in must occur prior to cancelling automobile insurance
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(225) 925-6146
FORMS :
Signed Bill of Sale; Title signed over to new owner (1984 or later model year)
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller
OTHER :
Letter of cancellation notarized and signed if not transferring plates to new vehicle
WEB LINKS :
Bureau Of Motor Vehicles | Maine BMV Private Sale Information | Forms And Applications
PHONE :
(207) 624-9000
FORMS :
Certificate of Title properly assigned to the new owner
Model year 1995 or newer: Signed and notarized bill of sale (VR-181);
1994 or older- the assignment section on the title must include the purchase price
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to owner. . Remove the license plates from the vehicle and return the plates to the MVA unless you are transferring the plates to another vehicle Keep insurance coverage on the vehicle until the date the plates are returned to the MVA or transferred to the new vehicle.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Maryland State Motor Vehicle Administration |
MVA Guide To Buying And Selling A Vehicle
PHONE :
(800) 950-1682 OUT OF STATE: (301) 729-4550
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong To Owner. Can be transferred or returned to RMV
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles | Forms
PHONE :
(617) 351-4500
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
"Keep your license plate. Never leave it on the vehicle or let the buyer use it. You may be able to transfer it to your next vehicle. Telephone your insurance company to cancel coverage on the vehicle sold."
OTHER :
"When selling a vehicle, try to meet the buyer at a Secretary of State branch office to complete the title transfer. If you cannot do this, photocopy the front and back of the vehicle title after completing the seller's portion of the title"
WEB LINKS :
Michigan DMV | Titles Insurance, Registration & Plates | Michigan Selling Guide
PHONE :
(517) 322-1460
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Plates remain on vehicle; personalized plates can be transferred to seller's new vehicle upon sale of a vehicle, within 10 days of the date of sale unless the vehicle was sold to a motor vehicle dealer or nonresident.
OTHER :
WEB LINKS :
Minnesota Driver And Vehicle Services | Forms | Transfer of Ownership Information
PHONE :
(651) 296-6911
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
The tag belongs to both the vehicle and the owner. If one or the other changes, the tag must be removed and surrendered to your county tax collector.
OTHER :
Mississippi law does not provide for a tag refund when a vehicle is sold, but it does provide for a credit to be used against the purchase of another tag.
WEB LINKS :
Mississippi Motor Vehicles Home Page
PHONE :
(601) 923-7000
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale; Odometer Disclosure (if not already on title)
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller. Plates only be transfered from a passenger vehicle to a passenger vehicle, or from a truck to a truck.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(573) 751-4509 or (573) 526-3669
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller. May be transferred to another vehicle only when the vehicle is properly registered through the county treasurer.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(406) 846-6000
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Nebraska DMV | Transfer Of Ownership
PHONE :
(402) 471-2281
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Nevada law requires you to either use them on another vehicle or turn them in for cancellation within 30 days of the sale.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Nevada Dept of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety
PHONE :
(877) 368-7828
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
New Hampshire State DMV | Title FAQ
PHONE :
(603) 271-2251
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Remove the plates and surrender them to any MVC Agency or Regional Service Center, unless the plates are being transferred to another vehicle
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Motor Vehicle Commission | Guide To Transferring Vehicle Ownership
PHONE :
(609) 292-6500
FORMS :
Title ; Bill of Sale (Bill of Sale can be used on back of New Mexico's title form)
LICENSE PLATES :
You have 30 days to put plates on new vehicle; otherwise destroy them
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(888) MVD INFO
FORMS :
Title and Bill of Sale
Also: Obtain a sales tax affidavit form, DTF-802, from any DMV office or a DMV Call Center. This form is also used if the vehicle is transferred as a gift. Fill out the Seller/Donor Affidavit on the back, and give it to the new owner.
LICENSE PLATES :
Remove your plates AND registration windshield sticker, to avoid possible penalties.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Transfer the Ownership of Your Vehicle | New York DMV
PHONE :
(518) 473-5595
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller.The license plate may be transferred to a different vehicle, or you can return them to the Vehicle and License Plate Renewal office. Note:You must maintain liability insurance during this process.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
NC DMV | Guide To Title Transfer
PHONE :
(919) 715-7000
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Vehicle owners must remove the license plate(s) from their vehicle whenever the vehicle is sold or transferred.
OTHER :
WEB LINKS :
North Dakota Department of Transportation
PHONE :
(701) 328-2725
FORMS :
Notarized Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to the owner.
OTHER :
DO NOT fill out the assignment on the reverse side of the Certificate of Title until an actual sale has been made. Make certain that you know the proper name and address of the buyer before making the assignment. You as the seller, are required to state the actual purchase price and the odometer reading of the vehicle. You must sign the title exactly as the title was issued to you and your signature must be notarized. When sale is to an individual, make a copy of the completed, notarized assignment for your personal record of date of sale/transfer.
WEB LINKS :
Bureau of Motor Vehicles | Title Info For Sellers
PHONE :
(614) 752-7500
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to the owner.
OTHER :
If you sell your vehicle you may want to complete the OTC Form 773 "Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Vehicle." Forms are also available at any motor license agent's office.
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(405) 521-3221
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale; Also: Notice of Sale or Transfer of a vehicle (form 6890)
LICENSE PLATES :
Stay with vehicle. If you have custom plates and want to keep them, they can be transferred to the new vehicle.
OTHER :
Notice of sale or tansfer must be submitted within 10 days of sale or transfer of interest in vehicle.
WEB LINKS :
Oregon DMV | Title And Registration | Transferring Your License Plate
PHONE :
(503) 945-5000
FORMS :
Pennsylvania Title ; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller. Must be returned within 30 days if not transferring them to a new vehicle.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
Pennsylvania DMV | Guide To Selling A Vehicle
PHONE :
(717) 391-6190
FORMS :
Title (only needed if vehicle is newer than 10 years old); Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Remain with seller
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(401) 462-4368
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Seller keeps them, and can transfer them to seller's new vehicle. If not transferring, plates must be returned to issuer.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(803) 896-5000
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller and can be transferred.
OTHER :
WEB LINKS :
South Dakota DOR DMV | Title And Registration Info
PHONE :
(800) 829-9188
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to seller.
OTHER :
If vehicle is less than 10 years old, odometer disclosure statement on title must be filled out.
WEB LINKS :
Tennessee Department of Safety | Title And Registration FAQ
PHONE :
(615) 741-3101
FORMS :
Title: The seller should indicate the purchaser's name and address, and the odometer reading and certification in the title assignment and then sign the title.
Title Application:(Form 130-U) to be signed by buyer and seller.
Bill of Sale
All of these should be given to the purchaser, along with the registration receipt.
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to owner. Can only be transferred to the same type of vehicle. . Specialty plates must be register with the county tax office. Plates seven years old or older cannot be transferred
OTHER :
Seller may also wish to send a Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTR-346)
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(512) 465-3000
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Remain with seller; can be transferred to next vehicle or destroyed
OTHER :
Buyer must get safety inspection and emissions test prior to registration.
WEB LINKS :
Utah DMV | Responsibilities of Buyer and Seller
PHONE :
(801) 297-7780
FORMS :
Title: The title to be changed must contain owner information that matches the owner information on the current vehicle registration. Each individual currently listed on the title must sign on the back of the title (as "sellers") and fill in the name of the "buyer(s)".
Buyer must complete a registration application (form #TA-VD-119) (also signed by Seller) providing updated owner information.
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to the seller, and can be transferred.
OTHER :
WEB LINKS :
Vermont DMV | Selling A Vehicle
PHONE :
(802) 828-2000
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Remain with seller; can be transferred to new vehicle.
If not transferred, a refund is available with six or more months left on the tags using Form FMS-210.
OTHER :
Must have liability insurance for new vehicle before transferring old plates.
Notify DMV of vehicle sale with Form VSA-71
WEB LINKS :
Viginia DMV | Selling A Vehicle | How to Title and License a Motor Vehicle
PHONE :
(866) 368-5463
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale ; Vehicle Report of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to the seller.
OTHER :
RCW 46.12.101 and 46.55 require that the registered owner of a vehicle or vessel notify the Department of Licensing in writing, on the Vehicle Report of Sale form, of the sale or transfer of the vehicle or vessel. The completed form must be received by the Department of Licensing within 5 days of sale.
Application for Refund of License Fees
Buyer must get emissions test and VIN Inspection from Washington State Patrol
WEB LINKS :
Washington Dept. of Licensing | Transferring Ownership
PHONE :
(360) 902-3600
FORMS :
Title; Notarized Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Stay with seller, and can be transferred to new vehicle; plates must be returned if not transferred
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(304) 558-3900
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to the seller, and can be transferred to seller's new vehicle.
Never leave the license plates on an auto or light truck when selling the vehicle. You should destroy them (cut them up) if you are not going to use them on another vehicle. They can't be used by someone else. Do not return the plates to DMV. If you have left the plates on your vehicle and are concerned, you can download and complete a License Plates Cancellation Application form MV2514
OTHER :
The buyer of the vehicle must title and register it within two business days after purchase.
WEB LINKS :
Wisconsin DOT/DMV | How to sell your car in Wisconsin
PHONE :
(608) 266-1466
FORMS :
Title; Bill of Sale
LICENSE PLATES :
Belong to the seller, and can be transferred to seller's new vehicle. Must be turned in if not transferred.
OTHER :
N/A
WEB LINKS :
PHONE :
(307) 777-4375