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What does a "Transfer of Title" Mean?

M.R. Anglin
M.R. Anglin

When selling some types of property, such as vehicles and real estate, the seller and buyer may have to complete a transfer of title. This is the legal process by which ownership of a piece of property changes from the seller to the buyer. Once the buyer has the title in his own name, he can take the property and do with it what he wishes. Often, this transfer is handled by a jurisdiction’s tax office.

A title is a certificate of ownership, a record that shows who owns the property. A transfer of title is important because it legally shows the property has been transferred to a new owner. After a property is sold, it is a good idea to have the seller transfer the title as soon as possible. Otherwise, the buyer may face fines, and since the seller is still the legal title holder, he or she could be liable for any legal action taken against the property owner.

Transfer of title documents sometimes require notarization.
Transfer of title documents sometimes require notarization.

In some areas, a title transfer can only take place under certain circumstances. For instance, titles with liens on them can not usually be transferred. A lien is a document that states that someone else — usually a lender — has held the property as collateral until a loan is paid. Until that loan is paid off, the lender can prevent the property from being sold. In order to sell a property with liens, the lender usually needs be involved in the transaction and a lien release usually has to be signed.

In many cases, a dealership does all of the filing for the buyer.
In many cases, a dealership does all of the filing for the buyer.

Many people are familiar with a transfer of title when it comes to selling a car. In many areas, when selling a car privately, the parties involved can go to the appropriate motor vehicle office to transfer the title. Often, the transfer may include both parties signing the title and getting it notarized. The document is then sent to the appropriate government department for processing. A dealership, on the other hand, may do all the filing for the buyer and hold onto the title until the car is paid off.

A "transfer of title" may relate to a piece of property.
A "transfer of title" may relate to a piece of property.

When selling a car, a transfer of title can be of great importance. If the title is not transferred in a timely manner, the seller could find himself in some trouble since, in most cases, the person on the title is responsible for anything that happens involving the car. So, if the buyer gets tickets, breaks the law, or kills someone using the car, the seller could be held responsible if the title transfer hasn't taken place. This is one reason it is so important that a seller transfer the title to the buyer as soon as possible.

Discussion Comments

anon335218

What should be done first legally for the sale of a home? Is it funds transferred to the seller or should the escrow company record the change of title?

Thanks if someone could answer ASAP, as our buyers want the keys of our home and we do not have the monies in our account!

anon307124

My father has died without a will and I am executor of his estate. I have a buyer for his Mercedes, so how do I get the title transferred under Mercedes transferred to the new loan company for the individual buying the car?

anon101133

I do not believe the estranged husband will be able to sell the car since it is not in his name. At least if he does, the buyer will be in for a surprise when he goes to transfer ownership and license it.

Who did your sister leave her estate to? Who did she leave the car to? Does the car have liens against it? If the car had a loan or lease against it, it will need to be paid off first or it will belong to the person holding the loan.

Whose possession is the car physically in now?

Are your sister's assets frozen? Has the will been probated?

The new owner of the car (whoever it passed to when she died) will need to take the legal paperwork showing proof they are the new owner to the transportation bureau to prove they're the owner and get it transferred into their own name.

anon90763

my father signed for my sister to get a car, however she left his name on the title. he died in 2008 and she died in June 2010. Her estranged husband said he was selling the car. how can i transfer the title into my name? The car is financed at a branch of the bank i work for. I need an answer soon.

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    • Transfer of title documents sometimes require notarization.
      By: Iurii Sokolov
      Transfer of title documents sometimes require notarization.
    • In many cases, a dealership does all of the filing for the buyer.
      By: Deklofenak
      In many cases, a dealership does all of the filing for the buyer.
    • A "transfer of title" may relate to a piece of property.
      By: Stephen VanHorn
      A "transfer of title" may relate to a piece of property.