Regardless of how you acquire a vehicle, the basic steps are similar; check the vehicle history, transfer ownership, insure, and register your new vehicle.

 

Inspect the title and get a VIN Check

 Before purchasing a vehicle, take steps to protect yourself!

Inspect the Title

Confirm the Seller’s name is on the title as the owner, or on the back of the title.

Get a VIN Check

  • One of the most important steps you can take is to perform a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check. 
  • VIN Check will provide when and where a vehicle was built, the make, model, and trim of the vehicle, the engine it has, and more.
  • Some dealers provide title or VIN checks for free on their website. If not, multiple VIN check providers are available online and make it easy for you to learn more about a vehicle before purchasing. 

Learn more about checking the VIN before you buy.

When is a Title Required?

Generally, titles are required for 1986 or newer vehicles.

Titles are optional for 1985 or old vehicles if they were previously titled.

Related Information:

Register a Newly Purchased Vehicle When Title Not Required

Title Not Required or Optional Titles

Buying from a Dealer

Titles

If you buy your vehicle from a dealer, the dealer is required to file the title application on your behalf. Make sure the dealer provides you with a receipt showing the vehicle has been titled in your name.

Registration

Register your vehicle with the state within 30 days from the date of purchase.

Dealers are not legally required to submit your registration application on your behalf, but some do as a courtesy. Be sure to ask at the time of purchase if they will submit your registration application for you.

If you have a plate you would like to transfer to your new vehicle be sure to inform the dealer.

If your dealer does not submit the registration application on your behalf, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to apply for registration. Apply for registration at your County Tag Office.

Buying from someone other than a Dealer

When buying from someone other than a dealer (e.g. casual sales), the buyer may need to obtain a title and registration for the vehicle.

How to title and register a vehicle purchased in a casual sale

Buyers Responsibilities

Titles

Titles and tags can be applied for at the buyer’s County Tag Office. The Buyer should:

  • Ensure that the Seller has completed all the sections on the assignment form on the back of the original title. Never sign a title that has been left blank.

Read more information about: 

Responsibilities of Buyers & Sellers

Transferring Ownership of your Vehicle

Registration

The buyer should register the vehicle within 7 business days from the date of purchase. 

Related Links