A car title transfer in Washington DC is a procedure that motorists need to perform when they want to sell or purchase a motor vehicle to another legal entity. When individuals are wondering “How do you transfer a title on a car?” they need to know that a procedure must be performed through the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Moreover, both legal entities may be also required to satisfy certain title transfer requirements in order to finalize the procedure.

The processes of title transfers for cars may differ depending on the vehicle that is being sold and whether it is new or old. To learn more information about how to fill out transfer of title in Washington DC, continue reading the following sections.

What is a car title transfer in Washington DC?

Before performing a Washington DC auto title transfer procedure, motorists are encouraged to learn what a certificate of title is and what a title transfer process encompasses. When individuals are wondering how to perform title transfers for cars, they need to know exactly what they need to do.

Therefore, they ought to know that a vehicle title is a document issued by the DC DMV and used for establishing the ownership over a motor vehicle.

Motorists who want to perform a vehicle title transfer need to have the car title in hand as part of the documents needed for the procedure. The procedure of transferring a car title in Washington DC requires both legal entities to present the certificate of title in order to transfer it between themselves.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Washington DC?

An auto title transfer in Washington DC is required when current vehicle owners want to transfer the ownership rights of their motor vehicles to new owners.

A transfer of car title may be required when selling or purchasing a used car to or from another legal entity. Moreover, a car title transfer is a procedure that may be also mandated when individuals inherit a motor vehicle from a deceased person.

Therefore, motorists need to discover how to fill out transfer of title in Washington DC according to their specific situation and based on whether they want to title a new or used vehicle. In addition, individuals who are still wondering “How do you transfer a title on a car?” are recommended to complete a title transfer procedure and learn more information about the process itself.

Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Washington DC

When transferring a car title in Washington DC which has been previously used, you will need to prepare certain documentation. The mandatory documents for a motor vehicle title transfer are the following:

  • A current Washington DC ID card or driver’s license
  • An original title certificate, completed by both legal entities
  • A bill of sale
  • A Certificate of Title/Temporary Registration and Tag Application (form DMV-CTA-001)
  • A vehicle’s odometer reading
  • A lien or lessee contract, whichever is applicable
  • A payment for the applicable title transfer fees and taxes

To learn more information about “How do you transfer a title on a car in Washington DC?”, contact the DC DMV and discover more details that apply to your specific situation.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Washington DC

Motorists need to perform a car title transfer in Washington DC by collecting the required documentation and submitting it at a local DC DMV branch. In addition, satisfying certain title transfer requirements may be mandatory part of the transfer procedure.

Therefore, motorists who want to perform a title transfer for cars need to first prepare the required documentation and then submit it at the DC DMV in order to complete the procedure.

Moreover, a payment for the applicable car title transfer fees and taxes may be submitted along with the other documents. To learn more information about the available methods for Washington DC vehicle title transfer procedure, ask your questions at the DC DMV.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Washington DC

When vehicle owners are wondering how to apply for a DMV new title in Washington DC, they need to learn the difference between applying for a new vehicle title and transferring a car title. To order new car title in DC, motorists need to know that a car title is an official proof of ownership that drivers must obtain after purchasing a motor vehicle.

The Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) issues new car title certificates to vehicle owners who have just purchased a motor vehicle or who have just moved to DC from another state.

However, the process of getting a new car title in Washington DC differs from the title transfer procedure. A title transfer is a procedure that vehicle owners need to perform when they are transferring the vehicle’s ownership rights from one person to another. In most cases, motorists perform a title transfer immediately after purchasing or selling a motor vehicle.

Moreover, drivers may also need to transfer their car titles in a situation when they inherit a motor vehicle, or when it was given as gift or donation.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Washington DC

Providing a payment for the applicable Washington DC car title transfer fees is the final step in the process of transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle. Individuals who want to pay the applicable fees for a transfer of car title may use the appropriate payment method, according to the transfer method they choose.

Motorists are required to pay an auto title transfer fee when buying a motor vehicle. They may use credit cards or pay with cash when visiting a local DC DMV office. However, in order to find out more information about the Washington DC vehicle title transfer fees and how to complete a title transfer procedure, vehicle buyers and new owners are encouraged to contact the DC DMV.

The fees associated with transferring a title are as follows:

  • New Vehicle Title – $26
  • Duplicate Title – $26
  • Lien Recordation (if vehicle is financed) – $20

Note: In addition to the DC car title transfer fees, motorists may be required to pay certain excise taxes.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.