Completing a car title transfer in Idaho is an important step after buying or purchasing a vehicle and after the vehicle ownership is transferred as a result of a gift, donation or inheritance. Vehicle owners can complete transfers through the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Note that when meeting the ID title transfer requirements, motorists will also be required to obtain a new car registration during the same transaction. If you are wondering, “How do you transfer a title on a car?” read on to learn when and where to file a transfer request and how to fill out the transfer of title forms, continue reading the following sections.

What is a car title transfer in Idaho?

To ensure a successful transfer of car title in Idaho, vehicle owners must first learn about the importance of their title certificate and why it must be signed over after a vehicle is purchased. Transferring a vehicle title is a procedure of changing vehicle ownership from one individual to another.

The document used to complete the ID auto title transfer is the certificate of title issued by the state DMV. Failure to finalize the car title transfer on time may lead to certain fines and penalties. Also, car owners will be unable to register their motor vehicles until they properly complete the transfer by submitting the signed-over title from the previous owner.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Idaho?

The most common instance where an Idaho vehicle title transfer is necessary is after selling or purchasing a motor vehicle. Note that car owners must complete the title transfers for cars within a certain number of days of the ownership transfer in order to avoid paying a late filing fee.

However, in addition to transferring a car title in ID after a private sale, drivers will also be required to initiate the transfer under different circumstances as well.

For instance, completing the transfer of car title is a requirement that must be met even if the vehicle was gifted, donated or passed as an inheritance. Get more information on when to complete the ID car title transfer process under certain unique situations by contacting the division.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Idaho

When completing the Idaho transfer of auto title, car owners will be required to meet several title transfer requirements, such as submitting a properly filled out application and paying the relevant fees. However, the requirements to transfer a car title in ID will vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the nature of the transfer of ownership.

For instance, the ID car title transfer requirements state that you must have the following documents to transfer ownership of a vehicle:

  • A properly assigned title displaying the seller’s information and signature and data about any lienholders (if applicable)
  • The current registration card and a valid form of identification, such as a state-issued driving license or a photo ID card
  • A filled out title application
  • A bill of sale containing the vehicle description, data about the individuals involved and details about the vehicle sale (if required)
  • A vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection
  • A power of attorney form (if applying for a car title transfer by mail)

Note: In the event of a lost title, sellers will be required to obtain a replacement title certificate before completing the transfer process.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the ID auto title transfer, vehicle owners may be required to submit a different set of documents. For instance, if you are transferring an auto title after inheriting the vehicle, you will also be required to submit a specific DMV affidavit and a tax exemption certificate.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Idaho

Since drivers cannot perform a title transfer online in Idaho, car owners can complete the Idaho transfer of vehicle title by submitting the documents and fee payments that apply to their circumstances to a nearby County Assessor’s office.

The new vehicle owner can submit the car title transfer request either in person or by mail. If applying by mail, car owners will be required to send their mail-in application package to the Ada County Processing Center in Garden City, Idaho.

However, if the certificate of title contains a lien, the ID title transfer for cars must be completed by the seller on behalf of the new owner. Note that when transferring an auto title, motorists will also be able to register their vehicles at the same time by paying the applicable registration fees as well.

As soon as the DMV agent processes the title transfer and registration application, he or she will forward an official request for the manufacturing of new vehicle documents.

Note: The state DMV encourages vehicle sellers to submit a special form after selling their vehicles for purposes of increased protection from liability involving the vehicle.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Idaho

Vehicle owners who want to apply for a new title for car in Idaho must first learn that there is a difference between obtaining a new car title and transferring an existing certificate from one person to another. The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the state’s Transportation Department (ITD) issues a DMV new title for new motor vehicles that were recently purchased.

Otherwise, it requires motorists to obtain new titles upon their move from another state to ID. When a resident purchases a motor vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will have to apply for a new title for a car on behalf of the owner and submit it to the DMV.

To order a new car title in Idaho, motorists need to distinguish it from the title transfer procedure, which refers to the transfer of the vehicle’s ownership rights over to another person. A title transfer is typically performed when drivers purchase a new motor vehicle or receive one as gift, donation or part of an inheritance.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Idaho

To successfully finalize a car title transfer in Idaho, applicants will be required to arrange payment for several types of fees. Note that when completing the title transfer for cars, vehicle owners will be required to arrange payment for both the $14 titling fee.

Apart from paying the titling fee, you may also have to pay for the license plate fee, registration costs and the state sales tax, which amounts to a certain percentage of the vehicle purchase price, unless exempted from paying it.

The registration fees that apply when completing the ID transfer of vehicle title and the consequence registration procedure, on the other hand, vary based on factors such as the vehicle type, weight, age and your county of residence.

Note: If you complete the transfer of car title more than a certain number of days after the actual transfer of ownership, you will be required to pay an additional late fee.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.