Vermont DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Car Title In Vermont

Are you preparing to buy or sell a car in Vermont? You need to know how to transfer a car title. The following FAQ includes all the information you need to get it done.

First, you will be visiting your local branch of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles to complete the transaction. While some town clerks can renew your license, they cannot take care of a title transfer. Use the DMV Contact Form for a quick email response to most inquiries, or give them a call at 802-828-2000.

What Do You Need To Transfer A Car Title?

When visiting the DMV, you need to bring along the following documents to meet all the title transfer requirements:

• The original title signed and dated by both the buyer and seller.
• Accurate odometer reading that is witnessed and dated by both the buyer and seller.
• A completed Vermont Motor Vehicle Registration, Tax and Title Application (form #VD-119).
• Your driver’s license.
• Payment for title and applicable registration fees.

It is wise to also bring the bill of sale signed by the buyer and seller of the vehicle. You do not need a notary to witness the bill of sale or the completed applications.

How Much Does it Cost To Transfer A Car Title?

It’s a good idea to know how much is a title transfer is going to be before you show up at the DMV. The transferred title only costs $25. However, if you are buying the car you will be paying the usage tax upon registering the car–which is usually done at the same time as transferring the title. The tax is based on the market value of the vehicle.

Registration fees will also apply, whether you are transferring the plates or getting a new set.

DMV Title Transfer Form

Click here to download the Vermont Motor Vehicle Registration, Tax and Title Application (form #VD-119).

The VT DMV also offers complete instructions to help you fill accurately fill out the title transfer form which can be viewed here.

How To Fill Out Transfer Of Title Form

There are two parts to transferring the title: signing over the original title and completing the application form.

On the original title, all listed owners must print, sign, and date in the title transfer section. They must fill in the odometer reading and list the purchase price.

Next, all buyers to be listed on the new title must print, sign, and date – including for the odometer reading.

On the application form, the buyer should fill it out using the old registration. You need:

• Make/model/VIN of the vehicle.
• Engine size.
• Number of passengers.
• Purchase price.
• Name and address of the owner it was previously registered to.
• Any bank information if you have an auto loan on the car.

The clerk at the DMV will be able to help you make sure all the boxes are filled in appropriately.

My Car Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

When transferring a title, the new title is typically mailed to the owner after a couple of weeks to ensure that it is free of liens. If you brought all your paperwork to the DMV and it was accepted, but you never got the title in the mail, it’s time to do some investigating.

You will need to bring all your receipts, applications, and current registration back to the DMV. They will look up the title to see why it did not arrive. If it was simply lost on the mail, they may issue a duplicate title.

If there are existing liens on the title, it was mailed to the financial institution on record. Once the loan is completed, the title will be mailed to you.

What To Do When Requesting A Duplicate Title

In order to sell a car, it is best to have a title available to sign over to the buyer. If the original title is no longer legible, you need to get a duplicate.

Bring in your registration, driver’s license, and mutilated title to the DMV, fill out the Vermont Motor Vehicle Registration, Tax and Title Application (form #VD-119) and pay a small fee. The duplicate will be mailed to you. This may take up to 2 weeks.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

In Vermont, it is possible to sell a vehicle older than 15 years without a title. You will complete a bill of sale with the:

• Make/Model/Year of the car.
• The VIN.
• Purchase price.
• Odometer reading.
• Your name, address, and the date.

If you are buying a car that is newer than 15 years old and there is no title, it is best to walk away from the deal or have the owner obtain a duplicate before putting any money down.

How To Transfer A Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

In Vermont, when you register a car, you also define who would receive it upon your death. That person stipulated on the registration application will need to show a certificate of death to transfer the title along with the usual paperwork.

For all other title transfers where the owner has died, check out this informative page with additional documentation required by the DMV.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member

You can give a car to a member of your immediate family.

You will need the Gift Form which will exempt the new owner from paying sales tax when they register the car. On the original title in the purchase price section write,”Gift,” and on the Application for Title and Registration. All other paperwork and title transfer fees will remain the same.

Vermont DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Vermont, or for VT DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

You can also call the VT DMV by dialing 802-828-2000.

Common Questions About Vermont Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Vermont.