Your vehicle title is an important legal document that serves as proof that you’re the rightful owner and includes information about the vehicle itself.
Learn more here: What is a car title?
If information has changed or you need to make changes to the title, it’s important to take care of it officially and get it done as soon as possible.
This page will go over how to make changes on a car title.
Types of Car Title Changes
There are variety of different types of changes you may need to make on your vehicle title, including:
- Transferring ownership when selling the car.
- Getting a new title.
- Removing a title lien.
- Fixing odometer discrepancies.
- Transferring the title to a family member.
- Transferring the title after the death of the owner.
- Changing your address.
- Changing other information.
- Changing your name.
- Adding or removing a name.
- Updating the title after it has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
There are two main way to achieve those changes on your title:
- Completing a title transfer with the appropriate signatures and documents.
- Requesting a copy of your car title with new information.
How to Fix a Mistake on a Car Title
When filling out a title during a title transfer, mistakes can happen.
Or, the DMV may have accidentally sent you your certificate of title with a typo, incorrect details, or missing information.
In either case, you should fix the errors as soon as possible.
The first rule is simple: Don’t try to fix mistakes on your title by crossing things out or using white out. These actions can void the title.
If there are mistakes or errors on the title, you’ll need to:
- Present the title to your state DMV.
- Provide a Statement of Facts or Affidavit that describes the error.
- Provide any necessary proof of your identity and ownership.
- Pay any required title replacement fees.
Errors on your title can typically be corrected in person at your local DMV or by mail, depending on the state.
How to Change a Name on a Car Title
Each state requires that the full true name of the legal owner(s) be listed on the certificate of title.
If your name has legally changed due to marriage, divorce, etc., you’ll need to update the title.
The process for changing your name on the title typically involves:
- Filling out the New Owner section with your new name and information.
- Completing a Statement of Facts describing the legal name change.
- Providing proof of your name change.
- Paying the title fees.
Again, this can often be completed in person or by mail.
How to Remove a Name from a Car Title
If there are multiple owners listed on the title, you can remove one of them if they wish to release their interest in the vehicle.
This is similar to a standard title transfer.
In this case:
- The listed owners will need to sign the release section of the title.
- The New Owner section should be completed by the owner who will remain on the title.
Note that if the owner’s names are joined by “AND,” both signatures will be required.
If the owner’s names are joined by “OR” or “AND/OR,” the signature of only one person is required.
Documents can typically be submitted in person or by mail. Fees may apply.
How to Add a Name to a Car Title
Again, adding a name to the title is similar to a standard title transfer.
To do so, you’ll need to:
- Sign the interest release section.
- Complete the New Owner Section with the names of all owners (yours and the additional owner).
- Submit the filled out and signed title and a new title application to your DMV.
- Pay any necessary title transfer or change fees.