PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How do I put a car in my name?
I'm going to buy a new used car from a private seller. How do I make sure the car is in my name?
Lauren Smith · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congratulations on buying a new car!
To ensure the car is in your name, you should contact your local DMV and find out what you need for a
title transfer
. Each state has different requirements, so it helps to know beforehand to make the sale easier. In most cases, the seller needs to sign the title over to you. After that, you will take the title to the DMV to register the vehicle in your name. Depending on your state’s requirements, the DMV may also need:
- A bill of sale signed by both parties
- Notice of transfer
- Most recent emission test results
After the DMV approves your paperwork, you’ll get temporary registration papers until your official ones come in the mail.
You’ll also want to be sure that you have the proper
car insurance
on the car. Most states require you to have at least the state minimum insurance requirement
before you can register the car. If you’d like help finding car insurance, use the
Jerry
app. Jerry pulls quotes from the top 50 companies in under a minute and delivers the best deals right to your phone for free.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies