Title to a car is the official record and proof of ownership of the car. Transferring the title to a car is necessary when a seller sells the car to a buyer—or when divorcing spouses are transferring the title from both spouses to one spouse. Your state’s department of motor vehicles will usually make the forms necessary to transfer the title/change vehicle ownership available on its website—with some additional information to guide you through the process.

In North Carolina, the title to a car is a legal document that establishes a person or entity as the legal owner of the vehicle. When a car is sold, the title must be transferred from the seller to the buyer to show change of ownership. This process is overseen by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). To transfer a title, the seller must complete the title assignment on the back of the title, including the buyer's name, the sale date, and the odometer reading. Both the seller and buyer must sign the title. If the vehicle is being transferred between divorcing spouses, the process is similar, but additional documentation, such as a divorce decree, may be required to prove the terms of the transfer. The NCDMV provides forms and detailed instructions for title transfer on its website. It is important to note that failing to transfer a title properly can result in legal issues for both the seller and the buyer. An attorney can provide specific guidance on the process and ensure that all legal requirements are met during the transfer.