How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Title? (Price Guide)

Transferring a vehicle title moves legal ownership from the seller to the buyer. The fee is set by the state, and each state structures it differently. Some charge a flat transfer fee, some charge a title fee plus a service fee, and some add county or local charges.

The headline figure above is Washington's title application fee, used as one example. It is not a national average. California and Colorado are shown below for comparison, and they differ a great deal. To find what you will pay, look up your own state's DMV, motor vehicle division, or county office. All figures on this page were checked on Oct 13, 2026.

California lists a transfer fee and separate fees for a title only and for a replacement title.

Washington charges an application fee that is higher when the sale goes through a dealership. It also adds a service fee and a filing fee on top.

Colorado's title transfer fee is low, but some situations add their own charges, such as a lien filing.

State title fees are not comparable line by line. Washington's bill for a title may include the application fee of $15, the service fee of $18, and the filing fee of $6.50, according to Washington DOL. Colorado shows a single title transfer fee of $7.20, and California shows a transfer fee of $15. Those headline numbers leave out other charges that apply in some cases.

Read your state's fee page as a list of what your transaction triggers, not as one price. A private sale between two people, a purchase from a dealer, an inherited vehicle, and a gift can each fall under different lines.

The title fee is often the smallest part of the bill. Possible additional costs:

• Sales or use tax. Most states collect tax on a vehicle purchase when you title it. This can be far larger than the title fee. Check how your state calculates it, and whether gifts or family transfers are exempt.
• Registration and plate fees. Titling and registering are separate transactions in many states, and often happen at the same counter.
• Lien fees. If the vehicle has a loan, recording a lien costs extra. Colorado, for example, lists a lien filing fee of $40.
• Late fees. Many states set a deadline after the sale for the buyer to apply for the new title. Missing it can add a penalty.
• Inspections. Some states require a VIN check, smog test, or safety inspection before they issue a title.
• Notary or document fees. Some states require signatures on certain forms to be notarized.

In most private sales the buyer applies for the new title and pays the fees. The seller signs the existing title over and often files a notice that the vehicle was sold, which protects them if the buyer gets a ticket or has an accident. Rules vary by state, so confirm which forms each person must file.

If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the paperwork and passes the title fees on to you. Washington lists a separate dealership sale title application fee of $40, and Colorado lists a dealer title fee of $25. Dealers may also add documentation fees of their own, so look at the itemized price.

If a title is lost, damaged, or stolen, the owner can apply for a replacement. California lists a replacement title fee of $28. Washington lists a replacement of a lost title at $39.50. You can usually apply online or in person, and the replacement is issued to the owner of record.

1. Go to your state's DMV or motor vehicle website and search for "title fees" or "fee schedule."
2. Check whether titling is handled by the state or by your county office. Some states, including Colorado, route titles through county offices, and local charges can apply.
3. Look for the date on the fee page, since fees change.
4. Ask whether your situation, such as a gift, an inherited vehicle, or an out-of-state purchase, has a different fee.