Washington DC Vehicle Titles
Instructions for signing a vehicle title in Washington DC when selling privately:
1. Determine the selling price and terms: Establish the selling price for the vehicle and agree upon the terms with the buyer, such as payment method and any additional conditions.
2. Obtain a valid title: Ensure that you have the original vehicle title in your possession. If the title is lost or damaged, you must obtain a duplicate title from the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before proceeding with the sale.
3. Fill out the seller section: On the front of the title, locate the “Seller’s Printed Name” field and carefully print or type your full legal name. If there are multiple sellers, make sure each seller prints their name on the title.
4. Provide seller’s address: In the “Seller’s Residence Address” field, enter your complete residential address, including the city, state, and zip code. If there are multiple sellers, have each person provide their respective address.
5. Enter the date of sale: In the “Date of Sale” field, write the exact date when the ownership of the vehicle is being transferred to the buyer.
6. Mileage disclosure: If the vehicle’s age is less than 10 years old, you must provide the current mileage in the “Odometer Reading” section. Write down the total number of miles shown on the vehicle’s odometer accurately to the best of your knowledge.
7. Complete the back of the title: Flip the title over to the backside and locate the “Assignment of Title by Seller” section.
8. Fill out the buyer’s information: In the “Buyer’s Name” field, the buyer must print or type their full legal name. If there are multiple buyers, ensure each buyer’s name is written.
9. Buyer’s address: In the “Buyer’s Residence Address” field, the buyer must provide their complete residential address, including city, state, and zip code. If there are multiple buyers, make sure each person provides their address.
10. Date of sale for buyer: In the “Date of Sale” field on the back of the title, the buyer should write the same date indicated in step 5.
11. Seller’s signature: In the “Seller’s Signature” field, sign your name exactly as it is printed on the front of the title. Make sure to use blue or black ink for the signature. If there are multiple sellers, each person should sign on a separate line.
12. Notarization: Washington DC does not require notarization for vehicle titles; however, it may be a good idea to have the title notarized to prevent any potential legal issues.
13. Prepare a Bill of Sale (optional): While not a legal requirement in Washington DC, it is recommended to complete a Bill of Sale, which includes both the buyer and seller’s details, vehicle information, sale price, and the date of sale. This document can serve as proof of the transaction and protect both parties.
14. Provide necessary documentation to the buyer: Give the completed and signed vehicle title, along with a copy of the Bill of Sale (if applicable), to the buyer. Both the buyer and the seller should retain copies of all documents for their records.
Note: It is essential to familiarize yourself with Washington DC’s specific regulations regarding vehicle sales and transfers of ownership. For additional information or questions, consult the Washington DC DMV or legal professionals.