State-by-state title & registration transfer
For titled rolling equipment — trailers, motorcycles, boats, and many ATVs/UTVs — the paperwork is as important as the payment. This guide is a starting map, not legal advice. Always confirm on your state's official DMV / DOR site before you buy.
What usually changes hands
- • Signed title (or MSO for new units) in the seller's name
- • Bill of sale with price, date, serial/VIN/HIN, and both parties' IDs
- • Lien release if the seller still has a lender on title
- • Registration / plate rules vary — some states allow transfer, others reissue
Free printable bill of sale: /tools/bill-of-sale
Selected state starting points
We list official portals we can point to. If your state isn't here, search “[state] DMV private party title transfer” and prefer .gov results.
Texas (TX)
Trailers and boats generally require title; use Form 130-U style processes via TxDMV. Verify current forms on the official site.
Official site →Florida (FL)
FLHSMV handles vehicle, vessel, and many trailer titles. Private sales need signed title and often a bill of sale.
Official site →Ohio (OH)
BMV title transfer for vehicles and titled trailers; check whether off-highway ATVs need titling in your county.
Official site →Pennsylvania (PA)
PennDOT MV-4ST and related forms for private sales; trailers may be titled depending on weight/class.
Official site →New York (NY)
DMV title/registration for cars, motorcycles, and many boats; ATV rules differ — confirm on NY DMV.
Official site →Illinois (IL)
SOS vehicle services for title transfer; trailers and boats have separate paths — use official SOS pages.
Official site →Georgia (GA)
DDS / county tag offices handle title; private sale requires properly assigned title.
Official site →North Carolina (NC)
NCDMV title work; notarization rules may apply. Confirm trailer and OHV requirements.
Official site →Payment and title in the same meeting
Law enforcement repeatedly warns: don't hand over a title or keys just because a payment “appears” to have posted. Keep payment protected until the paperwork and the machine both check out — then approve release.