Transferring a Car Title in Idaho
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in Idaho when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: For a private-party sale with no lienholder, the buyer must file the titling documents with a county assessor's motor vehicle office within 30 days of the transfer to avoid a $20 late-filing penalty: the existing title signed off by the previous owner (and lienholder, if any), an… ITD, Vehicle Titles; Vehicle Insurance (Release of Liability)
| Transferring a car title | For a private-party sale with no lienholder, the buyer must file the titling documents with a county assessor's motor vehicle office within 30 days of the transfer to avoid a $20 late-filing penalty: the existing title signed off by the previous owner (and lienholder, if any), an odometer disclosure for vehicles newer than 2010 under 16,000 lbs, a VIN inspection if the vehicle comes from another state or has never been titled in Idaho, and the applicable fees. If a properly released title cannot be obtained, a bill of sale may be used with additional steps. Idaho dealers must file the title application within 30 days of delivery. Sellers can file an online Release of Liability with the VIN and title number. |
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| Registering after you move | New residents must get an Idaho driver's license or ID card within 30 days of moving to Idaho (students at Idaho colleges and active-duty military and dependents with valid out-of-state licenses are exempt), and must title and register their vehicles within 30 days of moving. A DMV employee inspects the vehicle identification number (VIN) when the vehicle is titled; bring the current title and registration (or lienholder information), a bill of sale if the price is not on the title, and identification. Liability insurance must be with a carrier admitted in Idaho. DMV offices are run by county sheriffs and assessors. Source: ITD, New to Idaho |
More Idaho car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Idaho
- Driving Without Insurance in Idaho
- SR-22 Insurance in Idaho
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Idaho
- All Idaho car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in Idaho?
For a private-party sale with no lienholder, the buyer must file the titling documents with a county assessor's motor vehicle office within 30 days of the transfer to avoid a $20 late-filing penalty: the existing title signed off by the previous owner (and lienholder, if any), an odometer disclosure for vehicles newer than 2010 under 16,000 lbs, a VIN inspection if the vehicle comes from another state or has never been titled in Idaho, and the applicable fees. If a properly released title cannot be obtained, a bill of sale may be used with additional steps. Idaho dealers must file the title application within 30 days of delivery. Sellers can file an online Release of Liability with the VIN and title number.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Idaho?
New residents must get an Idaho driver's license or ID card within 30 days of moving to Idaho (students at Idaho colleges and active-duty military and dependents with valid out-of-state licenses are exempt), and must title and register their vehicles within 30 days of moving. A DMV employee inspects the vehicle identification number (VIN) when the vehicle is titled; bring the current title and registration (or lienholder information), a bill of sale if the price is not on the title, and identification. Liability insurance must be with a carrier admitted in Idaho. DMV offices are run by county sheriffs and assessors.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.