How to Transfer a Car Title in Idaho

Buying and selling cars doesn’t have to be difficult. While there are several legal steps you need to take to transfer a car title in Idaho, this guide will help you navigate the process. Explore the specific steps required by the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for both buyers and sellers.

The first step in the process is to fill out the ownership transfer section of the title and start the transfer application. You have 30 days after you buy a car in Idaho to send in this essential paperwork.

Here’s some of the information you need to include:

• Buyer’s and seller’s names
• Buyer’s and seller’s addresses
• Signatures of all parties
• Odometer reading
• Sale price
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Description of vehicle

Both the buyer and seller need to provide the necessary information to complete this form. It’s recommended that the seller goes to the DMV appointment with the buyer to ensure ownership is successfully transferred.

The federal government requires an odometer disclosure statement to be completed for all participating vehicles. In order to transfer a car title, the seller must fill out and sign this document that states that the odometer reading is believed to be accurate.

Disabling or otherwise tampering with an odometer is a federal crime that could result in fines and/or imprisonment. It’s essential that the buyer not only write down the current mileage but also verify whether or not they have any knowledge of tampering or other odometer issues.

The Idaho Transportation Department requires buyers and sellers to complete a bill of sale as part of the car sale process. This legal document asks for much of the same information as the transfer application. As long as you know the identifying features of the vehicle, basic buyer and seller information, and the agreed purchase price, you can easily fill out this form.

Be sure to use an Idaho bill of sale, available online or at a nearby DMV location. Both the buyer and seller must sign this form and turn it in within 30 days of the sale. Consider filling it out together soon after the purchase to avoid any delays or fines.

To transfer a car title in Idaho, you’ll need to schedule a vehicle identification number inspection. This can be performed by a number of professionals in your state, including the following:

• Idaho DMV employee
• Officer of the law
• Idaho licensed vehicle dealer
• Military police officer

These professionals can fill out the inspection and verify its authenticity before you wrap up the process. Failure to perform this step could delay the titling procedure.

Some states allow you to process a title transfer online. In Idaho, however, you’ll need to visit a county assessor’s motor vehicle office to complete the process. Here are the documents you need to bring with you:

• Title
• Bill of sale
• Vehicle identification number inspection
• Proof of auto insurance
• Valid Idaho driver’s license

The Idaho Department of Insurance regulates the required auto insurance coverage areas for Idaho residents. Currently, you’re required to have these liability coverage areas as part of a valid auto policy to legally operate a vehicle:

• Bodily injury liability per person: At least $25,000
• Bodily injury liability per accident: At least $50,000
• Property damage liability per accident: At least $15,000

Some counties in Idaho require emissions tests as part of the titling process. Idaho law requires areas to mandate emissions tests if the area exceeds 85% of any National Ambient Air Quality Standard. Currently, this means Ada and Canyon counties.

If your vehicle is over five years old and manufactured after 1980, then you must schedule an emissions test and repeat the test every other year. Tests typically cost about $14 in Idaho.

The final step to transfer a car title is to pay any applicable taxes and fees. These vary depending on your situation. Here are some basic costs that may apply to your situation:

• Title: $14.00
• Duplicate title: $14.00
• Vehicle identification number inspection: $5.00
• Sales tax: Typically 6% of the purchase price or value, unless the vehicle is subject to exemptions
• Rush processing: $26.00

There may be other costs associated with your transfer process. You must finalize the process at your local DMV location, so a DMV professional will help you determine the exact amount of taxes and fees payable before the transfer is finalized.

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