Official paperwork, explained in plain English

Step-by-step guides to the government forms people actually get stuck on: which form, what goes in each box, whether you need a notary, where to send it and what it costs. We link to the official, free PDF every time.

Many "free PDF form" sites let you fill in a whole form and then ask for a card. We don't. The official forms are free, most of them can be typed into right in your browser, and our guides are free to read.

Vehicle titles by state

California

• California title transfer after a private saleBuyer and seller steps, the 10-day deadline, smog, fees and where to mail it.
• Replace a lost California car title (REG 227)Fill out REG 227, when it needs a notary, and what to do if you are selling.
• Gift a car to a family member in CaliforniaWrite "GIFT" on the title and file REG 256 so the recipient skips use tax.
• Transfer a car after a death without probate in California (REG 5)Who can use REG 5, the $184,500 estate limit, the 40-day wait and what to send.

Texas

• Texas title transfer after a private sale (Form 130-U)What the seller signs, the 30-day deadline, 6.25% sales tax and the county tax office visit.
• Replace a lost Texas title (certified copy, VTR-34)Apply by mail for $2 or in person for $5.45, with ID and any lien release.
• Gift a car to a family member in Texas ($10 gift tax)Form 14-317, which relatives qualify, and why one of you must go in person.
• Transfer a car after a death in Texas (Affidavit of Heirship, VTR-262)When you can skip probate, which heirs must sign, and the notary rules.

Florida

• Florida title transfer after a private sale (HSMV 82040)Seller and buyer steps, the 30-day deadline, $75.25 title fee and VIN checks.
• Replace a lost Florida title (HSMV 82101)Duplicate title fee, the "lost in transit" free option and selling without a title.
• Florida Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050) when you sell a carWhy sellers must file it, what it covers, and how it doubles as a bill of sale.
• Remove a deceased spouse from a Florida title (HSMV 82152)The no-fee surviving spouse transfer: documents, expedited option and registration.

New York

• Register and title a car bought privately in New YorkMV-912 bill of sale, DTF-802 sales tax form, MV-82 and the 10-day inspection window.
• Replace a lost New York title (MV-902)Order online, by mail or in an office for $20, and when online is not allowed.
• Get the title in your name after a lease buyout in New YorkThe documents to bring, the $50 fee and paying sales tax on the buyout.
• Transfer a car after a death in New York (MV-349.1)The $25,000 rule for spouses and children under 21, and when an estate is needed.

Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania title transfer after a private saleWhy buyer and seller meet at an authorized agent, 6% sales tax and the $72 title fee.
• Replace a lost Pennsylvania title (MV-38O)Fill out MV-38O and mail it with the $72 fee, or get it free if it never arrived.
• Transfer a car after a death in Pennsylvania (MV-39)Joint owners, a will that is not probated, and no will: which papers each case needs.
• Sell your car privately in Pennsylvania: seller checklistSign in front of an agent, record the odometer, and keep or return your plate.

Charged by a PDF site?

• How to cancel PDFSimpli and ask for a refundCancel in Account Settings, then email for a refund within 30 days of the order.
• How to cancel PDF Guru and ask for a refundHow the trial renews, how to contact support, and your EU 14-day right.
• How to cancel pdfFiller and ask for a refundCancel in account settings or get written confirmation from support.