How To Transfer Car Title in Idaho
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Are you looking to buy or sell a car in Idaho? If so, you must perform a title transfer to establish ownership. Whether you've purchased a new or used car, or given away, donated, or sold your vehicle, a title transfer is necessary.
But don't worry - the process is straightforward in Idaho and only requires a few simple steps, such as providing information, paying fees, and submitting documents.
Our car-buying experts did the research to bring you this list of everything you need to do in order to take the next step in your car ownership journey in Idaho!
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Idaho Titling Laws
- Documents Needed To Transfer a Car Title in Idaho
- How To Transfer Car Title in Idaho When You're the Buyer
- How To Transfer Car Title in Idaho When You're the Seller
- Idaho Taxes and Fees
- How To Transfer Car Title in Idaho When You Have an Out-of-State Title
- Idaho Odometer Disclosure
- Filling Out Idaho Title and Transfer Forms
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
Idaho Titling Laws
In Idaho, state law mandates that all vehicles and boats used on public highways must have a title to demonstrate legal ownership.
It is mandated by Idaho statute that one obtains a legal title for their vehicle within 30 days from the purchase date. Neglecting to do so may incur a penalty.
Vehicles of various categories, such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, travel trailers, transport trailers, and boat or utility trailers weighing no less than 2,000 pounds, must be titled.
This also includes slide-in truck campers, all-terrain vehicles, utility-type vehicles, off-road motorcycles, and snowmobiles that have engines of 50cc and above.
Manufactured homes are yet to be formally declared as real property, and most boats manufactured after 2000 with a permanently attached mode of propulsion, such as inboard/outboard motors, personal watercraft, sailboats, and outboard motorboats over 12 feet in length, must also be titled.
However, similar vessels that were manufactured or acquired before 2000 must be titled only if they are being financed.
Documents Needed To Transfer a Car Title in Idaho
Although some states permit the online processing of title transfers, the state of Idaho requires individuals to visit a county assessor's motor vehicle office in person to complete the process. The following documents must be presented:
- Title.
- Bill of sale.
- Vehicle identification number inspection.
- Proof of auto insurance.
- Valid Idaho driver's license.
In Idaho, the mandatory auto insurance coverage areas for residents are regulated by the Idaho Department of Insurance.
Currently, to operate a vehicle legally, individuals are obliged to hold the following liability coverage areas under a valid auto policy:
- At least $25,000 for bodily injury liability per individual.
- At least $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
- At least $15,000 for property damage liability per accident.
How To Transfer Car Title in Idaho When You're the Buyer
If you intend to procure a vehicle in Idaho from an individual seller, a few measures must be implemented to ensure a seamless transfer of the title to your name. They include the following:
- Verify that the seller has completed the back of the title.
- If there is a lienholder, ensure they have also signed off on the title. You will also need a lien release from the seller.
- The odometer reading must be completed unless the vehicle is exempt (over ten years old or weighs more than 16,000 pounds).
- Get in touch wi the DMV within 30 days of the procurement to avoid a $20 late fee.
- Complete an Application for a Certificate of Title.
- If the seller still needs to complete the required sections on the title, you will need a completed bill of sale.
- Obtain a completed Vehicle Identification Number Inspection Certificate.
- You must submit a Power of Attorney form to transfer the title by mail.
- In addition to the $14 transfer fee, you must remit 6% sales tax on the purchase price and a registration fee between $24 and $48.
How To Transfer Car Title in Idaho When You're the Seller
If you plan on selling a vehicle in Idaho, it is essential to bear in mind a few factors.
In Idaho, you must title the vehicle in your name if you plan to buy and resell it unless you have a dealer license. It is also a felony to list the incorrect selling price on the bill of sale or title.
After selling, you must do the following:
- Fill out the certificate of title and transfer it to the buyer.
- Submit a release of liability within five days of the vehicle title transfer.
- Provide the buyer with a bill of sale. If the sales price is not mentioned on the vehicle's title, you must furnish the following details to the buyer: full vehicle description, selling price, buyer's full name, signature, and date.
- Keep your license plates as they remain with you, not the vehicle.
Idaho Taxes and Fees
The ultimate stage of transferring a car title necessitates the payment of any applicable taxes and fees, which depend on your specific situation. Below are some basic expenses that may relate to your case:
- Title: $14.00
- Duplicate title: $14.00
- Vehicle identification number inspection: $5.00
- Sales tax: Generally, it is 6% of the purchase price or value unless the vehicle qualifies for exemptions
- Rush processing: $26.00
You must conclude the process at your nearest DMV facility, where a DMV expert will assist you in determining the exact sum of taxes and fees payable before the transfer is completed.
How To Transfer Car Title in Idaho When You Have an Out-of-State Title
Relocating from one state to another entails transferring your vehicle's title to the new state.
In certain instances, supplementary measures must be undertaken, including vehicle identification number (VIN) verification and substantiating the validity of your Idaho auto insurance policy.
To successfully transfer the certificate of title to the new state, the following steps must be completed:
- If required, submit the vehicle to an emissions test.
- Visit the nearest Idaho DMV location.
- Complete and submit the relevant application forms.
- Provide out-of-state documents, including the vehicle's title and registration.
- Provide proof of a valid Idaho auto insurance policy, odometer reading, and VIN verification.
- Pay the applicable fees and costs for vehicle title transfer and other related expenses.
In Idaho, it is possible to apply for vehicle title and registration simultaneously. To apply for an out-of-state vehicle title and registration, you must visit your local ID DMV office and present the following:
- The out-of-state title certificate and registration, which must be in your name.
- A filled-out Application for Certificate of Title (Form ITD 3337).
- Proof of identification. Acceptable proofs include a valid ID or driver's license.
- Payment for the vehicle title transfer fee of $14, use tax (if applicable), and vehicle registration fees.
Remember that to register your vehicle legally, you must procure the minimum liability coverage mandated by the state of Idaho.
Idaho Odometer Disclosure
According to federal regulations, an odometer disclosure statement must be completed for all participating vehicles, where the seller needs to provide their signature, affirming that the odometer reading is accurate.
Any endeavors to hinder or manipulate an odometer are deemed a federal offense that could result in repercussions, including monetary sanctions and imprisonment.
Hence, the buyer must record the current mileage and confirm if there's any knowledge of tampering or other odometer-related concerns.
Filling Out Idaho Title and Transfer Forms
To correctly complete the Idaho vehicle title and transfer form, ensure that you have filled out all requisite state forms in their entirety.
The bill of sale is a crucial document covering pivotal details regarding the vehicle, such as the make and model, along with the vehicle's specific identification number (VIN).
Sales tax should be added to the total cost if you sold the vehicle rather than gifting it. You must provide an accurate odometer reading in the "transfer of title by seller" section of the vehicle's title. The recipient of the vehicle must sign the title in the spaces provided.
Additional documents may be required to complete an Idaho vehicle title transfer, such as proof of a valid Idaho auto insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state's standard coverage requirements.
As a prerequisite for the Idaho vehicle title transfer process, you must also provide a valid, government-issued photographic identification as evidence of your identity. Acceptable forms of identification include a foreign passport or driver's license.
