Short answer. ITD's titling page asks for the title with proper signatures releasing interest from the previous owner; no notary step. The buyer has 30 days to title the car. Plates stay with the seller.
At a glance
- Seller's signature
- ITD's titling page asks for the title with proper signatures releasing interest from the previous owner; no notary step.
- Buyer's signature
- The buyer files the signed-off title within 30 days of the transfer; the application for title is optional in a private sale, and ITD's page has no notary step.
- Bill of sale
- Only a fallback when a properly released title can't be had, and it adds steps.
- Odometer
- Odometer disclosure applies to vehicles newer than 2010 and under 16,000 lbs.
- Buyer's deadline
- A buyer with no lienholder files within 30 days of the transfer to avoid a $20 late penalty.
- Plates
- Plates belong to the owner and don't go with the vehicle; the seller can move them to another vehicle they own or buy.
- Title fee
- $14 plus the county's administrative fee.
- Seller's report
- The seller files the release of liability within 5 days of delivering the vehicle.
- Agency
- Idaho Transportation Department, DMV
If you're selling
- Find the title and clear any lien. Have the original title in hand. If a lender is listed, get the lien release or the lender's sign-off before the sale; the buyer can't title the car over an open lien.
- Sign the title over. ITD's titling page asks for the title with proper signatures releasing interest from the previous owner; no notary step. Don't sign until the buyer is ready, and write in the buyer's name and the sale date exactly.
- Write down the mileage. Odometer disclosure applies to vehicles newer than 2010 and under 16,000 lbs.
- Give the buyer a bill of sale. Only a fallback when a properly released title can't be had, and it adds steps.
- Deal with the plates. Plates belong to the owner and don't go with the vehicle; the seller can move them to another vehicle they own or buy.
- Report the sale. The seller files the release of liability within 5 days of delivering the vehicle.
- Cancel insurance and keep copies. Once the car is gone and the plates are off, call your insurer. Keep a photo of the signed title, the bill of sale and any sale report.
If you're buying
- Check the title against the car and the seller. The VIN on the title should match the car, and the seller's ID should match the owner's name on the title. Ask about any lien listed on it.
- Watch the title get signed. Seller: ITD's titling page asks for the title with proper signatures releasing interest from the previous owner; no notary step. Buyer: The buyer files the signed-off title within 30 days of the transfer; the application for title is optional in a private sale, and ITD's page has no notary step.
- Get a bill of sale. Only a fallback when a properly released title can't be had, and it adds steps.
- Check the mileage entry. Odometer disclosure applies to vehicles newer than 2010 and under 16,000 lbs.
- Insure the car before you drive it. Most states require insurance to register. Arrange it before driving away.
- Title it in your name in time. A buyer with no lienholder files within 30 days of the transfer to avoid a $20 late penalty.
- Plates and fees. Plates belong to the owner and don't go with the vehicle; the seller can move them to another vehicle they own or buy. Title fee: $14 plus the county's administrative fee.
Sold on the first of a month? See the due date for a December 1, 2026 sale.
Your own checklist, marked step by step: seller · buyer.
In the agency's words
Seller
"proper signatures releasing interest from the previous owner or lienholder"
Buyer
"proper signatures releasing interest from the previous owner or lienholder"
Bill of sale
"In the event that a properly released title cannot be obtained, a Bill of Sale may be used."
Deadline
"within 30 days of transfer to avoid a $20.00 late-filing penalty."
Plates
"The license plates are your property, they do not go with the vehicle."
Report of sale
"To be paid by seller or transferor with filing of form within 5 days of vehicle delivery."
Official sources
- ITD: Vehicle Titles (checked November 2026)
- Idaho Transportation Department: Driver's Manual, Chapter 10, Vehicle Title and Registration (checked November 2026)
- Idaho Transportation Department: Titling a vehicle (checked November 2026)
General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Checked November 2026 against the official pages listed above. Forms, fees and deadlines change, a county office can add its own steps, and gifts, estates, liens and out-of-state titles follow other rules; the agency or an attorney can tell you how a rule applies to your sale. MCC Solutions is not affiliated with any motor vehicle agency.
Common questions
Does the seller's signature on a Idaho title need a notary?
ITD's titling page asks for the title with proper signatures releasing interest from the previous owner; no notary step. The agency's page: "proper signatures releasing interest from the previous owner or lienholder."
Does the buyer sign in front of a notary in Idaho?
The buyer files the signed-off title within 30 days of the transfer; the application for title is optional in a private sale, and ITD's page has no notary step.
How long does a buyer have to title a car in Idaho?
30 days. A buyer with no lienholder files within 30 days of the transfer to avoid a $20 late penalty.
Is a bill of sale required in Idaho?
Only a fallback when a properly released title can't be had, and it adds steps.
Do the plates go with the car in Idaho?
Plates belong to the owner and don't go with the vehicle; the seller can move them to another vehicle they own or buy.
Does a Idaho seller have to report the sale?
The seller files the release of liability within 5 days of delivering the vehicle.
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