How To Transfer a Car Title in Idaho 2026

Every motor vehicle operated or stored in Idaho must have a valid certificate of title issued in the owner's name. Upon a change of ownership, whether through a private sale, gift, inheritance, or court order, the buyer is required to present the endorsed certificate of title at a county assessor's motor vehicle office. Under Idaho Code § 49-504A, this filing must occur within 30 days of the transfer date. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) administers vehicle titling statewide through county-level motor vehicle offices.

Required Documents for Title Transfer in Idaho

All items listed below must be assembled before visiting a county motor vehicle office. The complete inventory of Idaho titling documents and forms is maintained by ITD.

• Certificate of Title – the existing title with the seller's release of interest section completed accurately in ink; no erasures or unauthorized corrections are permissible
• Application for Certificate of Idaho Title (Form ITD 3337) – the buyer must complete the title application form in full prior to filing
• Odometer Disclosure – mandatory for vehicles manufactured after model year 2010 that weigh under 16,000 pounds; entered directly on the certificate of title
• VIN Inspection – required for any vehicle transferring from another state or one that has never been titled in Idaho; must be conducted by a law enforcement officer, ITD employee, military police officer, or Idaho-licensed vehicle dealer
• Proof of Idaho Automobile Insurance – vehicle registration requires proof of minimum liability coverage
• Bill of Sale (Form ITD 3738) – not required in every transaction but strongly advisable; the official bill of sale form documents the price, parties, and vehicle details
• Release of Liability (Form ITD 3858) – filed by the seller to limit post-sale liability; use the official release form
• Lien Release – if a lien is noted on the title, the lienholder must execute the release of interest section before the title can be reassigned
• Power of Attorney (Form ITD 3368) – required when the application is submitted by mail or when a representative acts on behalf of an owner; the official power of attorney form must identify the vehicle and bear the owner's signature

Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Idaho

Step 1: Verify the Title and Collect All Required Documents

Before proceeding with a transfer, both parties should confirm the following:

• The certificate of title is in the seller's legal name and reflects no unauthorized alterations or erasures
• Any existing lien has been satisfied, or the lienholder has agreed to release the lien at the time of transfer
• A VIN inspection has been completed if the vehicle was titled in another state or has no prior Idaho title
• All required forms — including Form ITD 3337 and, where applicable, Form ITD 3738 — are on hand and ready to complete

Step 2: Seller Assigns the Title and Files a Release of Liability

Prior to delivering the certificate of title to the buyer, the seller must:

• Sign the release of interest section on the reverse of the title using legible ink
• Enter the odometer reading in the field provided (applies to qualifying vehicles manufactured after 2010)
• Record the buyer's full legal name, mailing address, sale date, and purchase price
• Submit the Release of Liability (Form ITD 3858) to ITD within 5 days of delivering the vehicle; this filing protects the seller from liability arising from the vehicle's use after delivery

Step 3: Buyer Completes the Application for Certificate of Idaho Title

The buyer must fill out the Application for Certificate of Idaho Title (Form ITD 3337) before appearing at the county motor vehicle office. The form requests:

• Buyer's full legal name and current Idaho residential address
• Vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model, and body style
• Date of acquisition and purchase price
• Lienholder name and address, if financing is involved
• Signatures of all individuals to be listed as owners on the new certificate

Step 4: Submit the Complete Document Package at Your County Motor Vehicle Office

Title applications are filed at the county assessor's motor vehicle office in the county where the buyer resides, and the vehicle will be registered. Present the following at the time of submission:

• The assigned certificate of title bearing the seller's signature
• Completed Form ITD 3337
• VIN inspection documentation, if applicable
• Bill of sale (Form ITD 3738), if available
• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Proof of Idaho automobile insurance
• Power of Attorney, if a representative is filing on an owner's behalf

Step 5: Pay the Required Title and Registration Fees

All applicable fees are collected at the county office at the time of filing. The base state title fee is $14.00, to which each county adds its own administrative fee. The table below reflects the applicable fee categories.

Step 6: Receive Your Idaho Certificate of Title

Once the application has been processed by the county office:

• Where no lien is recorded, ITD mails the certificate of title directly to the registered owner at the address listed on the application
• Where a lien is recorded, the title is mailed or transmitted electronically to the lienholder
• License plates and registration materials are always issued to the registered owner; they may be mailed when the transaction is not completed in person
• Standard processing time is typically 10 to 15 business days from the date the application is received

Contact Information

Idaho Transportation Department – Division of Motor Vehicles
11331 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 8, Boise, ID 83714
Phone: (208) 584-4343
Official Website: Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles