How do title transfer procedures differ by state? A basic overview to clarify.

I've helped friends with several out-of-state car sales and found that people often stumble because they "assumed it was the same as in our state." Here's a basic overview to clear things up. Common process: The seller signs the title on the back to transfer ownership, noting the mileage and sale price; both parties sign a bill of sale; the buyer goes to the DMV within a specified period (commonly 10-30 days) to transfer ownership, pay taxes, and get plates. Common pitfalls: 1. Signing the title in the wrong place or altering it. Many states will void it, requiring a replacement. Check the SELLER section carefully before signing. 2. Some states (like Arizona, Montana, etc.) require title transfer notarization, while most don't. 3. Plate ownership: California plates stay with the car. In states like New York and Massachusetts, plates stay with the person, so they must be removed. Getting this wrong can lead to tickets. 4. Seller protection: In California, it's called Notice of Transfer; in other states, it's called release of liability. Submitting this is how you officially disassociate yourself from the vehicle. 5. A title with an unreleased lien cannot be transferred. Get a lien release from the bank first. 6. For out-of-state purchases, sales tax is paid in the state where you register the car. Don't be fooled by the seller's state "collecting" it on their behalf. Before you start, spend ten minutes looking at the target state's DMV website. It's more reliable than relying on word-of-mouth from fellow locals.