An Idaho car title is a legal document establishing proof of vehicle ownership. Drivers must apply for a car title when they purchase or acquire a new or used vehicle from a dealer, private seller, family member or as a gift. However, car dealerships or financial institutions handle the auto title application process when vehicle owners purchase a vehicle from a car dealership or when a financial institution records a lien.

Drivers must apply for an ID certificate of title (also known as a pink slip) on their own if they purchase the vehicle privately. To learn more about getting car title certificates and how titles relate to vehicle registrations, review the information below.

Where to Apply for a Car Title in Idaho

The process of how to get car titles varies depending on whether a motorist purchases a vehicle from a dealership or from a private seller or family member. Motor vehicle dealerships complete and submit Idaho car title applications when vehicle owners purchase a car from a dealership, but car owners must submit the vehicle title paperwork on their own if they purchase the vehicle privately.

In some cases, financial institutions complete the DMV car title paperwork on behalf of vehicle owners if the title involves a lien. If drivers need to apply for an ID title for car ownership without the help of a dealer or financial institution, they must visit a county assessor’s motor vehicle office within 30 days of purchasing a new or used vehicle.

Alternatively, drivers may apply for a certificate of title by mail. To do so, motorists must submit all titling documentation to their county assessor’s motor vehicle office.

Note: When submitting auto title documentation by mail, vehicle owners must include a Power of Attorney (ITD Form 3368).

The Idaho Auto Title Application

As part of the certificate of car title application process, car owners may complete an Application for Certificate of Title in Idaho (Form ITD 3337). However, the new car title application is optional when buyers purchase a vehicle from a private seller.

Instead, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) only requires dealerships, financial institutions, out-of-state dealerships or out-of-state sellers to complete the application on behalf of the purchaser. When dealers or financial institutions complete the new or used car title application, they must include information pertaining to the vehicle, purchaser, lienholder and dealer, as well as the sale price and fees paid.

Documents You Must Provide When Applying for a New Car Title in Idaho

To get car title certificates after purchasing or acquiring a vehicle from an in-state private seller, vehicle owners must visit a county assessor’s motor vehicle office to submit the following documentation:

• The current vehicle title (if vehicle owners purchase the automobile used).
• The Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (for new vehicles).
• The bill of sale, unless the seller includes the vehicle’s sale price on the title certificate. The bill of sale must include the vehicle’s description and sale price, as well as the seller’s signature and the legal name of the buyer.
• An odometer disclosure (for vehicles under 10 years of age or with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 16,000 lbs.)
• A vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection.
• Payment for all new or used car title fees and sales tax.

Alternatively, a driver may obtain a car title in Idaho by mailing the above documentation to his or her county assessor’s motor vehicle office. However, an applicant must complete and submit a Power of Attorney (Form ITD 3368) if applying by mail. A Power of Attorney grants the county assessor permission to sign the application on behalf of the applicant.

Note: Before obtaining an ID car title, vehicle owners must bring their vehicle to a law enforcement official, vehicle dealer, DMV employee or military police officer to complete a VIN inspection.

What is an Idaho car registration?

While a title establishes vehicle ownership, auto registration documentation shows that car owners can legally drive the new or used vehicle on public roads. To apply for ID vehicle registration documentation, motorists must submit all titling documentation and pay title taxes and fees before they may apply for registration.

Drivers cannot apply for a new car registration and title certificate simultaneously. However, they may apply for motor vehicle registration documentation immediately after submitting their titling paperwork. To get car registration in Idaho, car owners must complete a VIN inspection, pay registration taxes and fees, present proof of personal identification and submit the vehicle’s current car registration certificate and title.

When applying for a DMV car registration, drivers must present proof of personal identification. Proof of identification includes a state driver license, out-of-state driver license, identification card, foreign passport, certified marriage or divorce document or a certified court name change document.

What is the difference between a car title and a vehicle registration in Idaho?

Car registration documentation and title certificates serve two different purposes. Auto registration materials allow you to drive your new or used vehicle on state roadways, while titles establish you as the owner of the vehicle. However, you need to obtain both documents before you can legally operate a motor vehicle. Furthermore, you cannot obtain Idaho DMV car registration documentation without first applying for a title.

Nonetheless, you only need to title a car when a vehicle changes ownership, but you need to renew your motor vehicle registration before the vehicle’s registration expiration date.

Car Title Costs in Idaho

The Idaho car title costs for a standard passenger car is $14. However, depending on an applicant’s particular circumstances, he or she may be required to pay higher fees.

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