What is an Ownership Transfer Document?

The Ownership Transfer Document is fundamentally a certificate of title or a specific form used to facilitate the transfer of ownership of a vehicle from one party to another. It serves as legal proof that the seller has the right to transfer ownership and that the buyer is now the new legal owner of the vehicle. This document typically includes essential information such as vehicle identification details, buyer and seller information, and sometimes odometer readings at the time of the transfer.

This is critical for vehicle registration and ensuring that ownership records are accurately maintained in state databases. It guards against potential fraud by documenting the change in ownership and is a key requirement for lawful vehicle transactions.