Selling or junking a car in Idaho

How do I sign over a car title in Idaho?

The seller must give the buyer a title in the seller's own name, properly assigned to the buyer (Idaho Code 49-501, 49-502). The seller signs on the seller's signature line and fills in the date sold. If a lien is shown, the lienholder must release it, either on the title or on a separate release (ITD 3777 Release of Interest). Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles newer than model year 2010 that weigh under 16,000 lbs, and it is written on the title as part of the seller's release. If the title has no space for the sale price, the seller also gives a bill of sale (ITD 3738) showing the vehicle, price, buyer, seller's signature and date. Giving a false selling price is a felony. The buyer has 30 days to title at a county assessor's office, or pays a $20 late penalty.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Idaho?

In general, no. Idaho Code 49-502(1) bars selling a vehicle without delivering the title. Exception under 49-502(2): for a model year 2010 or older vehicle (after Jan 1, 2031, any vehicle at least 20 years old), a vehicle over 16,000 lbs GVW, or a vehicle with no odometer, the owner of record may instead give the buyer a completed, notarized Duplicate Idaho Title Application With Ownership Transfer (ITD 3369). The buyer then pays the title fees. For a vehicle being sold for scrap, the owner must write 'for junk only' on the title at the sale (Idaho Code 49-522). That brand carries onto all later titles, and the vehicle can't be driven or sold to be driven again. Buyers who get a vehicle with no title may later seek a Conditional Title (ITD 3405) or a bonded title; those are buyer remedies, not seller exemptions.

How do I get a duplicate title in Idaho?

Form ITD 3367 (Duplicate Idaho Title Application, current rev. 9/26). Only the owner or lienholder of record, or their agent, may apply. The signature must be notarized or witnessed by an ITD/county agent. The fee is $14.00 plus a county title admin fee (amount varies by county). Submit at a county assessor motor vehicle office or by mail. If you are selling a qualifying older or odometer-exempt vehicle, use ITD 3369 instead (duplicate with ownership transfer, owner signs Section 7, notarized). Use ITD 3371 (Affidavit of Lost Title, notarized) when ownership or lien details are changing; it can't be used to sell.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Idaho?

Yes, required. Under Idaho Code 49-526, the seller files a release of liability within 5 days of delivering the vehicle. It lists the VIN, vehicle description, seller and buyer names, buyer address, sale date, odometer reading and price. The fee is $3.50. You can file online at Idaho DMV Online (VIN and title number needed; processed immediately) or on paper form ITD 3858 mailed to your county assessor's motor vehicle office with a check or money order. Once filed, the former owner is not liable for later traffic infractions, towing, storage or repair charges.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Idaho?

Plates stay with the seller. ITD says to remove the plates at sale. The plates are the owner's property, don't go with the vehicle, and may be moved to another vehicle the owner buys or already owns. Form ITD 3858 also reminds sellers to remove plates.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Idaho?

When a vehicle is dismantled or destroyed, or changed so it no longer matches its title, the owner must surrender the title to ITD, which cancels it with lienholders' consent (Idaho Code 49-516). Not surrendering it is unlawful (49-519). A vehicle sold for junk must be endorsed 'for junk only' (49-522). A vehicle declared junk under 49-516 or 49-522, or reported to NMVTIS as scrapped or crushed, can't be rebuilt for road use. Total-loss vehicles need a salvage certificate (form ITD 3312; fees vary by county). An owner who keeps a total-loss vehicle can't sell or dispose of it until a salvage certificate is issued (49-524). Insurers and salvage pools must apply within 30 days. If they can't get the title, they file a sworn statement (Indemnifying Affidavit ITD 3410), a lien release (ITD 3726), and a VIN inspection (ITD 3403) if the title is from out of state.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Idaho?

Under Idaho Code 49-1806, a person who controls private property may have an unauthorized vehicle towed or booted if a large, conspicuous sign is posted saying vehicles will be removed at the owner's expense and naming the tow firm. On non-commercial property with no sign, the person in control may call a tow company to remove an abandoned vehicle after signing a release form that names them as responsible for the removal. A vehicle can't be treated as unauthorized solely because its registration has expired. Cities and counties may also have their own junk-vehicle ordinances (49-201).

Official sources

1. ITD - Vehicle Titles
2. ITD 3858 Notice of Release of Liability
3. Idaho DMV Online - Release of Liability
4. ITD 3738 Bill of Sale
5. ITD 3367 Duplicate Idaho Title Application (rev. 9/26)
6. ITD 3369 Duplicate Title Application With Ownership Transfer
7. ITD 3405 Conditional Title Statement of Facts
8. ITD Salvage Vehicles Fact Sheet
9. ITD Salvage Vehicles page
10. ITD Title and Registration FAQs
11. ITD Drivers Manual Ch. 10 (Vehicle Title and Registration)
12. Idaho Code 49-502
13. Idaho Code 49-516
14. Idaho Code 49-522
15. Idaho Code 49-526
16. Idaho Code 49-1806

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Division of Motor Vehicles; transactions handled by county assessor motor vehicle offices before you sell.