Auto Titles

About Titles:

Motor Vehicle Titles play a very important role in the County Clerk's Office. We issue Certificates of Title more frequently than any other service we provide to the public. We work hand-in-hand with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) to make sure titles are done accurately and in accordance with Wyoming State Statutes §31-2-101 through §31-2-802. 

A certificate of title is a legal document that establishes ownership of a mobile home, motor vehicle, snowmobile, trailer, or watercraft. Information on vehicle ownership is entered into state and national databases. In Wyoming, vehicle titles are issued by the County Clerk according to the laws of Wyoming.

Transferring ownership can be a complicated process and can involve the laws of many states. Each title situation is different, and there can be many variables affecting the transfer of ownership.

The information on our website addresses the most common situations you may encounter. If you have questions, it is important to contact the County Clerk’s Titles office for guidance.

 

A Few Rules for Transferring a Wyoming Title:

  • Never buy a vehicle if the seller cannot show you the title, unless you can verify that the title is being held by a lien holder (bank, credit union, or more).
  • All persons whose names are on a Wyoming certificate of title must sign in the presence of a notary to sell a vehicle. However, for Wyoming titles issued on or after Jan. 1, 2020, the notarized signature of only one party is required if multiple owners’ names are joined by “or” and are not designated as JTWROS.  If you have further questions please call our office.
  • Before a title is signed, and notarized, by the "Seller" the name of the "Purchaser" must be written on the back of the title in the first box called, "Assignment of Ownership." 
  • All liens on the title must be released or accompanied by a Termination Statement (lien release) before the title can be transferred.
  • Be prepared to provide proof of ownership (dealer's invoice or bill of sale) and identification.

A Few Rules for Transferring an Out-of-State Title:

  • Never buy a vehicle if the seller cannot show you the title, unless you can verify that the title is being held by a lien holder (bank, credit union, or more).
  • Every state has its own set of laws when it comes to titles. The Albany County Clerk's Office, however, will accept any out-of-state title if it is executed according to the laws of the transferring state.
  • Unless the vehicle was purchased from a Wyoming dealership, every out-of-state title must be accompanied by a completed VIN inspection form. 
  • If the title is coming from a state that requires the seller's signature be notarized, it is required by our office.
  • All liens on the title must be released or accompanied by a Termination Statement (lien release) before the title can be transferred.
  • Be prepared to provide proof of ownership (dealer's invoice or bill of sale) and identification.

 Storage Liens:

  • To file or foreclose a Storage Lien please use this Storage lien packet.(COMING SOON)
  • Any person is entitled to place a lien on titled property when they repaired, towed or stored titled property and the owner of the property does not pay the amount due for those services. 
  • For tow companies, this includes vehicles towed from the scene of a crash or arrest. For vehicles involved in a crash or arrest, the owner of the property is responsible for paying all costs associated with the tow and storage of that vehicle, not the law enforcement agency requesting the vehicle be towed.
  • Vehicles that were left on your property without your consent are considered abandoned vehicles – if this description fits the circumstance you are facing, stop this process and continue with the Abandoned Vehicle process.

For more information about duplicate titles, VIN inspections, branded titles, ORVs, MPVs, or Liens/UCCs please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - COMING SOON - or contact the Title's Department