How to Transfer a Car Title After Divorce in Wyoming

Transferring a vehicle title after divorce in Wyoming isn't as simple as handing over the keys. The process runs through the County Clerk's Title Division, and the signature requirements depend on how the title is worded and when it was issued.

Get the details wrong — especially the signature rules — and the County Clerk will reject the transfer outright.

Signature Rules: "And" vs. "Or" Titles

For titles issued on or after January 1, 2020, Wyoming applies strict rules based on the conjunction used between co-owners' names:

• "And" or JTWROS (Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship): Both spouses must sign the title assignment in front of a notary before the transfer can proceed.
• "Or" (without JTWROS designation): Only one co-owner's notarized signature is required to complete the transfer.

For titles issued before January 1, 2020, the older rules apply — check with your County Clerk if your title predates this cutoff.

This distinction matters because the "and" scenario requires your ex-spouse's cooperation. If they're willing to sign, the voluntary transfer process is straightforward. If they're not, you'll need the decree-based pathway.

Voluntary Transfer: Both Spouses Cooperate

When both parties are willing to sign, gather these documents:

1. Original Wyoming title with both notarized signatures on the assignment section
2. Lien release (if there's a loan on the vehicle)
3. Odometer disclosure (required for 2011 or newer vehicles)
4. Sales tax clearance from the County Treasurer

Take everything to the County Clerk's Title Division. The title fee is $15.00. Since this is a divorce-related transfer, it's generally exempt from sales tax — but you'll need to present a certified copy of the divorce decree to the County Treasurer first to get the formal exemption.

Decree-Based Transfer: When Your Ex Won't Sign

If the conveying spouse is uncooperative or can't be located, Wyoming allows an involuntary title application using the divorce decree. This is the critical pathway — and the one where details in the decree matter most.

Your divorce decree must explicitly list:

• The exact year of the vehicle
• The make
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

If the decree uses vague language like "the husband's car" without this specificity, the County Clerk will reject the transfer. You'd then need to file a motion to amend the decree back in District Court — adding weeks of delay and additional legal costs.

Required documents for a decree-based transfer:

1. Certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce (with the specific vehicle information)
2. Title application form
3. Odometer disclosure (2011+ vehicles)
4. Security agreement (if the vehicle is financed)
5. Sales tax clearance from the County Treasurer

Don't Forget Insurance

Once the title is transferred, update your auto insurance immediately. Remove your ex-spouse from the policy and ensure the vehicle is insured solely in the new owner's name. If you're the one giving up the vehicle, get written confirmation from your insurer that the vehicle has been removed from your policy.

Driving an uninsured vehicle — even briefly during the transfer window — can result in registration suspension.

Common Mistakes

Not getting enough certified copies. The County Clerk keeps the certified decree in some cases. Have extras on hand ($1.00 first page + $0.50 each additional page, plus $5.00 certification fee from the Clerk of District Court).

Forgetting the County Treasurer step. The sales tax exemption for divorce transfers isn't automatic — you need to visit the Treasurer's office before the Clerk will issue the new title.

Assuming the decree is enough for a financed vehicle. If there's an outstanding loan, the lienholder has its own requirements. Contact the lender directly to discuss title transfer while the loan is active.

The Wyoming After-Divorce Checklist includes a vehicle title worksheet that tracks every document, signature, and county office visit needed for the transfer.

See more Wyoming guides →