Vehicle Titles: How to Get a Title for a Car

Whether you’re considering selling your car or on the hunt for a new one, the title is a vital document you should keep an eye on. This is especially true if you wish to purchase a car in good condition. Plus, at closing, one of the many signatures you provide is for the vehicle title. But what exactly is a car title? In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at this essential document you’ll encounter when buying or selling a vehicle.  Keep reading to learn more about vehicle titles so you know what to look out for. If you’re looking for a specific topic, use the links below.

• What is a Car Title?
• Types of Car Titles
• What You Need to Get a Car Title
• How to Transfer a Title

 

What is a Car Title?

A car title is a legal document that is also known as a certificate of title. It’s used to demonstrate proof of ownership and has vital details, such as: 

Vehicle identification number (VIN): A VIN is a unique 17-digit code that acts like the fingerprints of a car. A VIN is used to identify vehicles and can let you know the specifics of a car as well as any recalls associated. Not only can this number be found on the title, but also the dashboard, driver’s side door pillar, and under the hood. You can also view it on the car registration and insurance policy. 

Make, model, and year: Always verify that the make, model, and year of the car you’re purchasing coincides with what’s on the title. The title will also include the license plate number and whether it is gas, diesel, electric, or hybrid fueled car.

Mileage at purchase: When buying a car, it’s important to compare the mileage on the title versus the one on the odometer. If the numbers don’t match up, it might be a clear indication that either one or both have been tampered with. 

Owner’s name and address: The name on the title will establish the owner of the vehicle. It’ll also be used to register the car under your name. 

Lienholder: If you use a car loan to finance a vehicle, then the lender will be included on the title until you have repaid the loan. You won’t be able to receive the title of your car until your debt is paid. 

The information on the car title and what it looks like will vary depending on the state you live in. However, most will have the details mentioned above. You can get your car title from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other government agencies, such as the Division of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or Registry of Motor Vehicles. 

In the event, your car is stolen or you want to sell it, having the title in hand will help you recover the vehicle and make a profit in the future. In short, car titles help establish the vehicle’s owner, identify the car, and reflect any serious damages imposed on the car. 

Types of Car Titles

While you shop around for a brand-new car or a used vehicle, there are many types of titles you’ll encounter. We’ll take a closer look at five car titles—clean, clear, salvage, flood, and rebuilt or reconstituted—so you know what to look out for.

Clean

A vehicle with a clean car title is one that is structurally in good standing and has never experienced a major accident that would deem it totalled or undrivable. A totalled vehicle costs more than it’s worth fixing.

Clear

Clear titles refer to vehicles with no lien against them. Ideally, when purchasing a car, you want either a clean or clear title.

Salvage

If a car is severely wrecked or damaged beyond repair, then it may have a salvage title. Most of the time, the insurer will be the one to claim a vehicle as a total loss. It’s difficult to insure cars with salvage titles because they cannot be driven, sold, or registered. It’s recommended you sell salvage vehicles for parts.

Rebuilt or Reconstituted

This title is transferred to salvage vehicles that are repaired and can be driven safely. Although the car passed a safety inspection, be wary of vehicles with rebuilt or reconstituted titles. Sellers may potentially cut safety corners in order to earn a profit, which could be a big loss for you. 

A car with a salvage or rebuilt title is a red flag. Stay clear from these vehicles as they can cost you more money than they’re worth in the long run. 

While purchasing a used car is an affordable option for many, you should be aware of title washing before signing any paperwork. Title washing is when unscrupulous sellers attempt to hide a vehicle’s title branding in an effort to make a sale. Three ways in which title washing is executed are: 

• Moving cars to another state: Due to the different regulations regarding title branding, a seller could relocate and successfully remove the brand if it’s not recognized in the state.
• Altering a vehicle’s title: In this case, the seller will physically change the document to hide any discrepancies.
• Applying for a new title: If a seller chooses not to disclose accidents or damages, a complete auto history would not be available.

There are numerous resources and tools available to ensure you get the best deal possible. Use vehicle reports to help you identify title washing schemes and prevent you from becoming a victim. In the event you make a bad purchase and end up with a defective vehicle, state lemon laws are there to help. We recommend double-checking the information on the vehicle title before and after purchasing to make sure it’s accurate. The year, make, model and VIN should match the car you’re buying.

What You Need to Get a Car Title

Now that we’ve covered the basics, how do you get a title for a car? Whether you purchased a car or lost your car’s title, getting one isn’t as difficult as you may think.

New Title

Oftentimes, getting a new title for a car is easy. The dealer will usually handle the paperwork and send it over to the DMV or local vehicle registration agency. From there, you should receive it in the mail or digitally within a few days. However, don’t count on it arriving any time soon if you financed your vehicle. You must first pay off the loan before the title can be sent to you. 

The process of getting a new car title is a bit different if you purchase from an independent seller. When they give you their title, the transfer of ownership must be completed. This is crucial, and ultimately, it’s your responsibility to ensure it gets done. After that, you’ll submit it to the DMV or appropriate place and register the title under your name. 

The requirements needed to register yourself as the new vehicle owner vary depending on the state, but most will include the following: 

• The title with the seller’s signature
• Proof of purchase
• Odometer reading
• Lien information if you financed the vehicle 
• A release demonstrating there is no lien against the seller

Lost or Duplicate Title

Wondering how to get a copy of a car title? If you’ve lost your title, you can apply for a new one at a DMV near you. Most of the time, you’ll be able to fill out and submit the request for a duplicate title online. However, other states may require you to show up in person. You’ll need the following information to get a replacement title:

• Make, model, year, and VIN
• License information
• Loan details (if applicable)

How to Transfer a Title

When you sell or trade your vehicle, it’s necessary to transfer the title to the new owner. Both parties must sign and provide

• Legal names and addresses
• Sale price
• Date 
• Odometer reading

If you’re moving to a new state, you’re also going to need to transfer the title. In this case, you should contact the DMV or vehicle registration agency to find out their requirements.

Final Thoughts 

To recap, a car title is an important document for car owners and those who are looking to sell and buy a vehicle. Not only does it provide proof of ownership, but it also has important details that can help you make your next big car purchase. Once you have your car’s title, make sure to keep it in a secure place, so it’s within reach the next time you need it.