Learn About Car Titles

Name: What Is a Car Title?
Item: What Is a Car Title?
Author: Mark Fitzpatrick

One of the most important documents related to vehicle ownership is the car title. It is the legal document proving ownership. It also details key information about the vehicle, such as its make and model, year manufactured and vehicle identification number (VIN).

If you are financing a car through an auto loan, your lender will be holding the car title until you pay off the loan. The lender will be listed as the lienholder. A car title is issued by the state where the vehicle was purchased but is reissued if there is a transfer of ownership or change in the state of residence.

A car title serves as proof of ownership and details the vehicle identification number (VIN), make and model, weight class and odometer reading.

There are various types of titles: clean, clear, salvage, rebuilt or reconstructed and Lemon Law. The types may differ per state.

You can get a copy of your title, even if it gets lost or damaged, from your state agency.

If you sell your car, move to a new state or gift it to someone, you will need to transfer the car title.

Why Is a Car Title Important?

A car title is also known as a certificate of title for a vehicle. It is a document issued by a state agency, usually the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Transportation (DOT). It contains important information about the vehicle and its owner.

Some people confuse this document with car registration. However, vehicle registration is simply a document proving that the car can legally be driven. Meanwhile, a car title is proof of ownership. There are certain situations when a car title is necessary, such when selling a vehicle. You can also use it as collateral when getting a loan.

Information Included in a Car Title

Your car title not only proves your ownership of the vehicle but also has important information about your car. All states issue car titles. However, what they look like and what information is included may vary depending on the state. That said, there are certain details that are typically listed.

Information	Description
Owner	The name and address of the vehicle owner is included in the car title and cannot easily be changed. You can only change the owner after the sale or donation of the vehicle.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	The VIN is a unique 17-digit combination of letters and numbers identifying the vehicle. You can find this information printed on your vehicle registration slip and on the vehicle’s door jamb or dashboard.
Odometer Reading	Your car title will show the date of purchase odometer reading or amount of miles the car has been driven. It helps verify when you bought your car and how much mileage was on the vehicle at that time. The odometer reading may affect a car’s worth and documenting it can help detect odometer tampering.
Weight Class	Vehicles are classified based on their weight. This information can affect the cost of vehicle registration. Vehicles with higher weight ratings or class pay more for registration.
Lienholder	If you have a car loan through a bank, credit union or financing company, your car title will have your lender’s contact information. Your lender is considered the lienholder. Depending on your lender, you may also be required to purchase certain types of auto insurance coverage.
Assignment Section	This is information about the seller and buyer. Once finalized, this part cannot be altered. It will include the following: Seller’s name and signature Seller’s address Buyer’s name and signature Sales date Price of purchase Odometer number Odometer reading type Lender's name and address (if applicable)

Types of Car Titles

There are various types of car titles based on the vehicle’s history including accidents, liens and rebuilds. Generally, all vehicles start with a clean title. That means it has no record of having any kind of significant damage. If the vehicle is involved in an accident or major event with damages, its car title will change. While the name of the types of vehicle titles may vary per state, there are certain classifications typically recognized in most states.

Type	Description
Clean	This means the car has not been in a major accident, hasn’t had major damages or wasn’t declared a total loss.
Clear	There is no financial lien against the vehicle. The vehicle is not tied to a creditor or third party and the titleholder is the sole owner.
Salvage	This vehicle has been in a major accident, which led to damages costing 75% to 90% of its value. The car was declared a total loss and needed significant repairs.
Rebuilt or Reconstructed	Cars with rebuilt or reconstructed titles were previously classified as salvaged. After having the necessary repairs, they will fall under the rebuilt or reconstructed classification.
Lemon Law	A Lemon Law buyback vehicle title is given to cars that have warranty-covered defects found within a certain period or mileage. It means the car was returned to or bought back by the manufacturer because of the covered defects.

What Will Happen to Your Car Title When You Buy, Sell or Trade a Car?

If you are selling your vehicle to a dealership or are trading it in to get another car, you may not need to do anything. In most cases, the dealership takes care of the title and any issues related to it.

If you are selling to a private individual and your car has a clean or clear title, you will need to fill in the transfer information in the car title. Both parties should sign the assignment section and keep a copy. The same process applies if you are buying a car. Depending on the state requirements, you may also need to have the document notarized.

If you have not fully paid off your car loan, you may need to fulfill your obligations to your lender before they will release the lien. In some cases, the buyer pays for the remaining amount so that the lender will issue a clear title.

What Do You Need to Do When Your Car Title Is Lost?

Losing your car title can be stressful and you may worry about replacing it. Fortunately, there are several ways you can request a duplicate copy from various state agencies detailed below.

Getting a Copy of Your Car Title

Visit your state DMV or Secretary of State to find out the specific steps you need to take to get a copy of your car title, as each state may have different requirements and processes. That said, you can get started with the following steps.

1
Contact your lienholder
If you have not paid off your car loan, contact your lender first. Typically, the lender will be the lienholder of the title until the car loan has been paid in full.
2
Check your state DMV
You can review your state DMV website to learn what documentation and information you need to submit for a copy of your vehicle’s title. In most cases, you will need your driver’s license and may be asked to provide owner and vehicle information.
3
File the form
Depending on your state requirements, you may be able to submit your request online. If not, you can submit them in-person or via the mail. The paperwork may need to also be notarized and the filing likely will have a fee, ranging from $2 to $95.

HOW DO YOU FILE FOR A LOST CAR TITLE?

Request for a copy of your car title from your state DMV. The process is easy — fill out a form with the vehicle and owner details, including your driver’s license and reason you’re requesting a copy, and submit it with the processing fee via mail, in-person or online. You can use Factory Warranty List's Lost Car Title directory as a resource.

An illustration of a man on his phone with a DMV agent to transfer his car title.

How to Transfer a Car Title

Transferring a car title is often necessary when there is a change in ownership, such as when you sell your car, gift it or move to a new state. Each state may have certain rules and requirements you need to follow. You can visit the state DMV’s website to see what documents you may need to submit.

Transferring a Car Title to a New State

When you move to a new state, you will need to transfer your car title and the requirements for this vary. For example, you may need to go through a safety inspection or emissions test.

Remember to bring your current car title, driver’s license, odometer reading and proof of residence with you to the DMV when you are ready to transfer it. In general, you will have about 30 days to complete the transfer, in addition to registering the vehicle in your new state.

Transferring a Car Title to a Family Member

If you’d like to transfer your car title to a family member, the process is the same as if you were selling your vehicle. You and the recipient will need to fill out and sign the assignment section on the car title document. Some states may also require a bill of sale, even if the vehicle is a gift. In this instance, the family member receiving the car will apply for a new title.

Transferring a Car Title Upon the Owner’s Death

The process of transferring a car title differs with a deceased owner. Each state may have different regulations for vehicles inherited from a deceased person. In most cases, you would need to submit a copy of the death certificate and the existing title. A notarized affidavit of inheritance may also be needed.

If the vehicle was inherited through a will, the executor has to sign the vehicle title before you submit it to the DMV.

An illustration of a man with a shield protecting himself against scammers.

Avoiding Scammers and Storing Your Car Titles

Whether you are buying or selling your car, it is important to be cautious of who you are interacting with. There are individuals who target buyers, sellers and car owners through various scams. Knowing how to avoid these attempts and keep your car title safe can help protect you and your assets.

3 WAYS TO AVOID GETTING SCAMMED

There are various scams related to car titles. You need to know what to look for and what you should do to protect yourself.

1. Buy from a reputable car dealer. While private individual sales are common, it’s more challenging to verify who they are, if the vehicle they’re selling is legitimate and in its stated condition. Therefore, it can be safer to buy a vehicle from a reputable dealer.

A dealership can be more reliable for purchase, but you should also be wary of how the salesperson behaves when showing you vehicles. For example, if they are rushing you to make a decision, charging a much higher cost than you know the vehicle is worth or pressuring you to sign the documents quickly, consider it a red flag.

2. Check the vehicle. You should inspect the vehicle fully before purchasing it. Check all parts, including the seats, floor mats, dashboards, seat belt retractors and tires. It’s advisable to have a certified mechanic complete an inspection. You should also watch out for odometer tampering. This is fraud that includes an odometer being rolled back to make it appear that the car has fewer miles than its actual mileage.

3. Check the title. If possible, ask the seller to show you the title. Check for any signs of tampering, such as peeling edges and missing the state’s watermark. You may also conduct a title check using the car’s VIN. Visit the state DMV’s website to see if they offer an online title check service. It’s a good idea to review the Vehicle History Report as well to see if the information detailed on the car title is consistent with the report.

How to Keep Your Car Titles Safe

While there are some documents you should always keep with you, such as a copy of your vehicle registration and proof of insurance, there are others you need to keep in a safe place. Your car title is one of those.

This should be a space where no other person can access it, such as a home safe, a safe deposit box or another secure place at home.

Car Title FAQs

MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you better understand what a car title is and it’s value.

What is a car title loan?

If you have a car title, you can use it to borrow a small amount of money known as a car title loan. This short-term loan provides a borrower with funds they secure by using their vehicle as collateral. The deadline for repayment varies, but is usually 30 days. If you fail to pay off the loan during the agreed upon time frame, the lender may take your car.

What does a car title include?

A car title is a legal document that includes key information about your vehicle. While car titles and information vary by state, certain details are often the same, such as the owner’s name and address, VIN, weight class, lienholder information and assignment section.

Where can I get a copy of my car title?

You can get a copy of your car title from your state DMV or a similar agency. You may need to file a request form and pay a processing fee. However, if you have a car loan and haven’t paid it off, your lender will have the car title. It is also important to note that lenders usually require comprehensive and collision insurance.

Can I sell my car without a title?

The car title serves as proof of ownership. When selling your car, you will need to give the car title to the buyer after you both sign, date and record the odometer reading on it. It’s important to note, if you have a car loan, you will not receive your title until the loan is paid in full. At that time, you can sell your vehicle.

If you have lost your car title or it was damaged, you can request a new copy from your state’s DMV by filling out the appropriate documentation and paying the corresponding fee. You may need to also complete additional paperwork, such as a bill of sale document.

Can you get a title on a car that is not paid off?

No. Generally, if you are financing a car, your lender will have the car title and is the legal owner of the vehicle. You will be the legal owner after you pay off the loan.

What do I do if I lose my car title?

The first thing you have to do is to check with your state DMV. You can obtain a copy of your car title by filing the appropriate form and paying off the corresponding fee. You may also find the documentation requirements on the DMV website.

What Is a Car Title?

Covering the Basics: Your Car Title

Why Is a Car Title Important?

Information Included in a Car Title

Types of Car Titles

What Will Happen to Your Car Title When You Buy, Sell or Trade a Car?

What Do You Need to Do When Your Car Title Is Lost?

Getting a Copy of Your Car Title

Contact your lienholder

Check your state DMV

File the form

How to Transfer a Car Title

Transferring a Car Title to a New State

Transferring a Car Title to a Family Member

Transferring a Car Title Upon the Owner’s Death

Avoiding Scammers and Storing Your Car Titles

How to Keep Your Car Titles Safe

Car Title FAQs

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