assignment of car title

How to Sign an Assignment of Title by a Registered Owner

When you're ready to sell a car, sign the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner to get the buyer on his way to transferring the title into his name. Most states require the Assignment of Title -- which can be found on the back of your personal title -- as proof that the sale is legitimate. Signing the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner should take mere minutes. Once it's gone, your vehicle is as good as registered to someone else.

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Flip over your car title to find the Assignment of Title by Owner.

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Print your name, the date you're selling the vehicle and the price of the sale.

Fill in the odometer reading, if necessary. In Tennessee, for example, an odometer reading is only required on vehicles newer than 10 years.

Sign your name as the seller, where indicated.

Give the form to the buyer. She should fill out her name and address and then sign as the buyer.

Bring the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner to the office that issues new motor vehicle titles. In Virginia, for example, it's the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

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How to Fill Out a Car Title Transfer

Last Updated: August 1, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lahaina Araneta, JD . Lahaina Araneta, Esq. is an Immigration Attorney for Orange County, California with over 6 years of experience. She received her JD from Loyola Law School in 2012. In law school, she participated in the immigrant justice practicum and served as a volunteer with several nonprofit agencies. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 573,896 times.

If you are buying or selling a vehicle, you will need to pass ownership of the vehicle by filling out the title transfer. The rules vary from state to state, so it's important to find out the specific paperwork and regulations in your area before moving forward with the sale. In general, however, the steps are essentially the same.

Filling Out a Car Title as a Buyer

• Verify the buyer and seller’s names, the sale date, and VIN number are correct.
• Check the odometer of the car to ensure the mileage on the title is accurate.
• Search the VIN number on the DMV’s site to confirm there's no lien on the car. [1] X Research source
• Sign the title and get the Bill of Sale to transfer the title to you at the DMV.

Selling a Vehicle

• Your DMV should have an application you can complete for requesting a duplicate title. The application or form might be available online.
• You might not have the title because you haven’t paid off your car loan. In that situation, you need to work with your lender to pay off your loan before you will receive the title. Once paid, you can submit a lien clearance letter or other release form to the DMV to get the lien removed. [2] X Research source
• If the car has a lien, then the duplicate will probably be sent to the lienholder, so it is best to take care of the lien before making the sale.

• You can find your DMV online. Type “your state” and then “DMV.” Look for a link that explains transferring title.
• You can also find the specific rules and regulations in your state regarding title transfer here: https://www.dmv.org/title-transfers.php . Click on your state. This website isn’t affiliated with any state government. However, they provide links and contact information to state offices.

• names of the buyer and the seller
• notary’s signature (in some states) [3] X Research source
• date of sale
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• odometer reading (though in some states this is a separate form)

• If your state doesn’t have a form, you can create your own. It should contain a description of the vehicle, VIN, final sale price, place of sale, and the names of both buyer and seller.
• If the seller made any warranties, those should be included in the Bill of Sale as well. There will also be implied warranties if a written warranty was provided by the dealer when the car was sold. [5] X Trustworthy Source Federal Trade Commission Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson Go to source

• description of the vehicle, such as its make, model, year, and color
• date of the sale or title transfer
• license plate number
• odometer reading
• new owner’s name and contact information
• your name and contact information

Buying a Vehicle

• names of buyer and seller
• odometer number
• any other information necessary to the sale of the car

• Most liens are held by the bank that gave the seller their car loan. The car is used as collateral for the loan. In that situation, the bank probably has held onto the title and the only way the seller can get the title is to pay off the lien.
• However, a seller could have other liens on the car. Accordingly, don’t assume that there are no liens on the car simply because the seller has title. For example, a child support lien might have been placed on the car. Alternately, a mechanic could get a lien on the car for unpaid repairs. If you buy the vehicle with the lien on it, you now become responsible for the lien. [9] X Research source
• If you have the VIN, you can check for liens by visiting your local DMV or checking their website to see if it has a title check feature. If your DMV's website does have a title check feature, you can enter the VIN to see the title and lien information for the car. This is a critical step, so don’t neglect it.

• Ideally, you should go with the seller to the DMV office and fill out the transfer form together there. Even if not required by the state, going together can protect you because you can check for liens while you are there. [11] X Research source
• The DMV should also have a notary public in the office, in case your state requires that your signatures be notarized.

• You’ll also need the VIN and current odometer reading, which should be on the title form. In some states, the odometer reading will be written on a different form.

• You typically must pay a fee for the title transfer, which will vary by state.
• You must turn over the title. Your state should send you a new title in the mail.

• proof of insurance
• proof that you’ve paid sales tax
• certificates showing the car has passed safety and emissions inspections

Expert Q&A

• If you ever have questions about the process, contact your local DMV. They can give you the correct information you need. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy
• ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/titles/how-remove-lienholder-title
• ↑ https://www.dmv.org/az-arizona/title-transfers.php
• ↑ https://www.dmv.org/bill-of-sale-form.php
• ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0055-buying-used-car
• ↑ https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/titles/title-transfers-and-changes/notice-of-transfer-and-release-of-liability-nrl/
• ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/how-check-title-or-lien-status
• ↑ https://www.nj.gov/mvc/vehicles/transowner.htm
• ↑ https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/title-transfers/
• ↑ https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle

About This Article

To fill out a car title transfer when selling your vehicle, make sure you have the title or apply for a duplicate from the DMV. Once you secure the title, fill out the transfer form, including the names of the buyers and sellers, date of sale, price, vehicle identification number, and odometer reading. After you finish the paperwork, get all of the necessary signatures. Depending on the specific rules in your state, you might need to have your paperwork notarized and include a Bill of Sale. When you’ve completed your state’s requirements, which you can verify on the DMV website, submit the Notice of Transfer or Release of Liability to the DMV to protect you in case the new owner gets into an accident before the paperwork is processed. To learn how to fill out a car title transfer when buying a vehicle, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Transfer a Car Title

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A car title is a document that proves who owns a vehicle. When you sell your car , the title must be legally transferred to the new owner so that person can complete the registration process.

Beyond indicating who owns the car, the title also includes the vehicle identification number, the mileage at the time of sale and what type of car it is.

How car title transfer works

Transferring a car title consists of three steps, one for the seller, one for the buyer and one for the state.

The seller has to release ownership of the car by signing the title. 

The buyer takes the signed title to the state office that handles car titles, often called the department of motor vehicles, or DMV. Some states might require additional paperwork to complete the process, such as a bill of sale or a transfer of ownership form.

Your state DMV issues a new registration and title. 

A car’s title is sometimes called the “pink slip,” though it could be any color, really. Regardless of its color, the title is always issued by your state’s department of motor vehicles.

Differences between dealer and private-party sales

When you're buying a new car , a dealer handles the paperwork and you usually receive the vehicle title from your state’s DMV in the mail. But when private parties buy or sell cars, it’s up to them to transfer the title.

States may require the seller to provide basic information about the car, such as the odometer reading and the sales price, which is used to calculate the sales tax .

Before signing the title, check with your state’s DMV to find the proper line on which to sign and how to supply the correct information.

Whose name is listed?

For the seller, the first step is to look at how your name is listed on the car’s title. If your name alone is printed on the title, this means you are the only owner and can easily transfer ownership.

If, however, there’s also a bank or lender’s name on the title (referred to as a “lienholder”), this means you have an auto loan that has to be settled before you can sell. This complicates things, but it’s still possible to sell your car. Call your lender and ask how to sell a car that has a loan and how the transaction should be handled.

In many cases, a car is owned jointly by two people, such as a husband and wife. In this case, there are two ways the vehicle title can be written. The two names might have an “and” or an “or” between them. Generally, “and” means both parties have to sign the title to release ownership; “or” means either person can sign the title.

Avoid delays

Visit your state’s DMV website before you sell your car to see what documents are required, where to sign the title and how to handle multiple owners. Find your DMV website here:

If you make a mistake, such as signing on the wrong line, or if you try to erase something from the title, it will slow the process. Either you’ll need to file a second form, stating you made a mistake, or you might have to apply for a new title from the DMV before the sale can be concluded.

Buyer’s next steps

After the title is properly signed by the seller, the buyer must register the car in the new owner's name. In some states, the application for a new title and registration is on the back of the old title. In other cases, you might have to download a transfer of ownership form from your state’s DMV website.

Usually, a temporary registration is issued as soon as the title and proper forms have been presented to the DMV. A new title, in the new owner’s name, will be mailed later.

On a similar note...

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How to fill out a title when selling a car.

Your car’s title establishes legal ownership over the vehicle, making it one of the most important documents associated with your vehicle. When you’re buying or selling a car in a private sale, the title information must be filled in correctly to transfer ownership from the seller to the buyer. Mistakes could cause lengthy delays with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which could possibly impact the sale. Let’s learn more about how to fill out a title when selling a car so you can hopefully avoid that happening to you.

How to sign over a car title

When you’re selling your car, you’ll need to release your ownership of the vehicle by signing over the title. In a private sale (instead of a sale to a dealership or retailer), the buyer will then take it to a local DMV to register the vehicle under their name. If the buyer is from another state , they may have to first obtain a temporary registration from the seller’s state before ultimately registering the vehicle with their home state’s DMV. Here are a few other steps to consider when signing over a car title:

Check on and resolve any liens

Most car owners have to take out a loan to purchase their car. If those loans are not paid off, these cars are subject to a lien — a legal claim to the vehicle held by the lender in case the owner doesn’t make their payments.

To help facilitate a smooth sale for cars with liens, it can be helpful to contact your lender as soon as you can to see how to proceed. In most cases, the loan will need to be paid off (possibly with cash generated from the private sale) before the title is clear to hand off to the new owner.

Write a bill of sale

Along with the title, you’ll also need to create a bill of sale, with the seller and buyer each receiving a copy for their records. The DMV may also wish to see this depending on your state’s regulations. A bill of sale typically includes the amount paid, date of transaction and signatures of both parties.

Sign the right names in the right places

This may seem like kind of an obvious tip, but it’s important to make sure you sign the right name. If you had a name change for any reason (for instance, because of a marriage) since the title was issued, you’ll need to sign with the original name used on the title.

Additionally, titles often feature multiple blank lines for signatures. Placing your signature on the wrong line could stall the process at the DMV. Depending on your state, you may be required to file a correction form or possibly even a new title altogether.

Things to look out for

There are a few other details of the process that you may want to look out for as well:

Check on state-specific DMV regulations

DMV regulations and requirements for title transfers can vary significantly from state to state. Some states require a bill of sale to be presented, while others require an inspection of the car. It can be helpful to check on specific local requirements with your state’s DMV prior to proceeding with a sale.

Using the right color of ink

This may seem a little antiquated in the digital age, but the choice of ink you use can also be important. Black or blue ink is preferred, as these hold up better over time. Blue ink has the added advantage of making it easier to identify originals vs. photocopies.

While we’re on the subject of ink, if you happen to make a mistake somewhere, it’s imperative that you don’t use correction fluid or tape to cover it. This could result in your title becoming void. Contact the DMV instead to find out how to proceed.

How to sign a title with two owners

Sometimes a car has more than one owner listed on the title. In these cases, signing over a car title may or may not require each owner’s signature, depending on how the two names are separated on the document. If the owners are listed with an “and” (for example, Jack and Jill), both signatures may be needed. If the owners are listed with an “or” (Jack or Jill), then either owner’s signature may suffice. However, states may have their own rules on the signatures of multiple car owners. It may be helpful to check with your local DMV on this detail.

Steps for buyers

Although signing over a car title is largely carried out by the seller, there are some things prospective buyers can do on their end to help facilitate a smooth sale.

Verify the vehicle identification number (VIN)

The car’s VIN (often located on the driver’s side windshield) must match the one listed on the title. If it doesn’t, you may have trouble trying to register the car in your name.

Double-check the odometer reading

Federal law requires car sellers to write the cumulative mileage registered on the odometer on the title when transferring ownership. If the odometer reading is inaccurate, the seller must indicate this discrepancy, either on the title or on a disclosure form. An odometer that doesn’t match the true mileage of the car could indicate the vehicle has been tampered with and may be a red flag.

Note on title transfers when buying from a retailer

One of the major advantages of buying from a dealership or online retailer , rather than a private seller, is that they often will help fill out the paperwork on your behalf. This may include title transfers and DMV registration.

A car sale becomes official when the title is transferred over to the new owner. For that reason, it’s generally helpful to know how to fill out a title when selling a car so that you can sidestep potential delays. As you see, it’s not actually a difficult process — it just requires a little extra attention.

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What Is a Car Title?

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Mark Fitzpatrick

Head of P&C Insurance, MoneyGeek

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

Updated: May 20, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

• Car Title When Buy, Sell or Trade
• What to Do If Your Title Is Lost

How to Transfer a Car Title

• Avoid Scammers and Store Car Titles

Car Title FAQs

Expert insights, related content.

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.

Covering the Basics: Your Car Title

Your car title is an important legal document, which contains information about you and your car. You need it when selling your car or transferring ownership.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

It’s valuable to understand the importance of your car title, the various types of titles and tips to avoid scams. MoneyGeek asked several industry leaders to provide their insights on car title and ownership.

• What is the best way for individuals to understand the importance of a car title?
• Do you have any tips to help consumers protect themselves against car title scams?
• What happens to the car title after I finish paying off my car loan?

The car title is only one aspect of car ownership. Learn more about relevant vehicle topics such as car insurance, loans, leasing and refinancing in the guides below.

• How Does Car Insurance Work? : Car insurance is required by law. It also provides protection against financial burden in the event of a covered incident.
• Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance : Lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage when financing a car through a loan. Find the cheapest full coverage car insurance based on your circumstances and needs.
• Bad Credit Car Loans : People with bad credit scores may find it difficult to get a car loan. In this guide, you can learn how and where to get auto loans even if you have bad credit.
• Auto Loan Calculator: Find out how much your monthly payment will be if you get an auto loan. You can also use the auto loan calculator to compare different lenders.
• How to Refinance an Auto Loan: Depending on your financial situation, you may need to refinance your auto loan. Find out your refinancing options and get tips on how to refinance your auto loan.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC , NBC News and Mashable .

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

• Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles . " Odometer Disclosure Requirements ." Accessed January 21, 2022 .
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What Is a Car Title and Why Is It Important?

When you buy a car outright—without using a bank or dealer financing—the seller gives you a certificate of title. The title serves as proof of ownership and includes identifying information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN). 

A title is essential for registering or selling a vehicle. An understanding of the different title types is important when car shopping. 

Key Takeaways

• A certificate of title is a legal document that establishes ownership of a vehicle. It’s used to transfer possession from one owner to another.
• The title is required to register or sell your vehicle .
• A branded or salvage title indicates that the vehicle sustained extensive damage and has been rebuilt.
• Many states allow the use of electronic titles rather than paper copies.

What Is a Car Title? 

A car title shows who owns the vehicle. Without it, you can’t prove you legally own the car. It’s issued by the state department of motor vehicles (DMV) or department of transportation at the time the vehicle is sold. If you took out a loan, the lender holds the title until the loan is paid off. 

Titles generally include the following information, with some state-by-state variety: 

• Owner’s name
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Odometer reading at the time of the sale
• Weight class
• Lienholder information if the sale is financed
• Title assignment section with buyer and seller’s names, addresses, date of sale, and signatures

Types of Car Titles

When shopping for a car, you may read that a car has a clean or clear title. That means the vehicle has no record of damage, major repair, or being recalled. It doesn’t mean the car was never in an accident; it just means it wasn’t a total loss, and there’s a clear record of previous owners. 

If the car was involved in an accident and was declared a total loss, or if it experienced flood damage or has an inaccurate odometer, it may have a branded title. Branded title cars can be much cheaper than those with clean titles, but you risk buying something that comes with problems. 

To find out what type of title a car has, you can use VINCheck or a paid service like CARFAX . 

Title vs. Registration

In addition to getting a title, you need to register your car . Though a title shows you’re the owner, a registration certificate shows that your car is legally permitted on public roads. Driving without a current registration is illegal, and you may be fined if caught. 

How to Get a Title

When you buy a new vehicle or transfer a car to another state, apply for a certificate of title in your name. This requires a visit to your local DMV office with the following documents: 

• Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport
• Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale
• Proof of insurance coverage that meets state-minimum requirements
• Application for title
• Applicable sales, tag, title, and registration fees

Title fees vary by state but range from $5 to $165. For example:

• Illinois: Individuals have to pay a $155 vehicle title fee.
• North Dakota: In North Dakota, the title fee is just $5.  
• Pennsylvania: In Pennsylvania, the cost to get an original title issued is $67.  

Storing Your Title

Guard your title carefully. Many states use paper titles, so store it where it’ll be safe from damage. Don’t keep it in the car with your proof of insurance and registration. File it with important documents like birth certificates, Social Security cards, and passports. 

Though paper titles are common, some states use electronic documents. If your state permits electronic titles, you don’t have to worry about keeping the title safe because they store it for you. To find out if your state offers electronic titles, visit your state DMV or Dealertrack. 

If you lose your title, don’t panic. A duplicate title may be available from your DMV for a fee. In some cases, you can even request one online or through the mail. 

Office of the Illinois Secretary of State. " Fees ."

North Dakota Department of Transportation. " Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle ," Page 2.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services. " Payments and Fees ."

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