How To Get A Title For A Car

When you buy a new car, getting the keys isn’t what makes it legally yours. Instead, it’s the vehicle title that designates you as the owner. Depending on how and where you purchase your car, you may receive the title on the spot or your lender may send it to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

If you’re planning a car purchase, or even if you’ve already purchased one but haven’t received the title, it’s important to understand how to get a title for a car, how titles are transferred and how to replace your title if you’ve lost it.

What Is A Car Title?

A car title is a legal document that establishes its ownership. Though titles may look a bit different from state to state, they all contain the same basic information about the vehicle. A car title contains the name and address of the vehicle owner. It also includes other information, such as:

• Make and model of the car
• Year of the car
• Color of the car
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Current odometer reading
• Official seal of the issuing state
• Lienholder information (if relevant)

Each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or Bureau of Motor Vehicles is responsible for issuing, replacing and transferring vehicle titles. If you own a vehicle, it’s critical that you maintain this document since it serves as your proof of ownership.

How To Obtain A Title For A Car

When you buy a car, whether you buy new or used, you should receive the title. The process for getting the title may differ depending on how you purchase the vehicle.

Getting The Title For A New Car

When you buy a new car from a dealership, they’ll take care of all the documentation on your behalf, including completing the paperwork required for the title. Depending on your financing arrangement, you may even be able to roll your title fee into your loan costs.

If you finance your new vehicle, which is the case for most people, you’ll receive a copy of your title, but you won’t receive the original. Your title will list your lender as the lienholder and the lender will maintain the original title until you’ve repaid your loan.

Once you repay your loan, your lender will release the lien. You should receive an original title from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles that lists you as the owner free and clear of a lien.

Getting The Title For A Used Car

If you buy a used car from a dealership and finance your purchase, the process will actually work the same as if you bought a new car. Your lender will maintain the original title until you can repay the loan. However, it’s a different story when you buy a used vehicle in cash.

When you purchase a vehicle in cash from a dealership, you may either receive the title and the vehicle the same day or receive it in the mail within a few weeks. If you purchase the car from an individual, the two of you will handle the title process yourselves. The previous owner will sign over the title to you, and you’ll be responsible for registering it with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

How Are Car Titles Transferred?

Transferring a vehicle title from one owner to another is a simple process. Practically speaking, all that must happen is the previous owner signs the title document over to the new owner and documents other information, such as the odometer reading and sale price.

Once the previous owner has signed the title over, the new owner can bring it to the Department of Motor Vehicles to register the vehicle in their own name.

When you’re transferring a title at the DMV, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• License plate number
• Owner's information (identification, address, telephone number)
• Title holder's information
• Cost of sale (if applicable)
• Owner's signature

Keep in mind that, depending on your state, you may be on the hook for vehicle transfer taxes. These taxes are based on a percentage of the sale price. For example, if you purchase a vehicle for $20,000 and your state has a 5% vehicle sales tax, you’ll pay $1,000 in taxes.

Keep in mind that the process may vary depending on where you live and how you purchase the vehicle. If you purchase from a dealership, they’ll handle the title paperwork on your behalf. Some states may also allow you to register your vehicle online or via mail.

Transferring A Car Title To A Different State

If you move to a new state, you’ll need to retitle and register your vehicle there. Most states set a maximum amount of time – usually 30 days – in which you must register your vehicle in your new state. Depending on where you move, you may also be subject to other requirements, including:

• Paying additional fees and taxes
• Having an emissions or safety test performed
• Verifying/attesting to the odometer reading

How Can You Replace A Lost Title?

It’s important to maintain your vehicle’s title since it establishes and proves your ownership. However, if you do lose your title, you can get a replacement.

If you lose your vehicle title, you’ll have to contact or visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for a new one. You’ll usually have to pay a title replacement fee, which can range from $2 to $95, depending on your state. Additionally, you may be required to provide information about your vehicle and ownership, including:

• Proof of lien release
• Make and model of your car
• Year of the car
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Driver’s license and current vehicle registration

FAQs About Getting A Car Title

If you need more information about how to get your car’s title, read the answers to these frequently asked questions.

Where can I get my car title?

Depending on how you purchase your vehicle, you’ll either receive your title in person at the time of the purchase, in the mail a few weeks later, or in the mail after you’ve paid off your vehicle loan. If you lose your original title, you can get a new one directly from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

How is a car title different from a car registration?

A title is a legal document that establishes vehicle ownership. Registration, on the other hand, proves that you’ve registered your vehicle with the state. Vehicle registration often must be renewed each year or every few years, depending on where you live. A title is only updated when the car’s ownership changes.

Can I get scammed by a forged title?

A forged vehicle title is one that’s been signed fraudulently. Someone may use a forged title to sign over a vehicle to someone else illegally. When buying a car from a private individual, it’s important to proceed with caution to avoid getting scammed by a forged title.

How long does it take to get a title?

The amount of time it takes to get a vehicle title depends on how you purchase it. You may receive it either immediately or within a few weeks when you purchase a vehicle in cash or once you’ve repaid your loan if you’ve financed your vehicle.

The Bottom Line: Obtaining A Car Title Is Essential

When you purchase a car, getting the title is a critical part of the transaction. It’s the legal document that establishes your ownership. The process of getting your car title differs depending on how and where you purchase your vehicle, so it's important to do your research ahead of time. If you’re preparing to buy a car and want to see how car payments fit in your budget, sign up for the Rocket Money^SM app.