You’ve probably already determined that car titles are not a one-size-fits-all requirement. Should you find the original car title in the sofa cushions, for example, best to actually destroy it this time to avoid any issues down the road. Once you have your duplicate title, know that it will void the one it replaces. Keep in mind that additional fees and forms may apply. Double-check with your local DMV as they might offer in-person express services like on-site printing. However, for the rest of the country, processing times can take weeks, which could put your negotiated sale in jeopardy.Īlso, consider that although an online application may be expedient for you, processing time on the agency’s end may take longer. Some states also require you to hold a title for a certain period, such as 30 days, before transferring ownership.Īs of last month, 24 states participate in an electronic lien and title (ELT) processing program that allows motor vehicle departments to send digital titles to car owners and lenders. If the vehicle is financed or has a lien on it, you’ll need to request a copy directly from the lender. If you own the vehicle outright, apply for a copy from the state in which the car is registered. So, once you realize a car title is gone, your first step should be to replace it.
Owner: purchaser name, address, date of issueīut what happens if you’ve misplaced, damaged, or destroyed (thanks, Fido) the car title? Can you still sell your vehicle without a car title? The short answer is yes.
Specifications: mileage at the time of purchase, license plate number Vehicle: make, model, body style, color, manufacturing year, vehicle identification number And although versions vary from state to state, the basic information listed remains the same:
There are four types of car titles, of which their descriptors are self-explanatory: Clean, Clear, Salvage, and Rebuilt/Reconstituted. Only when a vehicle is purchased does a car title materialize. If leasing or financing a car, you will not see this document. This is a legal document that establishes ownership of the vehicle. And perhaps the most important one regarding a vehicle is its certificate of title, colloquially known as the car title or pink slip. Then, when you finally make the sale, it’s not as simple as just handing off the keys.Īs with many things in life, there is paperwork. Determining your car’s value, prepping the vehicle for beauty shots, posting an ad, receiving low-ball estimates from dealerships and resellers, and meeting with potential buyers takes up time and requires patience. Selling a vehicle is hardly a stress-free activity.