How to Get a Car Title

TitleMax is a reputable company offering a convenient and quick way to get a loan with your car title, even when you don’t have the best credit score. We also offer motorcycle title loans! When you get a loan with TitleMax®, there is often no credit check and no proof of car insurance required, and you can still drive your car! With TitleMax®, you can receive fast cash in as little as 30 minutes, instead of waiting for a lengthy approval process from another lender, and you can even apply online. The two items needed in every state we service are a government-issued ID and a lien-free title. Has your car title been lost, damaged, or stolen? If so, you may be wondering, “How do I get a copy of my car title?” It’s simple!

How to Get a Title for a Car

A car title is a legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle. Car titles are issued by each state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) or the other state department that handles motor vehicle registration. Sometimes car titles are lost, damaged, or stolen; this poses a problem when it is time to sell, buy, or salvage a car. Additionally, car titles are needed when you transfer a car to someone else or when you get an auto title loan or title pawn. The process of obtaining a duplicate car title is generally not very difficult. It may, however, take time, special documents, and a small fee, so be sure to contact your state’s DMV to know exactly what is needed. Although the process may vary by state, the basic steps involving how to get a car title are the same no matter what state you live in.

Fill Out the Title Application

An application for a replacement auto title can be obtained from the DMV in person or printed out from their website. The DMV’s website will most likely also give specific directions for how to get a title for a car in that state. The application should be completed and mailed in, along with the required documents and fees. In some circumstances, in some states, you can apply for the replacement title online. No matter what state you live in, you will need to supply your name and address. You will also need to know your 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN); it can be found where the driver’s side dashboard meets the windshield or on the driver’s side door post where the door latches. You should also be able to find the VIN on your car insurance card, car insurance policy, on your current car title if you have one that is damaged, or on your car registration. Many states require the make, model, year, and color of your car, as well as the odometer reading. If there is a lien holder, their name and address must also be on the title; please note that in order to obtain a title loan, there cannot be any lien holders. Finally, you will need to sign the auto title. Some states require that you sign in front of a public notary as a witness. If there are two owners’ names on the title, then both need to sign.

Gather Necessary Documents

In some states, when you pay off your car and the lien holder sends you your title, the lien holder will still be listed on the title. If there is a lien holder listed, proof that the lien has been paid off will be needed. Letters from the lien holder on company letterhead or a notice of recorded lien sent from the lien holder are considered proof. Other documents you will need when replacing a car title are a current and valid driver’s license and possibly proof of insurance and car registration, depending on the state. It is best to call or visit your state DMV online or in person to find out exactly what documents you will need to replace your auto title. If you have a damaged title, it will need to be surrendered.

Pay the Fee and Wait for Your Title

There is a fee for getting a duplicate car title. This fee varies greatly between states, from as little as $4, to as much as $95; in addition, some states charge extra fees on top of that. It is best to find out directly from your state DMV how much the total cost will be with fees included for a replacement car title. You should also find out what payment methods they accept. After completing all of these steps, it is time to wait for your title. In some states, the DMV may print your auto title out for you on the spot if you go in and apply in person. In other states, you will have to wait anywhere from four days, up to four weeks. For an extra fee, most states offer expedited service, which will get your title to you fast, usually within two to three days. Now you know how to get a car title, and you are on your way to getting a fast and easy car loan with TitleMax®!