When it comes to vehicle registration, having a title is crucial. However, what happens when you don’t have a title for your car? Maybe you’ve inherited a vehicle, purchased a vehicle without proper documentation, or lost the title along the way. Fear not!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to register a vehicle even when you’re missing that all-important title.
What Is a Vehicle Title?
Let’s start with the basics. A vehicle title is a legal document that proves ownership of a motor vehicle. It includes essential information such as the vehicle’s make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
When you buy or sell a car, the title is transferred from the seller or previous owner to the buyer, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership of the vehicle.
A vehicle title is issued by the state department of motor vehicles (DMV) or the department of transportation (DOT) and it’s usually a required document when a car is sold.
More information you will typically find in a title include:
- The name of the owner
- Vehicle identification number
- Odometer reading
- Lienholder information (if it's financed)
- License plate number
- Technical information like the gross weight
- Signatures and state seal
A car may have a branded title or clean title. While a branded title car (total loss, rebuilt, salvage, flooded, mileage discrepancy etc) can be financially economical, you may risk purchasing an automobile with a lot of issues.
If you’re buying a classic car from a private seller or any dealership and want to know the type of title it has, you can simply use our classic VIN check service – fast, accurate and reliable.
Read also:Â How To Get Chrysler Build Sheet By VIN Number: Step-By-Step Guide
Common Reasons for a Missing Car Title
Do you know missing titles is more common than you might think? However, it can be replaced physically or electronically by filling out a form and paying a small fee at the office of your local department of motor vehicles.
According to Allstate, it’s both possible to replace a title that’s in your name and the one yet to be in your name. Be aware that the new title will indicate that it is a replacement title.
Several scenarios can lead to a missing car title:
- Lost Title: Misplacing or losing the title over time.
- Inherited Vehicles: When you inherit a vehicle, the title might not be readily available.
- Abandoned Cars: Discovering an abandoned vehicle without proper paperwork.
- Salvage or Junk Cars: Salvage or junk automobiles may not come with titles.
Additionally, processing a replacement title may vary by state. While some states like Michigan offer same-day service, Illinois will not issue a replacement title requested within 15 days of issuing the original title (or 30 days of providing a duplicate title).
Why Is a Title Important in Vehicle Registration?
Did you know in the US, there are over 275 million registered vehicles and over 90% of households possess at least a car?
Titles serve as proof of ownership and are essential during the registration process. Here’s why:
- Legal Requirement: Most states require a title to register a vehicle.
- Transfer of Ownership: Titles facilitate the transfer of ownership from one party to another.
- Liens and Loans: Titles indicate any liens or loans on the vehicle.
- Identification: Titles help identify the vehicle uniquely.
Having a title ensures a smooth registration process. Without it, you’ll face roadblocks when trying to legally operate your vehicle.
Read also:Â Best Popular Cars of the 1960s: Greatest Car Makes and Models in the 60s
Registering a Vehicle Without a Title: What You Need to Know
Now, let’s talk about the crux of the whole thing. If you find yourself without a title, do these:
1. Research Your State’s Laws:
Each state has different rules regarding title-less vehicle registration. Understand your local requirements when researching how to register a vehicle without a title because not all states allow for registering a vehicle without a title.
Depending on the state, you may also be able to register your vehicle as a classic vehicle instead of the regular vehicles. For example, here is what you need to know about registering a vehicle in New York State.
2. Get a Bonded Title:
Some states allow you to get a bonded title by posting a bond equal to the vehicle’s value.
3. Obtain a Bill of Sale:
A bill of sale can serve as evidence of ownership.
4. Process an Affidavit of Ownership:
In some cases, an affidavit can replace the title.
5. VIN Inspection:
Verify the VIN with a law enforcement officer or DMV representative.
How to Register a Car Without a Title: Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather Necessary Documents: Bill of sale, affidavit, and any other relevant paperwork. The following documents may be required among others: Proof of identity, proof of ownership (e.g. bill of sale), proof of paid property taxes, proof of inspection, Proof of insurance, proof of no outstanding liens or loans on the vehicle.
- Visit the DMV: Head to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to complete the registration.
- Complete Forms: Fill out the required forms for title-less registration.
- Pay Fees: Pay the applicable fees.
Get Your Registration: Once approved, you’ll receive your registration.
Does a Classic Car Have a Title and Can You Get a Title for an Old car?
Yes, classic vehicles typically have titles. If you’re dealing with a vintage vehicle, simply follow these steps to get a title. Consult your state’s guidelines for specifics as the process may different.
1. Find the VIN:
The VIN number is a prerequisite to getting a car title. Locate the VIN on the classic car. It’s usually found on the dashboard, on the driver’s side door or near the left windshield pillar. The VIN can be 17 digits (for post 1981 cars) or less (for pre 1981 cars).
2. Go to the state's DMV:
Contact your local DMV office to know what you need to do to get the title for your classic vehicle.
3. Get a bonded title or court-ordered title:
You may be directed to purchase a surety bond to get a bonded title which lasts 3 – 5 years. You can get a permanent car title once this expires.
In some states, a court-ordered title is an alternative to a bonded title and it works more like a lawsuit case.
o get the title for your classic vehicle.
Should I buy a Car without a title?
In some sane cases, buying a used car without a title could be a genuine option.
Nevertheless, you need to approach the purchase with extra care as some sellers don’t want to pay the associated taxes and fees, thereby leaving the title open for you to process – this is called title jumping.
A main disadvantage of buying a title-less car is that you have no idea if the car has been branded “salvage” or has an outstanding loan. Of course, the seller might have a genuine reason for the missing title – it may have been truly lost or stolen along the way.
Whether the reasons sound reasonable or not, ensure you obtain a vehicle history report from reputable providers like Detailed Vehicle History.
If you’re dealing with classic cars, we can easily provide you with the classic vehicle history with details of the title information, theft records, lien status, accident, mileage and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
A surety bond is a promise to be liable for the debt, default, or failure of another. It is a three-party contract by which one party (the surety) guarantees the performance or obligations of a second party (the principal) to a third party (the obligee).
The cost to get a surety bond typically ranges from 1% to 10% of the total bond amount. This is determined by considering a variety of factors, including the credit score of the applicant, the type of bond required, and the associated risk.
For example, a $20,000 surety bond at a 1% rate would cost $200, while at a 10% rate, the cost would increase to $2,000.
Typically, yes. You need the title to register the car. However, if you don’t have the title, you can just acquire that first at the DMV.
Vehicle titles show proof of vehicle ownership, while vehicle registration indicates a vehicle is registered with the state and cleared to drive it legally on public roads.
You can visit your state’s department of motor vehicles either online or in person. From there, you can request and get a duplicate title.
Application for a bonded title may differ from state to state but here are the steps you can follow to obtain a bonded title in most states
- You can ask the seller or check with your state DMV office.
- Be sure you’re eligible for a bonded title in your state.
- Fill out the application form and submit to the DMV with evidence of ownership and other supporting documents.
- Upon approval, you will need to pay for the certificate of title surety bond
- Apply for a bonded title, usually within 30 days of the initial issuance of the Certificate
