A vehicle certificate of title is an official state or DMV-issued document that declares a person(s) or business the legal owner of a vehicle. Selling a car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle requires the transfer of ownership from a seller to a buyer. This transaction involves the signing-over of the title and is called a title transfer. Without this transfer, changing vehicle ownership is generally not possible. So what happens if you’re about to sell a vehicle and you can’t find your title? What if a lienholder is in possession of the title? What if you have your title, but it’s undergone some of the following issues:
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- Signatures placed in the wrong area
- Errors that have been crossed out
- Stains, tears, fading
All of these factors will cause a title to be unusable. And this article we’ll review what’s possible when it comes to selling a vehicle without a title.
Title Replacement/Duplicate
Your first option – and usually the easiest – is to order a replacement (also referred to as a duplicate) title from the DMV. The new document replaces the original paper title that has been lost or damaged, and can be used legally in every way the first title was.
Ordering a duplicate title is a quick and easy process, and can be done online in several states with eTags.com. We currently offer replacement title services in California, New York, Maryland, Florida, and Ohio. Visit our homepage, select your state from our pop-up menu, and continue with the duplicate/replacement title option. Our user-friendly platform makes it easy to follow prompts, enter necessary information and place your title order in no time.
Order Your Title Replacement Online
Lienholder Titles
If your vehicle was financed or had a lien on it, the title will generally be held by the lender or financial institution. Once the loan has been repaid, you are then able to sell the vehicle and transfer ownership. However, because the title is often in the lender’s possession, you will need to take the following steps:
- Contact the lienholder and request a lien release letter
- Notify the DMV that your loan has been paid in full
- File any required paperwork
Luckily, if this sounds like a lot, eTags is happy to assist with the process. Reach out to us here and we can help guide you along the process of getting a title after a lien has been satisfied.
Classic Vehicles Titles
Some states didn’t begin issuing vehicle titles until 197o’s. Other states do not require a title on vehicles that are over thirty years old. If the car you’re selling falls into these categories, a bill of sale may be sufficient proof of ownership. Most vehicles that are considered antiques will also not be titled the way modern cars are. Check with your local DMV as to whether or not your car meets these factors, as you may be able to forgo the need for a certificate of title.
Bonded Titles
A bonded title is also a possible alternative to the original certificate of title in certain states. When the required paperwork cannot be supplied, a vehicle owner is sometimes able to purchase a title bond in order to prove ownership. This bond acts as a guarantee that if another person later claims to be the owner of the car – and has proof – the bond will pay them the car’s value.
These are the most common avenues to take when selling a car without a title. Remember, that if at any point during your title journey, you find you need a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our title experts are happy to assist…because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
