We Buy Any Car^® Blog Posts

One big thing with car ownership is understanding what your titleis, and how it works. Below are some commonly asked questions when discussingthe titling of a vehicle. It is important to remember that titling laws do varystate by state, so always check your location’s rules and regulations.

What Is A Vehicle Title?

A vehicle title is a legal document that establishes ownership ofa vehicle. It contains important information about the vehicle, such as thevehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model of the vehicle, and thecurrent owner's name and address.

The title is issued by the state where the vehicle is registered,and it must be transferred to a new owner whenever the vehicle is sold orgifted. The title also shows any liens or loans on the vehicle, which meansthat someone else has a legal claim to the vehicle until the debt is paid off.

The title is an important document that should be kept in a safeplace, as it is needed to register the vehicle, sell or transfer ownership, andsometimes to get a loan or insurance for the vehicle.

Can A Car Title and Registration Be Under Two Different Names?

Yes, it ispossible for a car title and registration to be under two different names. Thetitle of the vehicle shows who legally owns the car, while the registrationshows who is responsible for renewing the car's license plates and payingregistration fees.

In some cases,the owner of the vehicle might transfer ownership of the car to someone else,but they may still be responsible for renewing the registration and payingregistration fees until the new owner registers the car in their name. This canhappen when someone sells their car to another person but hasn't yettransferred the title to the new owner.

It is importantto note that laws regarding vehicle titles and registration can vary by state,so it's always best to check with your local DMV or state motor vehicle agencyfor specific requirements and procedures.

Is There a Notary Process Involved With a Vehicle Title?

Yes, in many cases, a notary process is involved with a car'stitle. The notary public is an official authorized by the state to witness andcertify the signing of legal documents, including vehicle titles.

When a car is sold or ownership is transferred, the seller ortransferor will typically sign the title over to the buyer or transferee. Thistransfer of ownership must be witnessed and notarized by a notary public inorder to be legally binding.

In addition to transferring ownership, a notary may also berequired to certify other transactions related to the car's title, such asapplying for a duplicate title or releasing a lien on the title.

It's important to note that notary requirements can vary by stateand by the specific transaction involved. It's always a good idea to check withyour local DMV or state motor vehicle agency to determine the notaryrequirements for your particular situation.

Can Someone Other Than the Title-Holder Sell the Vehicle?

Generally, no, someone other than the titleholder cannot sell acar. The person listed on the car's title is considered the legal owner of thevehicle, and only the legal owner has the authority to sell the car.

If someone who is not the legal owner of the car tries to sell thevehicle, it could be considered fraud or misrepresentation, which can havelegal consequences. It's important to ensure that the person selling the carhas legal ownership of the vehicle before making a purchase.

However, in some cases, the legal owner of the car may authorizesomeone else to sell the car on their behalf. For example, if the legal owneris unable to sell the car themselves due to illness or other circumstances,they may authorize a trusted friend or family member to handle the sale. Insuch cases, the legal owner would typically sign a power of attorney documentto give the authorized person the legal authority to sell the car on theirbehalf.

What If I Lose My Car Title?

If you lose your car title, you will need to obtain a replacementtitle from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Motor VehicleAdministration (MVA). The exact process for obtaining a replacement title canvary by state, but generally, you will need to provide the following informationand documents:

1. Your driver's license or state-issued ID

2. The vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number)

3.The license plate number

4.The year, make, and model of the vehicle

5.Payment of any fees required by your state

In some cases, you may need to complete a form or provideadditional documentation to prove ownership of the vehicle, such as a bill ofsale or a notarized affidavit. Once you have provided all the necessaryinformation and documents, the DMV or MVA will process your application and issuea replacement title.

It's important to note that the process for obtaining areplacement title can take several weeks, so it's a good idea to start theprocess as soon as possible if you need a replacement title. In the meantime,you may need to provide proof of ownership or registration for the vehicle,such as a copy of your registration or insurance card, to demonstrate that youare the legal owner of the vehicle.