how to get title for old car

[MacLeah]

Getting a title for an old car, especially if it's missing or the vehicle hasn't been registered in years, involves a process that varies by state but generally requires submitting specific paperwork and fees to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The fastest path is usually applying for a bonded title, which acts as a guarantee against ownership claims, or exploring your state's Vermont Loophole if the car is over 15 years old. The core steps are proving ownership, getting a vehicle inspection, and completing the DMV's application.

The first step is to gather any documentation you have. This isn't just about the title; a bill of sale, previous registration records, or even maintenance receipts can help establish your claim of ownership. If you have zero paperwork, you'll likely need to pursue a bonded title.

Next, you must get a VIN inspection. A law enforcement officer or a DMV official can perform this to verify the vehicle identification number on the car matches the number on any paperwork and that the car isn't stolen. This is a standard requirement for titling an old vehicle.

The most common methods for obtaining a title are:

Method	Best For	Typical Timeline	Key Consideration
Bonded Title	Most situations with missing titles.	3-8 weeks	Requires purchasing a surety bond (cost is a percentage of the car's value).
Vermont Registration Loophole	Cars 15+ years old; can be used by residents of any state.	4-6 weeks	Vermont mails a registration and title, which you then transfer to your home state.
Court-Ordered Title	When other methods fail or are unavailable in your state.	8+ weeks	Involves filing a petition with a local court; can be complex without a lawyer.
Duplicate Title	You are the last titled owner but lost the document.	2-4 weeks	Simple application with your state's DMV, often available online.

Contact your local DMV beforehand to confirm their specific requirements, acceptable documents, and fees. Procedures differ significantly between states like California, Texas, and Florida. Being prepared with the correct forms will save you considerable time and multiple trips.

[HarleyFitz]

Check your state's DMV website first. The rules are all different. I had an old truck with no title, and my buddy in the next state over had a totally different process. For me, the bonded title was the way to go. It cost a few hundred bucks for the bond, but it was straightforward. I printed the forms, got a cop to verify the VIN, and mailed it all in. Had the title in about a month. Don't guess—just make that call or visit the website.

[Rodrigues]

If the car is really old, like from the 80s or 90s, look into the Vermont method. It’s a lifesaver. You don't even have to live there. You just send them an application, a bill of sale, and a photo of the VIN. They’ll send you a registration and a title in the mail. Then you take that to your own DMV and transfer it over. It’s a bit of a paperwork game, but it works when your local DMV hits a dead end. It’s all about using their system for older vehicles.

[LaDeclan]

My grandfather left me his '65 Mustang, and the title was long gone. The DMV said I needed a court order since he had passed away. It sounded scary, but it was mostly just paperwork. I had to show his death certificate, prove I was the heir, and fill out a petition at the courthouse. The judge signed off without a hearing because everything was in order. It took patience, but it wasn't as hard as I thought. For inherited cars, that’s often the only path.