Getting a car title, also known as a certificate of title, is the official process of transferring ownership into your name after buying a vehicle. The core steps involve taking your required documents to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or its equivalent state agency, paying the necessary fees, and receiving the new title in the mail. The exact requirements vary by state, but missing a single document can cause significant delays.
The most critical document is the previous title, signed over to you by the seller. The signature must match the name on the title exactly. You'll also need a bill of sale, which acts as a receipt and should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, and details of both parties. For a newly purchased vehicle from a dealership, they often handle the DMV paperwork for you, but you should receive a temporary registration and follow up to ensure the title is processed.
If your car is financed, the lienholder (the bank or credit union) will hold the title until the loan is fully paid off. Once the final payment is made, the lender will send you the title or a lien release document, which you then take to the DMV to obtain a clean title in your name. Lost title replacement follows a similar path; you must complete an application for a duplicate title at the DMV, providing your ID and the VIN.
| Document/Requirement | Typical Details Needed | Common State Variations |
|---|
| Previous Title | Signed by seller, odometer reading | Some states require notarized signatures. |
| Bill of Sale | VIN, sale price, buyer/seller info | May need a specific state-provided form. |
| Application Form | MV-1, Title Application, etc. | Form number and name differ by state. |
| Proof of Identity | Driver's license, state ID | Real ID compliance may be required. |
| Vehicle Identification | VIN, current registration | Some states require a VIN inspection. |
| Odometer Disclosure | Current mileage reading | Mandatory for vehicles under a certain age (e.g., under 10 years). |
| Payment for Fees | Title fee, registration tax, plate fees | Sales tax is often paid at this time. |
| Smog/Safety Inspection | Recent inspection certificate | Required in certain states (e.g., California, New York). |
| Lien Release | Document from lender | Needed to clear a previous loan from the title. |
The entire process can take a few weeks for the physical title to arrive. Always check your specific state's DMV website for a precise checklist before you go.
