A title number is a unique identifier assigned by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to a specific vehicle's certificate of title. Think of it as a serial number for the ownership document itself, not the car. It's different from the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a 17-digit code unique to the car's manufacture. The title number is crucial for tracking ownership history, processing transfers, and preventing fraud.
You typically need to locate your title number when you're selling your car, transferring the title to a new owner, or dealing with certain DMV paperwork. It's not a number you use for everyday transactions like insurance or registration renewals, where the VIN is more common.
| Document/Identifier | Purpose | Where to Find It | Uniqueness |
|---|
| Title Number | Identifies the ownership certificate for DMV records | On the vehicle's physical paper title | Unique to that specific title document |
| Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | Identifies the vehicle itself (make, model, year, features) | Dashboard (driver's side), driver's door jamb, insurance card | Unique to the vehicle for its entire life |
| License Plate Number | Identifies the registered vehicle for law enforcement and tolls | On the front and/or rear of the vehicle | Changes when you move to a new state |
If you can't find your paper title, you can usually request a duplicate from your state's DMV. You'll need to provide personal information and the vehicle's VIN. There is typically a fee for this service. Keeping your title in a secure place is important because it is the primary proof that you legally own the vehicle.
