You get your car title (also known as a certificate of title or pink slip) from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or its equivalent agency, such as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This document is the official proof that you own the vehicle. The specific office you need to deal with depends entirely on your current situation: whether you've just bought the car, paid off a loan, or need a replacement for a lost title.
Getting a Title After a Vehicle Purchase
When you buy a car from a dealership, they typically handle all the paperwork, including applying for the title in your name. You'll receive the new title by mail from the DMV a few weeks after the purchase. If you buy a car from a private seller, they must sign the title over to you. You then take the signed title, a completed application form, and proof of insurance to your local DMV office to transfer ownership and get a new title issued in your name.
Getting a Title After Paying Off a Loan
If you had an auto loan, the lender held the title as collateral. Once you make the final payment, the lender will send you a release of lien letter and the original title (or send the documents directly to the DMV). You must then take these documents to the DMV to have the lien removed and request a new, "clean" title showing you as the sole owner.
Requesting a Duplicate Title
If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate by applying at your local DMV office or through their online portal. You'll need to complete an application form and pay a small fee. Some states require a notarized signature or additional documentation for a duplicate title.
| Common Scenarios for Obtaining a Car Title | Where to Go | Key Documents Needed (Typical) |
|---|
| Buying from a Dealership | Dealership handles DMV filing | Sales contract, registration application |
| Buying from a Private Seller | Your Local DMV Office | Signed-over title, bill of sale, odometer disclosure |
| Paying Off an Auto Loan | Your Local DMV Office | Lien release document, original title (if provided) |
| Replacing a Lost/Stolen Title | Your Local DMV Office or Online | Application for Duplicate Title, valid ID, fee |
| Inheriting a Vehicle | Your Local DMV Office | Original title, death certificate, court order |
| Moving to a New State | New State's DMV Office | Out-of-state title, application for new title, VIN inspection |
