What Should I Do If I Cant Find My Car Title
There are a few ways to find your car title:
- Contact any existing lien holders. This could be a bank or credit lender.
- Get in touch with your states Department of Motor Vehicles . Depending on your location, the DMV will either send the title by mail or require you to pick it up at a local branch.
- Apply for a duplicate title with your states DMV. If you know basic details about your car, such as your VIN and license plate number, you can request a duplicate title for a fee. Most states can expedite this process, and some states like California allow you to apply online.
Vehicle Titled In The Name Of A Trust
If the motor vehicle is titled in the name of a trust, then the current identification of the trustee making the application must be presented. In order to identify the trustee authorized to sign, the application should also be supported by one of the following:
- Affidavit of Trust,
- Statement of Fact for a Trust, or
- Original or certified copy of the trust agreement.
If the title application is signed with a Power of Attorney, in addition to the requirements above, the following must also be provided:
- Current identification matching the person or employee of the entity named as power of attorney,
- Acceptable current identification of the owner or lienholder, and,
- If provided to a business, an original business card or authorization written on the letterhead of an entity named as power of attorney that matches the identification of the employee.
NOTE: Businesses given power of attorney are required to provide a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, business card or a copy of employee ID.
Lost Car Title: What Are The Options
Dont panic if your title turns up missing. There will be a fee, but you can replace it. You can apply for the replacement online, but we recommend going to your local Department of Motor Vehicles branch. In-person is better. First, go to your states DMV website to see exactly what information and documents you need to take. But, usually, the list includes:
- Make, model, and year of the vehicle
- Current odometer reading
- Cash, debit card, or check for the reissuing fee
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How To Get A Title To An Abandoned Vehicle
This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 11 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,250,586 times.
If you find an abandoned vehicle on your property, you may want to obtain the vehicle’s title so you can legally repurpose the vehicle. The process of obtaining the title of an abandoned vehicles varies from state-to-state and can be quite complicated. Make sure you know your rights going into the process and be prepared for fees, legal disputes, and setbacks.
Why Is It Important To Have A Car Title
As you might already know, the vehicle’s title serves as its birth certificate. Therefore, it should have detailed information about the real owner and the history of previous owners. Without a vehicle title, you cannot simply say that you’re the car’s actual owner, which makes it challenging to sell this vehicle to somebody else.
Most states require the vehicle’s title as the most important document whenever you want to sell your car. However, depending on where you live, you might need some other documents that could be stricter in states like California.
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Additional Documents May Be Required
When the state produces the new title, the buyer officially owns the car. The ownership transfer is complete. That said, you may need some additional documents beyond the car title.
One additional document you might need is the Transfer of Ownership form. This form is typically on the other side of the car title.
You might also need a bill of sale. The bill of sale should indicate how much the new owner paid for the car. The seller completes this document and gives it to the seller. Are you selling your car and need help preparing the bill of sale? Most state governments post blank bills of sale that you can use. Here are examples from several states:
You are not technically required to use the form posted by your state. The only requirement is that the form you use have all the information your state requires. Using a form provided by your state guarantees you include all the right information.
Note that some states will provide more than one version of the bill of sale. For example, one Arkansas bill of sale is only for sellers who also buy a car and want a certain tax credit.
If you use a form other than the one provided by your state, you should use one that has a line for the odometer reading. Some states require an odometer disclosure statement to transfer the title.
How To Obtain A Replacement Vehicle Registration
Getting your replacement vehicle registration will require a close understanding of your states DMV rules and regulations, as well as which application methods are offered in the county, city or state where you reside. Not all states offer the same application methods, but many allow for different types of procedures. In any case, there is a general selection of documents and pieces of information that are helpful to gather before you begin to fill out these replacement request forms. These required details and documents for a DMV duplicate registration may include:
- Your identifying contact information. This can include your name, phone number, address, email address, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- Your vehicle information. This can include your vehicles make, model, year, body type and vehicle identification number .
- Your DMV documents. This can include your current registration card , drivers license number, license plate number and vehicle certificate of title.
In addition, you may be asked to provide the proper application form and pay for any applicable DMV registration replacement fees.
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Get A Vehicle History Report
DMV websites are not your only resource. Other websites also offer the ability to check the vehicle history report. This is a good option. It lets you ensure the sellers contact information and other data match whats on the title. You dont want to end up buying a car from someone who doesnt own it, after all.
The vehicle history report will also indicate if the car has a salvage or total loss history. If it has a salvage or loss history, its probably been wrecked and then repaired. This means it could be unsafe.
The report may also note prior odometer readings. These allow you to verify that the reading has not been altered. Nearly half a million of the cars sold each year have false odometer readings due to odometer fraud. This is according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimate.
Typically, you need the vehicle identification number to look up the report.
What Is A Lien
A lien is a method of protecting the right of a property owner, seller, or lending institution to take legal action if a buyer or borrower doesn’t make payments on a purchase or loan. If you buy a new car or a used car from a dealership, or an individual, and take out an auto loan, your seller or lender places a lien on your car title and becomes a lienholder.
Auto loans are based on individual credit scores when going through a lending institution. If you trade in a vehicle that money is used as a down payment, and is not collateral against the lien. Vehicle titles contain the names and addresses of lienholders, which can be private individuals or financial institutions, including credit unions.
Your lienholder has a security interest in your car, which means they have the right to repossess the motor vehicle if you stop making your auto loan payments. Once you make the final payment on your auto loan, you have a right to obtain a lien release from the lienholder. When you get a lien released, the release allows you to obtain a clear title from the DMV.
Once your car loan is paid in full, notify your insurance company of the change of ownership. Not only does your insurance company need to be informed of the change of title, but becoming the sole owner of the vehicle could save you money on your automotive insurance.
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Get A Copy Of Your Vehicle Title
If a title is lost or destroyed, you may obtain a certified copy of title by following the steps below. If a lien is recorded, the lienholder should complete an application for certified copy of title, or provide you with an original release of lien. There is a 30-day waiting period to apply for a certified copy of title after the last one was issued.
Note: A lien that has been paid off may still be recorded on the title. If that is the case, an original release of lien from the lienholder is required. A fax or photocopy is not acceptable.
Handing Over Your Title For An Auto Title Loan
Auto title loans are short-term loans for small amounts that use your vehicle as security. To get the loan, you give the lender the title of the vehicle and pay a lender fee. Typically, you have to repay an auto title loan within 30 days. Car title loans are an expensive and risky form of credit. However, they are often the last resort for people with bad credit who dont have any other assets to sell or pawn.
Handing over the title of your car to a lender is not the same as legally transferring the title of a car you are selling, but its not something you should do lightly. If you dont repay the loan, the lender can take your vehicle. If the lender repossesses the vehicle, they can sell it. In some states, lenders can keep all the money they get from selling the vehicle, even if they get more than the balance of the loan.
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How To Replace A Vehicle Registration Online
In most states, obtaining a copy of a vehicle registration online is the easiest and most efficient method of replacing these credentials. By inputting your information into your states DMV online portal, this process can allow you to get the documents that you need without leaving your own home. While some states offer home registration printing, certain DMVs will send your replaced documents in the mail.
How Do You Transfer Car Ownership For Buyers
Here are the steps for the buyer to transfer it :
Always check the lien information on the Used Vehicle Information Package.
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Title> apply For A Title> Duplicate Titles
Duplicate titles are issued when the original title for a vehicle is lost, stolen or destroyed. Once a duplicate title is produced, the original title is no longer valid. Only the current owner, lienholder or a New Hampshire licensed dealer of a vehicle may request a duplicate title for that vehicle.
Apply for a Duplicate Title
To get a duplicate title for a vehicle, the current owner must provide the following:
- if applicable.
Applications may be dropped off at most of our DMV offices, or you may mail it to:
NH Dept. of Safety23 Hazen DriveConcord NH 03305
Once the application is received and verified, a duplicate title will be produced and mailed to the vehicle’s owner within five to ten calendar days.
A duplicate title may be mailed to a New Hampshire licensed dealer if the owner so indicates by signing the “Authorization for Mailing” on the Duplicate Title Application.
Joint Ownership: If two people are listed as owners on a title, both owners must sign the application for a duplicate. The duplicate title will be mailed to the first listed owner.
Lien Release Required: If a lien was recorded on the vehicle when purchased, the owner must provide a Release of Liensigned by the lienholder with the application for a duplicate title.
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New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles | 23 Hazen Drive | Concord, NH 03305TDD Access: RELAY NH
How Long Does It Take To Get A New Vehicle Title
How quickly you can obtain a replacement title can also vary by state. To minimize fraud, for example, the Illinois Secretary of State does not issue replacement titles requested within 15 days of issuing an original title, or 30 days of issuing a duplicate title. You may also need to wait a few weeks to receive your title in the mail. However, some states offer same-day service if you need the new title right away.
Storing your vehicle title in a safe place may help minimize the risk of misplacing it. But if you do happen to lose your car’s title, remember to check your state’s requirements so you can be prepared when applying for a replacement.
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What Happens If Your Car Is In An Accident Or Stolen
If your car is in an accident or stolen you are still responsible for paying back your title loan.
Your insurance company will review your claim and may decide to settle the claim directly with your lender. Part or all of the insurance claim money may go directly to the title loan lender.
If your car is a write-off or stolen:
- your insurance company may directly pay your lender the value that your car could be sold for before it was in the accident or stolen, known as the market value of your car
- if the market value doesnt cover your loan, you will be responsible for paying the lender the rest of the loan amount
In some provinces and territories the lender could sue you for any money left owing after the claim has been settled if you dont pay the rest of the loan amount.
Used Vehicle Information Package
The used vehicle information package provides buyers with important information including :
- Vehicle details and description
- The average wholesale value of the car
- Retail sales tax information
- The condition of the automobile
- Bill of sale section
It is legally required under the Highway Traffic Act for sellers to provide the UVIP to a buyer during a private sale. A UVIP is not required when you buy from a registered used car dealer or when transferring ownership between family members. Sellers can purchase one for $20 through ServiceOntario.
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How To Add Someone To Your Car Title
Jason Unrau
Your cars Certificate of Title, commonly referred to as a car title or pink slip, dictates the legal ownership of your vehicle. It is a required document to transfer ownership to another party. If you own your vehicle outright, your cars title will be in your name.
You may decide you want to add somebody elses name to your car title in case something happens to you or to give the person equal ownership in the vehicle. This can be because:
- You have recently married
- You want to allow a family member to use your vehicle regularly
- You are gifting the vehicle to another person but want to retain ownership
To add someones name to a car title isnt a complex process, but you must follow a few procedures to ensure its done legally and with the approval of all involved parties.
Selling A Car Replace The Title First
The world is often an honest place, but car sale sites sometimes arent. After discovering you have lost the title, your first reaction might be to update the ad with missing title to let potential buyers know. Thats a bad idea! That gives off the impression that you are in a hurry and opens the door for wrongful assumptions to be made.
You will get more interest and more money for your car with a title. Not only that, but it will also be much easier for you to replace the title than a person whose name isnt even on it.
Its best to wait until you replace the title before trying to find a buyer. Announcing the missing title opens the door to confusion and causes buyers to speculate about what happened to it. Not to mention, selling a car without a title is illegal in many states.
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How Do You Transfer Ownership Of Car After Death In Ontario
Transferring ownership after a death can play out in a number of ways. The executor of the will is required to visit ServiceOntario and provide a copy of the will, vehicle ownership papers, personal identification, proof of insurance, and proof of death certificate to transfer the it to a beneficiary.
If the spouse is the executor of the will and the vehicle is being transferred to a family member, the rules for transferring ownership of a vehicle to a family member apply.
If two married people have a jointly owned vehicle, the surviving person can transfer the ownership into their name. A death certificate will be required to complete the transfer of a car after a death.
If the deceased does not have a will, the executor must prove the recipient of the vehicle is entitled to it. You can get a letter of opinion drafted by your lawyer and present it to the Ministry of Transportation.
