Check If Your Vehicle Is Exempt
If your vehicle is more than 15 -25 years old, it could be exempt. It means the state wont issue a title for the car, and the only proof of ownership required to register the vehicle is a bill of sale. Your state can allow you to sell your vehicle if you legally transfer ownership to the new buyer, who would be issued a temporary permit and begin the retitling process. This could let you sell the vehicle sooner. Since car titling varies by state, you should research sales-exempt requirements in your jurisdiction.
How To Get A Copy Of A Car Title
Your car title is a critical piece of paperwork without it, you can’t sell your vehicle and transfer ownership to a buyer. The car title is the proof of ownership that you receive once you’ve paid off your car loan. Until the loan is paid off, the loan lender keeps your title on file at their offices.
You may find that your title is missing or destroyed . That means you need a duplicate title before you can complete a vehicle sale.
Every state handles the title duplication process a bit differently, but there are typically three ways to obtain a copy: You can complete the application by mail, online, or in person. In most cases, you’ll contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles , but in other states, such as Mississippi and Georgia, you’ll go through the Department of Revenue instead. For the examples in this article we’ll reference the DMV, though the process is similar in all cases.
Here’s how to apply online:
Beware These Pitfalls When Getting A Car Title
Check to make sure all the information shown on the certificate of title is accurate when you get a title for a new vehicle. The year, make and model should match that of the vehicle youre actually getting.
If your car title is coming from a private-party seller, make sure the seller has completed the titles transfer of ownership section .
Pro tip: In some states, using correction fluid or an eraser on the transfer of ownership section automatically voids the document, so make sure to keep it clean when taking possession of the document.
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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.
A Car Title Proves That Youre The Cars Legal Owner So Youll Need To Know How To Get It After Purchasing A Car
If youre making a cash purchase at a dealership, the dealer will usually send your title paperwork to your local Department of Motor Vehicles, or state transportation or revenue agency. The DMV or agency will send you the official certificate of title once the paperwork has been processed.
If youre financing the vehicle, the lienholder will typically send you the title after the loan has been repaid.
In this article, well take a closer look at how to get a car title and clue you in to some pitfalls to avoid during the process.
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What You Need To Get A Car Title
Youll need a car title to handle many common vehicle transactions. If youre selling your car, youll need to transfer it to the new owner. If youre buying a used car from a private seller, youll need to make sure the cars current owner transfers the title to you once payment has been made.
What do you need to get a car title? One thing to remember is that you can get that car title only when the vehicle no longer has a lien on it, meaning its been paid for in full.
So if youre financing the vehicle, your lienholder will usually send you a copy of the title once youve paid in full.
Motor Home Registration And Fees
Annual registration Under § 61-3-321, MCA motor-home owners pay a fee in lieu of taxes, based on the age of the motor home. The age is determined by subtracting the model year from the current year.
The registration of a motor home expires 12 months from the month in which it was first registered. You must renew your registration by the end of the following month, which is indicated on the registration decal on the rear license plate.
Permanent registration Owners may choose to permanently register motor homes that are 11 years old or older. Permanent registration does not transfer with the motor home when there is a change of ownership.Motor homes must also pay:
- $10.30 Montana Highway Patrol Salary and Retention Fee
- $10.30 new issue plate fee
- $5.15 insurance verification fee if existing plates are kept on the vehicle when permanently registered
Motor homes that are used as commercial vehicles and are issued truck plates must also pay the gross vehicle weight fee, § 61-10-201, MCA.
Registration Fee Schedule Additional fees for motor homes are based on the age of the vehicle.
Fees below will include the 3% Administrative Fee when transaction is conducted.
| Age of Vehicle |
|---|
| 3rd permanent registration required | $60.50 |
The single permanent decal for snowmobiles is white and includes the abbreviation PERM. The decal must be placed in a conspicuous place on the left side of the cowl.
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Transferring A Title After A Sale
Whether youre buying a vehicle from an individual or a family member, it is strongly recommended that both the buyer and the seller visit a Secretary of State office to transfer the title together and complete the vehicle purchase.
The buyer and/or buyer and seller will need to provide the original vehicle title with the following information:
- Accurate odometer reading or odometer disclosure statement
- Sellers section completed
- Date of the sale
The title cannot be modified . If there is an outstanding lien against the vehicle, the seller must provide a lien termination statement or include a signature from a representative of the financial institution financing the loan on the title.
How Do I Sell My Car To A Junkyard In Alabama
Selling your car to a junkyard isnt difficult, so dont worry about jumping through thousands of different hoops to get rid of your car. Youll be happy to know that Alabama junkyards arent concerned with your cars physical condition, which means if the car is a little beat up, has a few dents and dings, and other damage, youre still in the clear.
Make your way to the internet and type the phrase junkyards near me. Once you hit the enter key, youll have a list of junkyards that are in your area. Choose at least 2 junkyards from the junkyard list. You want to choose at least two junkyards in case you are not satisfied with the first quote. You can also choose a different junkyard if the first 2 dont get the job done.
To start the junking process, you need to provide information about your car and yourself. You will be asked to provide the vehicle identification number , provide details about the damage your car sustained. You may also have to provide your email address, physical address, phone number, and other information.
After providing the required information, the junkyard will provide you with a quote. You can accept or decline the quote. However, if you accept the quote, you are agreeing to the junkyards terms and conditions, including the payment terms. If you decline the quote, no further action is required on your part and you can check out a different junkyard.
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What Is The Difference Between A Car Title And A Vehicle Registration In Florida
Although vehicle owners need to obtain DMV car registration documentation and titling certificates before they may operate their motor vehicles, car registration and title documents serve different purposes.
The main difference between motor vehicle registration and titles is that a title establishes proof of vehicle ownership. In comparison, FL auto registration shows that vehicle owners meet registration prerequisites, including the payment of registration taxes and fees.
How Much Does It Cost To Junk A Car In Alabama
The cost to junk a car in Alabama depends on the method you use to junk your car. Some Alabama junkyards wont charge a fee to tow your car to their junkyard, but some junkyards will. In other situations, if you dont have the cars title, you may have to pay the fees associated with obtaining a duplicate Alabama car title, so you can transfer ownership of the junk car to the junkyard if you havent already reported your car as a junk car to the Alabama DMV. If you have already reported your car as a junk car, you are not required to obtain a vehicle title.
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Make Corrections To A Title
Corrections may be made to a New Hampshire title and a new corrected title will be reissued. Corrections may include, but are not limited to:
- The model name of the vehicle.
- The number of axles the vehicle has.
- A name change for one or more of the owners.
- Change of the lienholder.
- Whether the vehicle is new or used.
To obtain a corrected title, take the existing New Hampshire title to your Town/City Clerk’s office. The Town/City Clerk must prepare a new title application . The application should then be mailed directly to the Division of Motor Vehicles or submitted for you by your Town/City Clerks’ office. The title application, along with the prior title, the $25.00 fee and the reason for the change must be submitted.
To add or change ownership of a vehicle, follow the instructions for Selling or Transferring a Vehicle.
If a mileage correction is required, you must provide a signed statement from the person who originally misstated the odometer reading. Notarization is not required.
What Do You Need To Junk A Car In Al
To junk your car in the state of Alabama, you need to visit your local AL DMV office and bring the cars junk title. If you dont have a junk title, you may need to apply for one, so it can be transferred to the junk dealer. The cars original title must be in your name or endorsed for transfer of ownership to you. You will also need to surrender the cars license plate.
Be advised that you may also be required to pay additional fees if the car is not currently designated as a junk car . You can call your local AL DMV office for more information.
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Use Txt To Renew Your Vehicle Registration
TxT is your account to officially take care of Texas to-dos like vehicle registration renewal. Sign up and renew now – it’s easy, fast, and secure.
There are several steps to register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
1. Have your vehicle inspected at a certified inspection station.
2. Show insurance coverage for the required minimums per person, per accident, and for property damage.
3. Get your vehicle registration and sticker at your local county Tax Assessor Collector office.
Vehicle Titled In The Name Of A Business
If the motor vehicle is titled in the name of a business, government entity, leasing company, lienholder or organization, in addition to acceptable identification, an original business card of the agent or authorization on company letterhead matching the identification of the employee or agent is required. This authorization letter must be signed by someone other than the agent signing for the applicant.
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National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System is a system that allows the titling agency to instantly and reliably verify the information on the paper title with the electronic data from the state that issued the title. NMVTIS is designed to protect consumers from fraud and unsafe vehicles and to keep stolen vehicles from being resold. NMVTIS is also a tool that assists states and law enforcement in deterring and preventing title fraud and other crimes. Consumers can use NMVTIS to access important vehicle history information.
For more information NMVTIS, please visit the NMVTIS webpage.
How To Have A Security Interest Removed From A Title
- The secured party mails to the Vehicle Services Bureau either:
- a completed Notice of Security Interest/Lien Filing/Lien Release/Repossession form or the generic Release of Security Interest or Lien or
- a security interest/lien release on letterhead with a complete vehicle description and lien information
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What Is The Difference Between A Car Title And A Vehicle Registration In Illinois
Even though the SOS allows drivers to get car registration and title certificates at the same time, the two documents serve different purposes. New vehicle registration documents, for instance, allow drivers to operate their new or used vehicle throughout the state, while titles display proof of legal vehicle ownership.
Vehicle owners must get a car registration in Illinois whenever they purchase a new or used vehicle. Additionally, motorists must renew their IL car registration documents during the vehicles renewal period. However, drivers only need to obtain a car title when a vehicle changes ownership, or when owners move to a new state.
What Is A Car Title
In some situations, youll need to prove youre the legal owner of a car. Thats where a car title comes in.
A car title certifies that you own your vehicle and entitles you to all the rights and privileges that go along with that. But thats just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the useful information this document provides. It contains vital information, such the number of miles the car had on the odometer the last time it was sold, which is required in some states.
And if a vehicle has been seriously damaged in any way like during a flood or accident itll typically be reflected on the cars title.
Your cars title is usually issued by your states transportation authority, often the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you live in a state that doesnt have a DMV, it may be issued by another government agency, like the Department of Revenue.
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How To Find Out If A Security Interest Is Filed On A Vehicle
Visit to search the vehicle record, or contact the Vehicle Services Bureau with the Vehicle Identification Number and the registered owners name and address. The bureau will let you know if a security interest is filed on the vehicle.
Out-of-state Lienholders: If an out-of-state secured party is holding the title for your vehicle, it is still possible to transfer the title to Montana.
- Ask your county treasurer for a Foreign Title Transfer . Complete and sign the form.
- Mail the form to the secured party, asking that your out-of-state title be released to your county treasurers office.
- When the county treasurers office receives the secured partys request and the out-of-state title, the new Montana title can be sent to the out-of-state secured party.
Renew Your Vehicle Registration
There are several ways to renew your vehicle registration. Remember, you must have a passing vehicle inspection before you can renew.
- Online. You can renew your vehicle registration online 90 days before the expiration date or up to six months after the expiration date, if you have not received a citation for expired registration. If you renew online, youâll receive $1.00 discount. There are two online renewal options:
- Renew with Texas by Texas . TxT is an official, account-based digital government assistant that provides an even easier, faster, and more secure way for Texans to take care of government services â like vehicle registration renewal. To learn more about TxT and create an account, visit the Texas by Texas page on Texas.gov.
- Complete the Vehicle Registration Renewal application. If you donât want to create a TxT account, you can still use this online option to renew.
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