What Are The Different Car Title Types?

There are several different types of car titles. The type of title you receive will depend on the circumstances surrounding your vehicle. Here is an overview of the different types of car titles:

Certificate of origin

This is the first title document issued by the vehicle manufacturer to the franchised dealer where the vehicle was delivered to. This document is used to transfer the vehicle to the first owner, and obtain the title.

Manufacturer’s statement of origin

This is similar to a certificate of origin used by some vehicle manufacturers import or domestic.

Clear title

When a title is issued to an owner with no lien specified the title is clear.

Salvage title

When a vehicle incurs some type of loss events such as major damage, theft, or repair, the title may be designated as a salvage title. The decision to place a title in salvage status is normally made by the insurance company that pays a claim on the vehicle. In some states, there are statutory regulations that require an insurer to brand a vehicle with a salvage title. An example may be that a vehicle incurred damage that is more than 60% of its value. However, an insurance company can decide to place a salvage title brand on any vehicle it decides to, even if there is little or no damage. A salvage title, junk title, rebuilt title, or certificate of destruction are almost always permanent brands on the title which cannot be removed. In rare cases, a very complex and expensive process of reconstructing the vehicle and inspection may upgrade a branded title status, but it typically involves more expense than the vehicle is worth.

Salvage titles can normally be registered for road use. In some states an inspection is required to make sure that the vehicle is safe for the road, and that any parts used for repair are legal and have a verified origin. For your own safety make sure that any vehicle you purchase as a salvage title has operational airbags and valid documentation of the VIN# and all major component parts.

Any attempt to remove, obscure, conceal, or alter a title brand using unauthorized means can be a violation of law often referred to as “title washing” or “title laundering.” The salvage title designation is shared with all 50 states. Evading a title brand is a serious offense. Getting a new title for that purpose is illegal and results in serious criminal penalties.

Junk title

A title that has been sold to a junkyard may incur a junk title designation if the vehicle is intended to be scrapped or parted out. A salvage title, junk title, rebuilt title, or certificate of destruction are almost always permanent brands on the title which cannot be removed. In rare cases, a very complex and expensive process of reconstructing the vehicle and inspection may upgrade a branded title status, but it typically involves more expense than the vehicle is worth.

Bonded title

Obtaining a vehicle title when there is a serious deficiency in the ownership documentation can sometimes be done using a bonded title. In this process, a security bond is purchased equalling the amount of the value of the vehicle. This bond covers any future claims in the event that a valid claim to the vehicle comes forward in the future. The bond is used to pay to remove the claim of ownership or lien. The bonded title will have a “Bonded” stamp on it for a period of 3 to 5 years. In many cases, the bonded title is more expensive than other title recovery options but may be the last resort when other methods are not possible. Contact us to determine if a bonded title or other option is most beneficial.

Reconstructed title

A vehicle that has been substantially rebuilt may have a reconstructed title brand issued by an insurance company, body shop, collision center, or licensed rebuilder. A vehicle with a reconstructed title can normally be registered for road use but may have an inspection requirement to verify it is roadworthy.

Affidavit title

A title may be issued under an affidavit in lieu of other missing documentation.

Rebuilt title

A vehicle that has been substantially rebuilt may have a rebuilt title brand issued by an insurance company, body shop, collision center, or licensed rebuilder. A vehicle with a rebuilt title can normally be registered for road use but may have an inspection requirement to verify it is roadworthy. The vehicle insurance may have limits if the title is rebuilt.

Certificate of destruction

When an insurance company has paid a claim for a vehicle and taken ownership from the insured, they have the option of processing the title as a certificate of destruction. In this case, the vehicle is intended to be destroyed and never to be used on the road or registered. It is unlikely that a vehicle with a certificate of destruction can ever be issued a valid title for transfer.

A vehicle with a certificate of destruction can sometimes appear to be in acceptable condition. The insurance company decides to prevent the car from road use to limit its liability in the event that the car is driven and is involved in an accident at a later date. If it is proven that an injury in an accident is because the car had some existing defect, the injured person could claim that the insurance company should not have let the car go back on the road.

A vehicle in otherwise good condition can be issued a certificate of destruction if the insurance company thinks that the airbags could be damaged, the frame could be weakened, or simply does not want to spend the money to do a detailed inspection, and just wants to sell it cheap to a junkyard.

Parts only title

A parts-only designation is typically found on a bill of sale or transfer form, not on a title. However, if a parts-only bill of sale is submitted for vehicle title processing, the title may be issued with a salvage brand or other cloud on the title.

Electronic title

Many state DMV title systems are issuing electronic or paperless titles. If you need an actual title document those can often be obtained for transfer or loan processing.

Lienholder title

A vehicle with a lien title or title loan may have a title issued directly to the lienholder. The purchaser will be listed as the owner, but the title will list the lender as the lienholder, and the lender will retain possession of the title.

Export title

A vehicle being exported will likely need title documentation for customs clearance. If the vehicle is not declared at the exit point, a clear title may not be possible in the destination country. Start the title process early so that port storage fees do not accumulate while waiting for the title.

Import title

A vehicle being imported to the US must have legal title to clear customs. If the vehicle was previously titled in the US this is a vehicle title recovery process only. If the vehicle was not originally manufactured for the US market, there are requirements for certifying that the vehicle is legal for use in the United States. The Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), and other agencies will need to verify that the vehicle meets standards for emissions, safety, bumper height, and other guidelines prior to entering the country.

Want a CarTitles.com professional to do it for you?

For as little as $159 for most processes, we will save you the headache and prepare all of the car title paperwork needed to get you a new title. Simply choose the title recovery method you’d like to use and we’ll get started!

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