To get a new vehicle title, you will need to file for a lost title or use a method of title recovery. The vehicle title is the most important document for a vehicle and provides legal proof of ownership. Depending on your situation, this article will help you understand how to get a new title.
A lost title is also more commonly known as a duplicate title or a replacement title. A lost title is a vehicle title that was previously titled in your name, but the certificate has been lost, damaged, destroyed, or stolen. A lost title or duplicate title process requires that the individual applying for the title must be the registered owner in the DMV database. If you were not the last titled owner, you are not eligible for a duplicate or replacement title.
If you were the last titled owner, you can apply for a lost title or duplicate title with the DMV in your state. Most state duplicate title fees range from $2-$20 for a new certificate of title. Complete an application for a duplicate title in your state, pay the applicable fees and provide the proper identification documents.
Duplicate titles can only be issued in the state where the vehicle was last titled. For example, if you last titled your vehicle in Oregon, but now live in Colorado, you must contact the DMV location in the Oregon county in which the vehicle was last titled to obtain a duplicate title.
Title recovery is necessary when you have come into possession of a vehicle and did not receive a vehicle title at the time of purchase or lost the title before it could be transferred to your name. Title recovery uses legal methods allowed by the DMV in your state to get a new title for you in your name when you are lacking sufficient evidence of ownership. Each state determines the title recovery methods that are allowed by law.
There are over 22 different title recovery methods available. The title recovery method that is best for your vehicle situation will depend on the following factors:
The Vermont title loophole is a popular title recovery method used by out-of-state residents to obtain a vehicle title for vehicles model 15 years old or older using a bill of sale. Vermont is a non-titling jurisdiction, meaning the state does not produce titles for vehicle models older than 15 years old. However, these vehicles will receive a vehicle registration which in Vermont is equivalent to a vehicle certificate of title. After receiving this title equivalent, out-of-state residents can use the registration as evidence of ownership to transfer to a title in their state.
Looking for more information? Check out our article Top 5 Tips for Using the Vermont Title Loophole
A bonded title is a method of title recovery that requires you to obtain a surety bond, also known as a vehicle title bond, to secure ownership of the vehicle. The surety bond serves as collateral in the event that there is a discrepancy in the claim of ownership. Not every state allows for bonded titles. If your state does not accept bonded titles, you may be eligible for a bonded title through Vermont.
For more information on bonded titles and requirements, check out our article What is a Bonded Title?
If you are able to contact the prior owner of your vehicle, you can request they apply for a duplicate title and transfer it to you. If you know the prior owner, this would be a direct way to obtain a new title, as long as they’re willing to cooperate. The prior owner is not required to obtain a duplicate title and sign it over to you, but it would be a good idea for them if they did. By not signing over the vehicle title, the prior owner is still on the hook for any legalities that happen to the vehicle.
If you are unable to locate or contact the prior owner, you may have to proceed with a different method of title recovery.
If the last titled owner of your vehicle is now deceased, each state has a process to transfer the title from a deceased owner. However, in most cases, the applicant will need to prove familial relationship to the vehicle owner or have affidavits signed by living heirs to the estate.
Before using this title recovery method, get legal advice from a qualified legal resource or lawyer. For more information, check out our article How To Transfer Lost Title From Deceased Owner.
If it’s your car, you deserve a title in your name. CarTitles.com takes the hassle out of applying for a title for your vehicle. Our team of title experts can help prepare your paperwork for any title method provided.
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If you find out that your VIN plate is damaged, missing, or destroyed, how do you get a new one? There are several steps you need to take. Each state may issue the VIN plate differently and have different processes for issuing a replacement.
A VIN (vehicle identification number) is a specific 17-character string of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies a specific vehicle. Every car has its own VIN, no two cars are exactly alike.
A VIN is readable through the windshield of the vehicle. It is also located on the driver’s side dashboard and door jamb on most vehicles. The vehicle title may also hold a VIN or it can be found on the insurance policy for the vehicle.
The purpose of a VIN is to provide an accurate description of a motor vehicle for use in official government operations such as registrations, renewals, and record keeping. The VIN is designed to identify a motor vehicle with various important characteristics including make, model, model year, body style, engine size, weight, and manufacturing plant designation.
The process to apply for a new VIN is very similar across all 50 states. Vehicle identification numbers are regulated by the federal government, so the processes across each state will be very similar. Here is how to apply for a replacement VIN plate in Ohio:
In Ohio, a vehicle owner can apply for a new VIN assignment if the original VIN is damaged, destroyed, or missing. To request a new VIN, you must submit an Application For Replacement Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) To A Motor Vehicle (BMV 3713). However, prior to submitting this application, you must complete the following tasks:
After the inspection is completed, the state highway patrol will complete and present a Salvage Inspection form (HP 106) to you.
Once you’ve obtained the salvage receipt, had the vehicle inspected, and obtained the Salvage Inspection form (HP 106), submit your application to the BMV with the following documents:
Upon receipt of your application, the BMV will submit forms BMV 3717, HP 106, and a copy of the original title to the state highway patrol. Additionally, the BMV will send the original certificate of title to the Clerk of Courts in the county where the application was filed.
If your application for a replacement VIN is approved, the state highway patrol will manufacture your new VIN plate. They will receive the new VIN plate in the mail and contact you to schedule an appointment for installation. Typically, the state highway patrol or other law enforcement agency will physically install the VIN plate for you to ensure it goes on the correct vehicle.
To obtain a new certificate of title with the replacement VIN plate, the state highway patrol will submit form HP 106 to the Clerk of Courts and instruct them to issue you a new certificate of title. The Clerk of Courts in the county where the application was filed will issue a new replacement title notated “replacement vehicle identification number plate installed”.
The VIN is an essential part of your vehicle. If you are looking to get a new certificate of title in your name, but your VIN plate is damaged, missing, or destroyed, your state will likely have a procedure for issuing a replacement VIN.
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Can you register a trailer in Vermont using the Vermont title loophole? Trailers can be registered in Vermont by both residents and non-residents. The Vermont title loophole is a common way for non-residents to obtain a title for a trailer that was missing the old title. Using the Vermont title loophole, you can get a title for your 15-year-old or older trailer using your bill of sale, even if you don’t have the original title.
Similar to the requirements for motor vehicles, the model of the trailer must be at least 15 years old or older to qualify for the Vermont title loophole. All parts must be installed on the trailer and must be road-ready in order to be titled. A trailer that is missing key components such as wheels cannot be titled. Additionally, the Vermont DMV does not issue titles for trailers with an empty weight of 1,500lbs or less. If your trailer has an empty weight of 1,500lbs or less, it will not qualify, even if the model year is more than 15 years old.
The Vermont title loophole does not have a standard bill of sale form. Your bill of sale can be typed or handwritten, as long as it contains the following information:
The book value of your trailer is an estimate of its current market value, which you can use to apply for the Vermont title loophole. The Vermont DMV first recommends using the NADA book value first in their statutes, but not all trailers will be featured in this book. If your trailer is not in the NADA book, you can use various other comparable to find the book value.
The sales tax owed is calculated using the NADA book value of your trailer. The Vermont DMV requires that 6% sales tax be paid at the time of registration. Depending on the weight of your trailer, your registration fee will vary. For trailers with a loaded weight of 1,500lbs or less, the registration fee is $27. For trailers with a loaded weight of 1,501lbs or more, the registration fee is $52.
For more information regarding sales tax, check out our article How To Calculate Sales Tax for Vermont Title Loophole.
Registering a trailer in Vermont using the Vermont title loophole is very similar to registering a vehicle using the same method. This method is a great way to get a title for a trailer without the prior title. If you own a trailer, it’s important to get it registered. Most states require trailers to be registered if they are used on public roadways. Every state recognizes the Vermont title loophole as a valid way to get a title for a trailer. If it’s your trailer, you deserve a title.
Did you know that you can put a hold on your car title to prevent its transfer without your knowledge? If you are concerned about the safety of your car title, placing a hold on the title may bring you peace of mind.
A vehicle title legally assigns ownership of a vehicle, making it one of the most valuable documents for that vehicle. To place a hold on a vehicle’s title, the owner must prove that there are significant risks to the security of the title.
Reason #1: Your vehicle has been towed and you are: unable to get the vehicle back, unable to get in contact with the tow yard, or unable to pay towing or storage fees provided to you by the tow company.
Reason #2: Your vehicle is being held at an auto repair shop and you are: unable to get the vehicle back, unable to get in contact with the repair shop, unable to find the physical location of the repair shop, or unable to pay the repair invoice.
Reason #3: Your vehicle is in the care of another person who you believe may intend to transfer the title or improperly place a lien without your consent.
Reason #4: Your vehicle is missing or stolen.
Each of the 50 states has a process to place a hold on a car title. If you are a resident of California, this process is known as a Courtesy Stop Request.
To file a courtesy stop request, you must first intend to sue the person or people threatening the security of your car title. For this filing, make sure to obtain good legal advice before proceeding from a lawyer or comparable legal resource.
After filing your case, complete the Courtesy Stop Request form (REG 500) and write your motion for a preliminary injunction. Once all necessary documents have been filed, all related motions, complaints, and papers must be personally served to all parties involved. The submission of the courtesy stop request form prevents the DMV from transferring your car title for 60 days. After the initial 60-day hold, if a court date has not yet been set, you can apply for an extension or simply remove the hold.
Ultimately, there is no foolproof way to ensure that your car title isn’t stolen. However, by taking the proper precautions and checking for anything suspicious, you can put yourself in a much better position if something does go wrong. By proactively addressing these issues now, you will be able to catch fraud when it happens, and keep your title safe.
If you find yourself in possession of an abandoned vehicle in Washington state, you’re probably wondering what you can do with it. If the vehicle is junk, can you get a parts-only title so it can be sold for parts? Can you sell an abandoned vehicle or get the title transferred to your name? Without the prior title, there are limitations to what you can do with an abandoned vehicle in Washington state.
No, you cannot sell an abandoned vehicle on your property in Washington state. To sell a vehicle, you have to have the title signed over by the prior owner. If you know the prior owner and have access to the title, then the vehicle is not abandoned. To remove an abandoned vehicle in Washington state, you must have a registered tow company remove the vehicle.
It is possible to claim ownership of an abandoned vehicle in Washington state. There are three possible paths to claim ownership of the vehicle:
The most direct way to obtain ownership of an abandoned vehicle is to contact the Washington Department of Licensing and request the motor vehicle title record. You can make a request for this information online. In this request, state the reason you’re requesting the information and provide any other documentation you have on the vehicle. Upon receiving the motor vehicle record from the Department of Licensing, you must contact the registered owner and request that they obtain a duplicate title. If they agree, they must apply for a duplicate title and then sign over the duplicate title to your name. With the signed certificate of title, you can take that to the DMV to transfer the title into your name. Note that some vehicles may have inspection requirements or other additional criteria be met.
While this may be a direct way, it may not be the easiest. Motor vehicle records are protected under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and are considered private information. Depending on your circumstances, it may be difficult to obtain this information from your local DMV. Additionally, even if you are able to obtain this information, the registered owner is not obligated to apply for a duplicate title to sign over to you. If the registered owner is not willing or able to help, you will have to proceed with a different method of ownership.
You cannot sell an abandoned vehicle, but a registered tow company can place it for auction. After having the abandoned vehicle towed from your property, the tow company will be required to contact the registered owner and security interests prior to the auction. Once all notice and publication requirements have been satisfied by the tow company, they may place the vehicle up for auction. As the “finder” of the abandoned vehicle, you are permitted to bid on the vehicle along with the general public. If you purchase the vehicle at auction, there may be specific inspection and time requirements to obtain a vehicle title.
If all else fails, you can petition your local court for ownership through a court-ordered title, also known as a magistrate title. This process is done at the county level and requires you to open a lawsuit against the vehicle. The objective is to have the judge legally declare you the owner of the vehicle. If the judge provides you with a court order, you can take that to the DMV in exchange for a vehicle title in your name. This may seem straightforward, but every county in the country has its own process to obtain a court-ordered title. This is not legal advice, before using this method, we recommend getting legal advice.
Before deciding to remove an abandoned vehicle from your property, consider one of these methods to obtain a title. If you follow the proper procedures, you may be able to get a title. Once you have the vehicle title in your name, you are free to sell or keep the vehicle. If you simply want the vehicle removed from your property and you’re not interested in obtaining a title, call a registered tow company to remove it. Once they remove it, it’s up to them to dispose of it or sell it. The abandoned vehicle process may seem tricky, but using these tips can help you obtain a title for an abandoned vehicle in Washington state.
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