Where can I find my car’s title number?

What is a car title?

It is issued by the state and  signed by the previous owner —this could be a third-party seller or the dealership. In other words, a car’s title number  is a 7-8 digit number or string of characters used to identify its current owner . You can easily find it on your car title or registration documents.

When a car is sold, both sellers and buyers report the change of ownership of the vehicle. Once you have legally registered the car, the DMV issues a new title and stores a copy of this document in its database . If you fully financed the car, you can keep the title to your car, or end it because the company will hold it until the vehicle pays off the loan.

Besides the title number, a car title lists the vehicles VIN (Vehicle Identification Number ), make and model, license plate number, and other essential details that help identify the vehicle and its owner.

What are the different types of vehicle titles?

If you are buying a car, it is best to  avoid those listed as ” Salvage ” or “Lemon” in the title. While “Salvage” indicates that the insurance company has destroyed the car, “Lemon” indicates manufacturing defects that compromise safety and value. Also, be careful with “Rebuilt” on the car title. Persistent problems are very likely even after an overhaul.

Clean and clear are the most common titles you will  encounter when searching for a reliable car.  ‘Clean and clear’  ensures that the car has never been declared a total loss .

Why do you need a car title?

A car’s title number only tells you who its current owner is – but you’ll need this number when registering the car at the DMV for a new title or putting a lien on your car . This comes in handy any time you need to prove ownership of the vehicle. The title number is usually enough for paperwork purposes, even if you don’t have the original title.

A car’s title number only tells you who legally owns it. Meanwhile, the 17-character VIN string provides access to the vehicle’s specifications like make, model, date of manufacture, trim, etc. Unlike the car’s title number, the VIN shows the history of the vehicle, not its owner.

A car’s VIN remains the same no matter how many times it is resold and the owner changes. It is a crime to change the VIN improperly. You can also find the VIN number in other places besides the title number. Besides the registration documents, you can find VIN number on the car’s dashboard , frame, door jambs and even under spare parts.

How do I find my vehicle’s title number?

The car’s title number is listed just above the VIN on its title ; you should ideally have at least a copy of this document with you. But it’s okay if you don’t: the registration papers should always be in the car. In most states, the car’s title number is usually listed on the vehicle’s registration document , next to its make and model.

Don’t have access to the vehicle registration document? Check if you have a DMV registration renewal notice . You can find the title number in the renewal documents.

Where can I find my car title number without my registration?

Chances are you’ve gotten this far because none of the above options work  for finding your car’s title number. So, the next step is a  DMV Title Number Lookup – right in the office, over the phone, or online.

Yes, your DMV will have a copy of your car title and other information about you and your vehicle on file. You can call the DMV and ask for your title number; be sure to request a duplicate title. If you don’t have the registration, order a replacement.

Depending on your state’s rules, you can also start the application through online portals — such as this one for North Carolina . You’ll need to enter information like your license plate number or part of your Social Security number. If you can find such resources on your state’s website, visit your local DMV office . Some states don’t share sensitive information over the phone or online.

If you have a lien on your car, calling your lien holder is a better option – you’ll likely get the title number faster than at the DMV.

Is the VIN number the same as the vehicle title number?

The VIN number and the vehicle registration plate number are different, as you can find the VIN number above the registration plate number in most license plates. However, the position may vary depending on the state.