What Is a Car Title?
A vehicle title (also called a certificate of title) is the legal document that establishes ownership of a motor vehicle. It is issued by your state's motor vehicle agency and is required for most vehicle transactions.
What information does a title contain?
A vehicle title typically includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model, body type, owner's name and address, any lienholder information, and odometer reading at the time of transfer. Some states print the vehicle's title brand (clean, salvage, rebuilt, etc.) on the document.
Why do you need a car title?
You need a title to sell a vehicle legally, to transfer ownership, to register a vehicle in your name, and to get a loan using the vehicle as collateral. Without a title, you cannot prove ownership.
What is a clean title?
A clean title means the vehicle has no major damage history recorded on the title. It has not been declared a total loss (salvage), flood damaged, or otherwise branded by a state agency.
What is an electronic title (e-title)?
Many states now issue electronic titles, which exist in the state's digital records rather than as a paper document. If your state uses e-titles, you may need to request a paper title from the DMV before you can complete a sale.
What happens if you lose your title?
You can apply for a duplicate title through your state's motor vehicle agency. You will need to complete an application form and pay a fee. If there is an active lien on the vehicle, the lienholder may need to be involved.
Frequently asked questions
Is a car title the same as registration?
No. A title proves ownership. Registration proves you have paid the fees required to operate the vehicle on public roads. You can own a vehicle without current registration, but you generally cannot register without a title.
Can you sell a car without the title?
In most states, no. The title is required to transfer ownership legally. Some states have exceptions for very old vehicles. See our guide on selling a car without a title.
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Find Your State →Last reviewed: 2026-01-01 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Independent resource · Not legal advice