What Is Title Jumping?
Title jumping (also called title skipping or floating a title) occurs when a vehicle is sold and the buyer skips registering the title in their own name before selling to a third party. The original seller's name remains on the title even after multiple sales.
Why title jumping is a problem
Title jumping creates a gap in the ownership chain that can make it difficult or impossible for the final buyer to register the vehicle legally. It can also be used to avoid paying sales tax and is considered fraud in most states.
Is title jumping illegal?
Yes. Title jumping is illegal in all US states. Penalties vary but can include fines, criminal charges, and difficulty obtaining a clean title. Dealers who engage in title jumping can lose their licenses.
How to spot a jumped title
Signs of a jumped title include a title with multiple assignment sections filled in but the vehicle never registered to an intermediate party, mismatched dates, or a seller who cannot explain gaps in the ownership history.
What to do if you bought a jumped title vehicle
Contact your state motor vehicle agency. You may be able to obtain a bonded title or go through a special application process to clear the title history. The process varies by state and can be complex.
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Find Your State →Last reviewed: 2026-01-01 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Independent resource · Not legal advice