What Does a Car Title Look Like?

A car’s title is the vehicle owner’s proof of ownership documentation. This state-issued document is created during vehicle ownership transactions or when the owner relocates to a different state. It is the most important document for owners and validates vehicle exchange. 

What are the types of car titles?

There are five different types of titles depending on the vehicle’s condition and history. The title status is particularly important during the transaction of a previously owned vehicle. Vehicles without a clean title typically depreciate more substantially than those with a clean title. 

A clean title indicates that there isn’t unresolved damage preventing the vehicle from returning to the road. This status also signifies that the current owner does not have a lien on the vehicle and thus can approve a sale to another party without the requirement to settle a debt. 

A salvage title is typically assigned to a vehicle when it is worth less than the estimated cost to repair it. This title might be provisioned after a vehicle was in a significant accident or encountered a natural disaster such as a flood. If a salvage-titled vehicle is restored to roadgoing order and has passed a state inspection, then it can be issued a rebuilt title. 

Lemon titles are issued to vehicles with an unrepairable defect. 

When bonded titles are given, an owner lacks the suitable documentation to demonstrate vehicle ownership. As a result, the owner is required to acquire a bond that functions as insurance should another party claim ownership of the vehicle. 

What does a car title look like?

Originally called a “pink slip” due to being printed on pink-colored paper, titles have evolved in look and form over the years. Since the state issues vehicle titles, the titles look different from state to state. However, titles generally have the same format and include a watermark to protect them from counterfeit documentation. For instance, California’s title features a blue-patterned border with a central bold “STATE OF CALIFORNIA” printed within the border at the very top. Directly below this is printed “CERTIFICATE OF TITLE”. 

There are two pages to the title and the following details use the California title as an example.

Page 1 of the Title: 

• The front page contains information on the vehicle and the current owner or seller. 
  • There are two key numbers listed typically near the top of the title. The title number is an 8-digit number associated with the title that is also used during annual vehicle registration. 
  • The second number is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a unique 17-digit alphanumeric tracking code assigned to the vehicle. 
  • Other fields include year, make, model, plate number, and issue date. 
  • There is also a section for the registered owner(s) to sign and date to release ownership of the vehicle. Additionally, there are boxes to enter the current odometer reading as well as boxes to indicate if the odometer does not display the actual mileage or if the mileage exceeds the odometer’s tracking capability. Here, the registered owner must sign to confirm that the odometer information has been accurately provided while the new owner also signs and dates verifying the odometer information. 
  • Any lienholders on the vehicle also need to be listed on the title as well. 

Page 2 of the Title: 

• The back page of the title is the application for transfer to the new owner and also contains watermarks for security purposes. 
  • The first is the New Registered Owner section where the new owner(s) print their first name, last name, middle name or initial, physical and mailing address, and driver’s license ID number. The new owner must also sign and date, as well as enter the purchase date and the purchase price of the vehicle. 
  • There are additional sections if the vehicle is being leased or if there’s a lienholder of the vehicle.
  • The Dealer Transaction Only section includes odometer reading, date, signature of dealer agent, name of dealer agent, dealer name, dealer number, buyer’s printed name, buyer’s signature, salesperson’s number, as well as fields to indicate if the vehicle was sold through an auction.

Summary

Vehicle titles serve as your proof of ownership of the vehicle. This documentation may vary in detail from state to state, but the importance of the title is the same. 

Matt Yantakosol is a lifelong automotive enthusiast and former consultant focused on the consumer aspect of the industry. He has traveled to New York, Detroit, Chicago, L.A., Paris, Geneva, Frankfurt, and Tokyo Auto Shows to track and observe the newest industry innovations. In addition to JDPower.com, Matt's writing has appeared on Pcarmarket.com.

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