Car Title vs. Registration: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Lindsay Bishop
Written by Lindsay Bishop
Updated

A title proves you own your car, while registration gives you, or anyone else, legal permission to drive it.

Both documents are important, especially when buying, selling, or moving. Knowing the difference can help you avoid fines, delays and legal issues.

On this page:

Find Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Your Area

Currently insured?
icon
It's free, simple and secure.

Vehicle title vs. registration: What’s the difference?

Car title

  • What does it do? Shows who owns the vehicle
  • When do you need it? When you're buying or selling a car
  • Do you need to renew it? No
  • Where should you keep it? At home in a safe place, or in a safety deposit box.

Car registration

  • What does it do? Allows you to drive legally on public roads
  • When do you need it? Anytime you're driving — it's illegal to drive without a registration
  • Do you need to renew it? Yes, typically every year or two
  • Where should you keep it? In your car, usually in the glove box or center console

What is a car title?

A car title is a legal document which proves that you own your car.

Also called a pink slip, the title includes information about your car, along with your personal info. You can typically expect a car title to show:

  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Make, model and year of the car
  • Your name and address
  • The date you bought the car, and whether it was new or used
  • Your lender's info, if you have a loan
  • Vehicle history if the car has been rebuilt or salvaged
safe icon

Keep your title at home in a safe place, not in your car. That way, if someone breaks into your car or it's damaged, you won't lose the title.

Consider taking a photo of your title and storing it on your phone so you can access it quickly. This can come in handy if it’s lost or damaged and you need to replace it.

The only time you'll need your car title is if you decide to sell your car. That's because you need to sign the title over to the new owner, whether you're selling it to someone else or trading it in at the dealership.

Where do I find the title number for my car?

Your vehicle title has the title number on it, though the exact location can change by state. If you can't find your title, you can usually get your title number by contacting your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). Some states also give you the option to look up your title number on the DMV website using your VIN.

What is a car registration?

Your vehicle registration is a card that shows you have permission from the state to legally drive.

To register your car, you'll need to go to your local department of motor vehicles (DMV). You should bring:

  • A valid driver's license
  • Your car title, bill of sale or lease agreement
  • Proof of insurance
  • Money to pay the registration fee, usually between $30 to $50

You'll also need to complete a registration application with info about you and your car. Make sure to have your VIN, the year, make and model of your car and its purchase date.

Some states also require a tax receipt, emissions test, or safety inspection.

Once your car is registered, you'll get a license plate, registration car and renewal sticker to place on the license plate. Vehicle registration cards look different in each state, but typically include your registration number, name, license plate number, and the year, make, model and VIN of your car.

You should always keep your vehicle registration card in your car. It's also a good idea to take a photo of your registration card with your phone. This way you have proof of registration, even if you misplace the original.

accident icon

If you're in an accident or get pulled over, you'll need to show the officer your registration card. If you don't have it with you, the officer could suspend your driver's license, impound your car, give you a fine or take you to jail.

When do you need your car title and registration?

Your car title and registration aren't just paperwork. They can directly affect your ability to drive legally, sell your car, or avoid smaller problems such as fines and delays.

Both the vehicle title and registration are important if you:

You're buying a used car

Before buying a used car, always ask to see the title.

It's important to make sure the car has a "clean" title, which means there isn't an unpaid loan on the vehicle. You'll also want to check to make sure it doesn't have a rebuilt or salvage title, which can mean it had major damage in the past.

  • First, make sure that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the car matches the VIN on the title. You can usually find the VIN on the driver's side of the car's dashboard near the windshield, or on the driver's door.
  • Next, you can check a car's title through your local department of motor vehicles (DMV). Some states let you check titles online, while others require you to visit the DMV in person.

    You can also pay for a report from a website like Carfax or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which will provide info about the vehicle's title and history.

  • Once you've confirmed the car has a clean title, the seller must sign the title paperwork over to you. Then, you'll take the title to the DMV — along with proof of insurance and your ID — to register the car in your name. You'll also need to pay the title transfer fees and, in some states, sales tax.

    The DMV will process your title transfer and mail you a new title that lists you as the owner of the car.

bank icon

If you took out a loan to buy the car, the DMV may mail the title to your lender instead. Your lender typically holds onto the title until you pay off the loan.

You're selling your car

When you sell your car, you'll need to sign the title over to the buyer.

  • First, complete the "assignment of title" section on the back of the title certificate, sign and date the document. Some states require you to also write in the current odometer reading.
  • You may also need to write out a sales receipt for the purchase. Not all states require this, but it's a good idea because it provides proof that you sold your car in case something happens to the vehicle down the road.

    The receipt should include important info like the date, purchase price, VIN number, and odometer reading. You may be able to find a free, downloadable template on your state's DMV website.

  • If you have a car loan, you'll need to pay it off to get a "clear title". This shows that you own the vehicle outright.
  • Some states also require you to notify the DMV after you sell your car. In any event, you should contact the DMV to cancel your registration after selling the car. This can help you avoid future issues, such as tax bills for a car you no longer own.

You're moving to a new state

You typically have 30 to 60 days to register your vehicle after moving to a new state.

Some states also require you to get a new title after moving. To retitle and register your vehicle in your new state, you'll need:

  • A local address
  • To pay registration and title fees

Some states also require you to pass an emissions test or complete a VIN verification before registering your car. You should check with your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) to find out whether you need these tests, and where you can have them done.

Lastly, make sure you cancel your old registration to avoid taxes or fees from your previous state.

student icon

There are a few exceptions that allow you to live in one state while your car is registered in another.

For example, if you're a student living away from home, some states may consider you a temporary resident, so you won't have to change your registration. This can also apply to active duty military members.

You need to update your name or address

Changes like marriage, divorce or moving require you to update both your title and registration.

If these documents don’t match your ID or insurance, you may run into issues when renewing your registration, selling your car or making an insurance claim.

  • To change your name or address on your title and registration, you'll need to visit your local DMV and fill out a form. The form may differ depending on the reason for the name change. Some states also provide an online form on the DMV website that you can mail in.
  • The DMV usually requires your current vehicle title and registration and proof of your name change or new address. This can include a marriage certificate, divorce paperwork, a court order, an updated driver's license or ID, or a utility bill showing your name and new address.
  • In addition, you'll likely need to pay a fee to update your registration or retitle your car.

Can your title and registration have different names?

The name on your car’s title and registration should almost always match. Having different names on the title and registration can cause you problems. However, there are some exceptions.

bank icon

Leased vehicles: If you lease your car, your name should be on the registration because you're responsible for driving and insuring the vehicle. However, your leasing company's name is on the title because it owns the vehicle.

In addition, the leasing company will be the one to hold onto the vehicle title — you probably won't get a copy.

building icon

Company cars: Company cars are owned by the business, so the business name is typically listed on the car title. However, in some situations, the registration may have the name of an employee or fleet manager.

people icon

Gifting or co-ownership: One person might pay for the car and be on the title, while another registers it, especially in family situations. However, this can become an issue if you have to file a claim or sell the car.

Some states don't allow mismatched names for private individuals. Your state may not allow you to register the car if you're not listed on the title.

no sign icon

Insurance claims: Your insurance company may deny your claim if the person listed on the insurance policy isn't the same as the registered owner of the vehicle.

contract icon

Selling the car: If your car registration is in your name, but someone else's name is on the title, you can't sign the title over to a new owner if you choose to sell it. You'd need the permission of the owner named on the title.

You lost your car title or registration

If you lose your car title or registration, you'll need to fill out an application with info about your car, such as its vehicle identification number (VIN) , year, make, model, license plate number and the odometer reading.

You'll also need your driver's license or ID. And you should bring the bill of sale showing you're the owner of the vehicle, if you have it.

Lastly, you must pay for the new registration card or title paperwork. Costs vary by state, but a replacement registration card usually costs between $1 and $20. New title paperwork ranges from $10 to $50.

The fastest way to get a new title or registration is by visiting a DMV office in person. You can also mail in paperwork or submit a request online in many states. It usually takes a few days to a week to get a replacement car registration, while a title can take a few weeks to receive in the mail.

Your registration expired, but you still have the title

Your car registration must be up-to-date for you, or anyone else, to drive it legally.

Your vehicle title only proves who owns the car, not that it's met the legal requirements in your state for someone to drive it. To drive a vehicle, it must be:

ticket icon

If you're caught driving without any of these things, you could face fines, license suspension or even jail time, depending on your state.

In addition, law enforcement may tow your car if you're pulled over or in an accident and you don't have current registration, insurance or a license plate.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the title to register my car?

Yes, you need your title to register your car. That's because it proves that you own the vehicle. You'll also need a valid form of ID, like a driver's license, proof of insurance and a credit card, cash or check to pay the registration fee.

Is registration the same as tags?

Your registration and tags aren't the same, but they're closely related. Your car registration is a document that shows you've registered your vehicle with the local DMV and can drive legally. The term "car tags" refers to the license plate sticker that comes with your registration. This sticker helps show that your car is properly registered.

Where do I go to get a car registration?

You can register your car at the local department of motor vehicles (DMV), which is usually the fastest way to complete the process. Some states also allow you to register your car online using the DMV website. They typically offer online forms that you can print and mail in as well.

Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.

On this page: