The most important document you need in selling your car is your car title. Yet, no matter how hard you look, you cannot seem to find it. Well, you are not alone. Many people undergo the same dilemma. They usually damage or misplace their car titles. Some even get their titles stolen. Whatever happened to your original car title, you can now get a duplicate car title easily. Remember that you need the duplicate car title to sell car for cash. The basic methods are as follows:
- Online. You can just go to the DMV’s website in your area and fill out an online application.
- Snail mail. You can mail the fee and the documents to your local DMV.
- Personal. You can visit your local DMV and submit all the documents with the necessary fee.
For Lost or Stolen Car Titles
Here are the steps:
- Produce a Temporary Tag Application or a certificate of title (signed by every car owner)
- A valid picture of the car owner or owners
- A copy of your driver’s license (up to date)
- If you are not the owner, you should get a VPA (Vehicle Power of Attorney) form
- Also get the vehicle’s renewal notice, vehicle registration, and identification number
*** If the lien on the car is satisfied already, you also need to get a letter with the letterhead of the financier. The letter should state that the lien is already satisfied and should contain a “PAID” stamp. The financial institution should also attach a title that is stamped with the release of the lien.
For Dealers who Need a Duplicate Car Title
Car dealers also require a title to sell your car. They should do the following:
- They must produce the documents and pay the fees in person or by mail.
- They should have the following:
- Temporary Tag Application or Certificate of Title
- Vehicle Power of Attorney form
- The customer’s driver’s license or ID
*** The duplicate car title will be released in ten business days.
For a New Car Title
If you want a new car title, contact your local DMV and you will receive the necessary instructions. Choosing this option for a car title requires you to wait a few weeks. Once you get this new car title, you can then sell your car.
Parting with your car may be a bittersweet and daunting experience because of the efforts in getting a car title to sell car for cash. You can also prove that you are the owner of the car by presenting a repossession affidavit, a receipt from auction sales, a lien for a storage lot, or a lien from a mechanic. But it is always ideal to have a duplicate car title at hand.
