How to Obtain an Auto Title

The title to your automobile is a legal document with information about your vehicle. These titles are issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You will be required to obtain an automobile title if you purchase a new vehicle or lose your existing title. With the proper credentials, you can get a new title from your local DMV.

Instructions

1

Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they allow you to apply for a title online or through the mail. If they do not, you must visit the office.

2

Request an application for a title from the DMV. Fill in all required information.

3

Provide the DMV with information about the lien holder of your automobile, if applicable. Your lending agency will be the lien holder if you still owe money borrowed to purchase the vehicle. Present any available lien-related documents to the DMV.

4

Pay the title fee to the DMV office. Title fees vary from state to state and may also depend on whether you own the car outright or if there is a lien holder.

5

Wait for the application to be approved. Allow up to 30 days for the process to be completed. The new title will be mailed to you when it is available.