What Does a Car Title Look Like?
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
A car title is a vital document involved in the process of legally owning a vehicle. It may be the most critical, as it proves that you have legal ownership of the car. Without the car title, there is little proof that you own it. If you’ve never seen one of these before, you might wonder – what does a car title look like.
Asking this is an excellent question, vital to understand. What does a car title look like? Keep on reading to learn more about the individual components of a car title so that you will be able to recognize one when you see it.
Parts of the Car Title
There are many components to a car title. Knowing every one of them can help you understand what to expect when you get your hands on one to claim a car as your own.
What does a car title look like? Read on to answer this question. We will dissect the items listed on a car title that you will need to answer. Some may vary, but these are the most common components of this form.
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Color
Many people refer to a car title as a ‘pink slip.’ The first thing to know about this item is that it is not pink. Don’t get confused by the name when trying to identify a car title.
The paper is often the color required by the state. These hues can include:
- White
- Cream
- Yellow
All of these are colors that you might be able to see a car title in when it comes to you.
If you hear someone talking about a pink slip, know that they are talking about a car title. This definition is a simple and easy identifier that many people forget about when filling out their form.
Your Name
The first item that goes on a car title is your name. This part is as simple as it sounds. You will need to provide your first and last name, securing your verbal identification on the document. It is vital to get this right, as you cannot change this after filling out the title.
When you sell the vehicle, the name will change. This process needs to happen in a DMV to ensure that all identities are accurate and verified. This moment is the only time, after submission, that the official name on the car title can be altered.
Vehicle Identification Number
The vehicle identification number is an item that defines your car. Every single vehicle in the world has one of these. They are seventeen numbers and letters, mixed up in a random order that does not match any other car.
You can locate the vehicle identification number in a couple of locations. Some of these places include:
- In or on the vehicle
- On some form of car insurance
- On the vehicle registration card
All of these are places where the vehicle identification number can be found.
If you get lost looking for this, remember that it is seventeen letters and numbers. It should stand out on a page, giving a unique identity to the vehicle you are taking.
Odometer Reading
An odometer is an item in a vehicle that measures the total distance that a car has traveled. When you take ownership, these miles will need to be tracked and documented. This amount is then written down on a car deed.
If a car is stolen, the odometer can protect you from any legal repercussions by proving whether or not you travel a certain distance. An accurate odometer reading is vital because it can make a critical difference in many legal cases.
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Car’s Weight Class
The weight of a car is critical. The heavier it is, the more it is going to cost to register. It is vital to keep track of the weight class on a car to ensure that it is properly registered when the time comes to do so.
The seller should have information on the car’s weight class. If not, you might need to do research online to ensure that you have the correct classification for the vehicle.
Contact Information if Necessary
If you have a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder needs to put their contact information on the car title. This information might include a company name or a phone number that can be contacted.
A lienholder can be:
- A bank
- A credit union
- A finance company
All of these can be groups that provide you with a loan during the purchase process.
Getting their information is vital because until you pay them off, the car is partially theirs as well. Do not skip this part, as it may lead to legal repercussions in the future. Paying back lenders is a vital part of gaining access to a brand-new or used car.
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Assignment Section
The assignment section is often the last area on a car title. It is critical to transfer the ownership from the previous individual to you.
The two sections available in the assignment section include:
- The seller section, which requires the buyer’s personal information and details about the car
- The purchaser section, which has their name and signature, plus information about any lender involved with the transfer process, as we discussed above
These two sections finalize everything on a car title.
Once you have completed all of these items, you should have a car title that is pretty close to done. Now, you should have legal control of your car or information to feel comfortable with filling out the form in the future.
Conclusion
What does a car title look like? There are many pieces to this item that you will need to fill out, including your name, odometer reading, and vehicle identification number. All of these items will allow you to claim the car as your very own, providing proof of legal ownership to all who see it.
After reading this, hopefully, you have acquired information that makes you feel more comfortable with this critical form. You can face the process of legally acquiring ownership of a car with little fear, confident in what you are facing.
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