You know how you get asked for your license or official ID card in various places? So you show them your ID and that means you’re you? Well, what about vehicles? How do others know you actually own that vehicle? Basically, a vehicle has a title, which is a legal document that the state government issues to demonstrate who owns the vehicle.

What’s on the piece of paper known as a car title? Well, it will include information about the vehicle and its owner. A title is not the same as a vehicle registration document or sticker and/or proof of insurance. A title is just to show proof of ownership.

Car Title Information

When you purchase a vehicle, the seller might give you the title. You might receive it as part of an ownership transfer and/or when you pay off an auto loan. Once you receive the title, keep it in a safe and secure place where it won’t get lost, wet, burned up or accidentally destroyed. Much like an ID or passport, it’s an important document.

Specifically, what is actually on a title? Well, though it may vary from state to state, generally the info on the document will include the VIN (vehicle ID number), the car make and model and year, the owner’s full name and address, the issue date, the odometer reading on the issue date, and signatures of the buyer, seller and state official(s).

There are different types of titles, including clean (the inspected vehicle hasn’t been in an accident or damaged), clear (the vehicle has been repaired and passed inspection), rebuilt (the vehicle was damaged but rebuilt) and salvage (the vehicle was damaged and needs rebuilding).

A vehicle belongs to whoever is listed on the car title! You can add or remove someone from a title by visiting your state’s department of motor vehicles and going through their process to do so.

You should update a car title if you move to another state, give the vehicle to someone else (yes, even a family member), or if you sell the vehicle.

If you need help finding a used car in Lehighton, PA, check out the options at 443 Auto Sales.