Many car owners assume that a car title and a car registration are one and the same. That’s not true.
The worst part is that mixing them up can put you in a lot of trouble.
As a car owner, you must distinguish among these documents.
This article will dissect the differences and clarify how to get both.
Notes:
A car title establishes ownership.
A car registration ensures your vehicle can be legally driven on public roads.
Car Title vs. Registration: A Breakdown
What is a Car Title?
Think of a car title as your official vehicle's birth certificate. It establishes who owns the car, the same way a birth certificate identifies your parents.
Anytime you buy a car, new or used, the title is given to you or your lender if you are financing the car.
It's the badge of ownership that you'll need if you ever want to sell the car or transfer it to someone else.
A title typically includes:
Owner’s name and address
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, and year
Lienholders. If you're still paying off a loan, the lender's information will be on the title until the loan is paid in full.
You do not have to renew your car title all the time like you do your driver's license. However, you must update it if you sell the car, pay off a loan, or move out of state.
How to Get a Car Title:
Buying a New or Used Car: The process will be handled by the dealership or seller and they will transfer the title to your name.
Paying Off a Loan: When you pay off your car loan, the seller will let the DMV know, and you'll get a title with no liens on it..
What is Car Registration?
Think of car registration as your vehicle's driver's license. It proves your car is state-registered and legal to drive.
Unlike a title, registration is linked to the right to drive, not to ownership.
Car registration documents include:
Owner’s name and address
License plate number
Registration expiration date
Proof of insurance: Most states require insurance to be maintained and verified during registration.
Renewal of vehicle registration is mandatory in the United States and typically occurs every one to two years. You risk having your vehicle seized or getting fined if it’s not done by the due date.
In most cases, you will need:
Proof of ownership (the title or lienholder documents)
Proof of insurance
Registration and applicable tax payments
The Key Differences Between Car Title and Registration
These two papers are both needed to own and drive a car, but they do different things:
Car Title
This proves ownership of the vehicle and includes information like the VIN, make, and model. It only needs to be updated when ownership or lien status changes.
Car Registration
It permits legal driving on public roads. It shows that the necessary taxes and fees have been paid, and proof of insurance is usually required. Unlike a title, registration needs to be renewed periodically.
Make Sure You Have Both!
While a title proves ownership, you can’t legally drive on public roads without a registration.
Don’t let getting these papers mixed up give you headaches or fines. Request help with your title or registration.
Auto Tags of East Broward is your best choice service provider to get your car assessed for the right title - contact us to get your car title in Florida! There’s no point in wasting your time at the East Broward DMV when you can stop by East Broward Auto Tags today. We offer everything you need when it comes to East Broward tag renewals and East Broward tag and title services. We are a premier East Broward tag agency. Stop by today, call us, or check out our website. We also have an online renewals page here.
To learn more about the difference between car titles and registration, check out these resources for yourself:
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