Can I Sell My Car Without the Original Title?

The car title is a very important document, because it proves that you own the car. When selling your car, you need to have the title as proof of ownership. Don't trust a car dealer or individual who tries to convince you otherwise, or you could end up in trouble. However, if the original title is lost, you can secure a replacement title.

Legality

A title proves that you, not someone else, owns the car. So, selling a car without a title is not legal and violates state laws. If you own the car with other people, everyone needs to sign off on the title to sell the car, so just having the title might not be enough. Additionally, the title must be in your name. You can't sell a car someone else owns, even if it's a relative or spouse.

Replacement

If you have lost your car's original title, don't worry. You can pick up a replacement car title, then sell the car. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or similar agency about obtaining a replacement or duplicate car title. For example, Michigan vehicle owners can obtain a new title from the Secretary of State, while California vehicle owners do so at the DMV. You may have to complete paperwork and pay a fee for the replacement title.

Loans

If you financed or leased your car, you may not have the car title because the lending agency holds it. In this case, you need to have the financer release the lien on your car, by signing on the title. You can only do this once you've paid off the balance, so pay up or contact your financer directly to see if you can arrange to sell the car, then reimburse them. For leased cars, you technically cannot sell the car because you do not own it.

Tips

Once you sell the car, transferring the title to the owner releases you from ownership of the vehicle, and thereby from liability. If you do not transfer the title to the new owner, you could be fiscally responsible for parking tickets or citations he incurs, because you technically own it. So not only is selling the car without a title illegal, it could cause you all kinds of financial trouble.