In the United States, the certificate of title for a vehicle (also known as a car title, automobile title, or pink slip) is a legal form, establishing a person or business as the legal owner of a vehicle. Vehicle titles in the U.S. are commonly issued by the Secretary of State in the state the vehicle was purchased by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The certificate of title normally specifies (in most states & versions):

1. Identifying information about the vehicle, normally at minimum its vehicle identification number, make, and year of manufacture.
2. Manufactured color of the vehicle.
3. The license plate number.
4. Technical information about the vehicle to define its taxation regime, e.g., its gross vehicle weight, motive power, and purchase price when new.
5. The name and address of the purchaser or “registered owner” who would normally possess and use it.
6. If money is owed on the vehicle, the name of the lienholder or “legal owner” to whom this money is owed.

Wikipedia

A vehicle without a title can be shipped, especially when not moving across state lines, depending on the restrictions of the destination, so the first step should be to confirm the regulations of the delivery location. What is certain is that transporting a car without a title will be more expensive and may take longer. To avoid delivery problems, there are other options when proof of ownership is required.

HIGHER COST AND LONGER DELIVERY TIME

A vehicle without a title represents potential issues during the shipping process in terms of liability and responsibility if proof of ownership is required, a fact that could lead to legal problems. That is the reason additional insurance coverage could be required to cover the increased risk.

Lack of documentation demands extra planning and preparations and is cause of potential delays when delivering the vehicle, but there are some alternatives to avoid inconveniences:

ALTERNATIVES TO THE VEHICLE TITLE

Whatever the reason for not having a vehicle title (lost, stolen or destroyed, car purchased at an auction, a salvaged or rebuilt vehicle, an old car over 25 years old, imported vehicle, etc.), there are other types of ownership documentation accepted to replace it, such as:

• A duplicate: The DMV of the state where the vehicle was originally titled can provide a duplicate of this certificate.
• A bonded title: It is a surety bond equivalent to the vehicle´s worth, insurance for the event that somebody else claims property of the vehicle. This can be also obtained from the local DMV.
• A Bill of Sale: This document is accepted as ownership proof.
• A Lien Release: In case of unpaid liens on the car, the lienholder will release the title when the debt is paid off.
• Ownership documentation: Vehicle Registration and/or insurance papers are also accepted as a replacement of the vehicle title.

M&M VEHICLE TRANSPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

• Planning is key and preparing is vital to the success of the shipping process, that is why arrangements should be made well in advance to get the best of our services and avoid unpleasant last-minute surprises.
•  When in doubt, check with our logistics agents at 877 957 4878 who will provide you with all the information on requirements, timeframes, transport methods and options and will guide you through the entire shipping process.
• For a free instant quote, visit our website and use our car shipping calculator or request a specially tailored quote for you from our professional transportation experts.