A certificate of title is a document issued by each state’s motor vehicle department that proves you (and possibly an institution that loaned you money for your purchase) are the legal owner of the vehicle.

A dealer provides the vehicle’s first buyer with a certificate of title. The title is then passed on to each of the vehicle’s subsequent owners.

A title is required to register the vehicle and use it on the road. Without a car title, you cannot trade in the vehicle for another. A car, truck or motorcycle without a vehicle title is difficult to sell — it is even unlawful for a junkyard to purchase it!

A certificate of title will show a lien if a buyer has borrowed money to purchase the vehicle. The party who granted the loan is also named on the vehicle title and is known as the “lien holder”. When the purchaser pays off the loan, the lien holder no longer has a financial interest in the vehicle and signs over the vehicle title document entirely to the buyer.

There are a variety of circumstances why the certificate of title does not always accompany the vehicle as owners change. These include: improper transfer of ownership documents; vehicles that were left unclaimed at auto repair shops; vehicles that were towed or impounded and never retrieved; vehicles sold at auction or by a private party without title; and repossessed vehicles, to name a few.

In some cases — such as when you misplaced a vehicle title and need a duplicate, or you want to remove the lien holder’s name — you can relatively easily do so by applying to your state’s motor vehicle department. However, if your name, for whatever reason, was never on the title that was recorded, the procedures can be cumbersome and complicated. Such situations require experienced title professionals to navigate the process.

No. Each state has its own set of laws and procedures regarding vehicle titles, vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses and the like.

Greenlight Titles has three prices depending on the year of the vehicle. We charge $350 for vehicles that are 1991 and older, $450 for vehicles between 1992 and 2001, and $550 for vehicles 2002 and newer. We work in all 50 states and will get you a title for any make, model or year of vehicle.

It’s difficult to say exactly what extra costs may be involved because each case is unique. However, many states require application fees; state, county and/or local taxes; posting of a surety bond; inspection fees; and occasionally advertising. These expenses are not covered by Greenlight Titles.

Yes. There is usually additional paperwork that you will be asked to review, sign and/or notarize. Our title specialists work closely with you to collect all the necessary documents to expedite your vehicle title application.

Greenlight Titles works diligently to get you a vehicle title. However, if your circumstances change or we find that for some reason we cannot get you a title, we will send you a refund (minus expenses.)

The length of time it takes to get a title depends upon many factors, including what state you live in, how you came to be in possession of the vehicle, and the year of your vehicle. It can take as few as 3 weeks or as many as 6 months to be issued a title once you retain Greenlight Titles.