You’re headed to the DMV to sell your car, considering a car title loan, or simply want to confirm that you are the sole owner of your vehicle. Then, you realize you can’t find your car’s title. This is not ideal in any situation, but what happens if you’re applying for a secured loan and don’t have the pink slip to complete the transaction with the DMV? What are the consequences of losing the title, and what can you do to replace it? Also, how long does it take to get a new title from the DMV, and is there any way to get a title loan without the car’s title?

I Want A Title Loan, But Can’t Find The Car Title

You may not need your car’s title every day, but sometimes you need your ownership documents to prove there are no lienholders or loans on the title. While anyone can claim to own their vehicle, ownership is usually proven by showing the certified title to your car, issued by your state’s DMV. If you can’t find the car’s title, you still may not be turned down for a title loan. But you’ll need to either find it before your loan is underwritten or get a new copy from the DMV.

How to Find My Car Title?

Of course, the easiest solution when you can’t locate your car title is to find it. Check your filing cabinets or vehicle documents to see if it’s mixed up with other insurance or purchase information. If nothing else, doing a thorough search of your home or office could save you the hassle of getting a replacement copy from the DMV.

Another option is to visit your state’s DMV website to see if it offers an online service that lets you view and access your original title documents to get accurate information about current liens and loans. Once you’ve determined your car title will not be found, apply with your local DMV for a replacement title. Most DMVs allow you to apply for a replacement copy online, and even if you have to do it in person, a new copy should arrive within a few weeks.

I Want To Replace My Car’s Title

Thankfully, replacing your car title is relatively easy in states like California. You must report your lost or stolen title to your local DMV. People often lose their vehicle documents, and some states offer same-day replacement titles in person. In other states, replacing your car’s title can be more challenging, as each county has its own requirements and detailed process for replacing a lost or stolen pink slip.

Apply for a replacement car title online, and you can expect a new certified copy to arrive quickly (turnaround times aren’t definitive and mostly depend on your state’s DMV processing times and the postal service). You can also go to your neighborhood DMV, but that’s not always an option if you can’t get an appointment. The main reason you’d request a replacement car title in person is to ask them to expedite the process if you’re trying to get an emergency title loan. While they’ll charge a fee to prioritize your new car title, you may get it much faster than if you do everything online.

Can I Get a Title Loan Without My Car’s Title In Hand

It’s unlikely that any lender will offer a title loan if they can’t use the title as collateral. Some loan providers in Arizona will allow you to use your registration as collateral(these are commonly referred to as registration loans). Still, these loans are rare; you can often only borrow a few hundred dollars.

Unlike vehicle-secured loans, you don’t need to give up the car’s title or “pink slip” as collateral for an online registration loan, and most borrowers can pre-qualify using only the vehicle registration. These loans don’t require your car’s pink slip, and you can often get approved with minimal documentation. This can be an option for someone who can’t find their title or for others who don’t feel comfortable putting up their vehicle as collateral. The underwriting process for registration loans is quick in Arizona.

Even if you get a vehicle-secured loan, it doesn’t necessarily mean the vehicle will be held as collateral. You keep unrestricted use of the vehicle for the duration of the loan, and the car title is your only collateral. If your title is missing, replace it as soon as possible before applying. Rare exceptions apply when you apply for a title loan on an older or classic vehicle.

Apply With Premier Title Loans After You Replace Or Find Your Title

Once you find or replace your missing car title, the next step is to choose a lender to get cash for whatever emergency expense you’re facing. Premier Title Loans has offered pre-approval for title loans since 2013, and we’re always happy to help people get cash from a local lender, as long as they have the title in hand. In addition to your car’s title, you’ll need proof of income and a government-issued ID, and you may need an in-person vehicle inspection to get approved.

Apply with us online or call 800-250-6279 to see your options.

Jessica Chase

Jessica has been working in the title loan lending industry since 2012. Before that, she managed a team of customer service representatives for one of the largest payday loan companies in the US. Since coming to Premier Title Loans, she’s overseen our sales and marketing department and looks forward to educating consumers on their different financing options. Jessica is always open to feedback and questions related to short term loans!