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 title loan but don’t have the pink slip to finish a transaction with the DMV? What are the consequences of losing the title, and what can you do to replace it? Not only that, but 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

It’s not every day that you’ll need your car’s title, but there are times when you need your car’s 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 n by showing the certified title to your car, issued by your state’s DMV. If you can’t find the car’s title, that doesn’t mean you’ll get 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. It’s worth checking 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 having to get a replacement copy from the DMV.

Another option is to visit the DMV website for your state and see if they offer an online service that lets you view and access your original title documents to get accurate information on current liens and loans. Once you’ve determined that your car title will not be found, you should apply with the local DMV for a replacement car 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 to your local DMV that your title has been lost or stolen. People often lose their vehicle documents, and the DMV makes it easy to get replacements on the same day. In other states like Iowa, 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 be sent quickly (turnaround times are not definitive and mostly depend on processing times with your state’s DMV 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 you a fee in exchange for prioritizing your new car title, you may have the title in hand a lot quicker than if you did 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, and the credit requirements are far more stringent.

Unlike car title 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 just the registration for their vehicle. These loans don’t require your car’s pink slip, and you can often get approved with minimal documentation. This is an excellent 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, but loan amounts are lower, ranging from $100 to $1,000.

Even if you can secure a title loan, it doesn’t necessarily mean the vehicle will be held as collateral. You continue to have unrestricted use of the vehicle for the duration of the loan, and that car title is your only collateral. If your title has gone missing, you need to replace it as soon as possible before applying for a title loan. There are rare exceptions 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 involves choosing a title loan lender to get cash for whatever emergency expense you’re dealing with. Premier Title Loans has offered pre-approval for title loans for years, and we’re always happy to help people get cash from a local lender, assuming 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 be approved.

Apply with us online or call 800-250-9279 to learn more about how we can help you!

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!