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How To Avoid Vehicle Title Mistakes

From crossing out errors to failing to transfer the car title to your name, there are plenty of common vehicle title mistakes made every day. However, it's vital to know how to avoid them so that you can sell and buy cars alongside access loans with your vehicle at any time. We uncover the top seven typical vehicle mistakes and how to fix them below.

7 Common Vehicle Title Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

1. Crossed-Out Mistakes

People often see errors on their car title and want to cross them out or use correction fluid. However, trying to doctor your title will automatically void it. Avoid this common mistake by taking your title to the Department of Motor Vehicles to have them correct the problem. If you've already made the mistake, you'll be pleased to know that it's easy to fix yourself. When you apply for a new title, just ensure the incorrect or voided one is included within the rest of your documentation.

2. Physically Damaged Car Title

You can't turn over a damaged car title when you sell your vehicle. Unfortunately, it's easy to void your title through simple accidents such as rips, incorrect markings, tears, or water damage. To ensure the transaction runs smoothly, you need a flawless certificate. The best thing to do in this circumstance is to fix the issue before trying to use your title. Apply for a duplicate title at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office.

3. The Wrong Person Signed The Title

Someone could back out at the last moment when you try to sell your car. So, it could be that everybody signed the title, and you were just about to transfer before it all came crashing down. Or maybe you received a title in another buyer's name. Regardless, the title is void. Therefore, you need to go to your local DMV and register for a new one, which involves filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a few fees. Unfortunately, you can't sell the vehicle until the process completes.

putting a signature on a vehicle title

4. You Never Transferred Your Car's Title

Failing to transfer your car's title isn't just a terrible habit — it's illegal! While it might not seem like a huge deal, those who don't transfer it face dire consequences. Once you realize your name isn't on the title, correct it immediately. You won't just be doing yourself a favor but also the person who buys the car from you.

Top Tip: If you are currently buying a vehicle from somebody and realize their name isn't on the title, back out of the deal. They could be selling an unauthorized vehicle (a huge red flag). Ask them to get a replacement title before closing negotiations if you're dead set on buying the car.

5. Odometer Discrepancies

Odometer discrepancies are relatively common, but the good news is that they don't typically matter as much as you think they would. That said if you need to get it corrected, head to your nearest DMV office and ask them to do it for you. Sadly, if the problem comes from the person who sold you the vehicle, the original sellers will have to complete the corrected odometer statement.

6. Forgetting To Transfer The Title To Your Residency State

Your car title is issued in the state you purchased the vehicle. If you live in a different state, it's vital that you transfer it to your residence location. Why? Simply to avoid any problems down the road. Again, you can transfer it at any time by visiting your local Department of Motor Vehicles office.

7. Using A Title With Lien To Get A Loan

Lastly, people tend to forget that in order to get a loan using their vehicle title, it needs to be paid off. If your vehicle doesn’t have any outstanding judgments against it, then you meet one of the main requirements for title loans.

Here at Auto Cash USA, we connect you with local title loan lenders so you can get up to $15,000 fast to fund emergencies. Just follow these steps:

  1. Use our secure online inquiry form to send us your initial title loan request.
  2. Once we receive your information, we connect you with a direct, licensed title loan lender.
  3. One of their knowledgeable loan representatives will call you to establish the amount of money you qualify for and your monthly repayment. During the conversation, they will ask you to meet at a location of your choice to inspect your vehicle and verify your car's title.
  4. Their representative meets you at the time and place of your choosing to give you the loan packet, verify the VIN, and acquire your signature.
  5. They will email your loan documents for an e-signature.
  6. Once they receive your signed documents, they deposit the money into your bank account on the same or very next bank working day.

vehicle title loan drawn on paper

Let Us Connect You With Vehicle Title Loan Lenders Today!

Learning how to avoid vehicle title mistakes can make you feel more confident about selling or buying your car. By following our tips on how to avoid vehicle mistakes, you can gain knowledge that may come in handy when the time comes. And if you need money on short notice, and your title is clean, remember that you can get a vehicle title loan online. Get started today by filling a short inquiry on our website!

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Louis Tully

Louis Tully is a full-time finance writer offering financial expertise to everyday consumers. He understands the core values of finance and used his writing talents to share his own experiences with money to his readers. His articles teach how financial failures can easily become successes by making new habits and creating realistic goals.