Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How can you register a car without a title?

Is it possible to register a car without a title? I bought a car in an under-the-table kind of deal but I don't have a title for it.

avatar
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
In every state, you need a title to register your car. So you’ll need to apply for a new title before you can get the vehicle
registered
.
Follow these steps to get a new title:
  • Check the DMV website for your state’s title requirements. States and counties may have different requirements for getting a title. You’ll need to know your specific requirements if you’d like to apply for a new one.
  • Get in touch with the previous owner. If they can’t give you the title, then it may be more challenging to apply for a new one. But they may still have helpful information—like where they originally got the car.
  • Fill out and turn in the required paperwork. While every state will have its own sets of requirements, you’ll probably need to provide your car’s information. Specifically, you’ll need the vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, and bill of sale.
Remember, you’ll also need proof of insurance to register your car. If you don’t know what type of insurance you’ll need, you can start by looking into your
state’s minimum insurance requirements
. Again, these should be available on the DMV’s website.
To find the insurance you need at the lowest possible rate, try using
Jerry
. A licensed broker, the Jerry app can help you find and compare competitive insurance quotes from top providers for free. If you’d like, Jerry can even send you new quotes when your policy is up for renewal. That way, you always know you’re getting the best rate.
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings