Question: Can you drive a car while waiting for a title?
Answer: You can typically drive a newly purchased vehicle for a period of time while waiting on your title. How long you can drive a car without a title will depend on your state’s laws and whether you own or finance the vehicle.
Understanding car titles and title transfers
A car title is a legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle.
When you purchase a car, especially a used one, the title needs to be transferred from the seller to you, the buyer. This process can take some time, mainly if you are dealing with a private sale or if there are complications in the paperwork.
The title is essential not only for proving ownership but also for registering the vehicle in your name. Without a title, you may face difficulties registering the car with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is a legal requirement to drive the vehicle on public roads. Additionally, you might encounter a challenge obtaining insurance, as most insurers require proof of ownership to provide coverage.
Driving a car without a title can be risky because it could lead to legal issues. Law enforcement may question the ownership of the vehicle, and in some cases, you could face fines or other penalties.
Financed vehicles and title holding
When a vehicle is financed, the lender typically holds the title until the loan is fully paid off. This means the title lists the lender as the lienholder, and you will receive the title once the loan is settled.
During this period, you can still register the vehicle and obtain insurance using the lender’s documents. If you need to sell the car before the loan is paid off, you’ll have to coordinate with the lender to settle the loan and transfer the title to the new owner.
Temporary permits and tags
Most states offer temporary permits or tags allowing you to legally drive the vehicle while you wait for the title. These temporary permits typically last between 30 to 90 days, giving you ample time to complete the title transfer process. To obtain a temporary permit, you usually need:
- Bill of Sale: Proof that you have purchased the vehicle.
- Identification: Valid driver’s license or ID.
- Insurance: Proof of insurance for the vehicle.
- Fees: Payment for the temporary permit.
Temporary permits are beneficial when buying a car from a private seller, as the title transfer might take longer than purchasing from a dealership.
What to do if there are delays
If you encounter delays in receiving your title, it’s crucial to communicate with the seller and the DMV. Ensure all paperwork is correctly filled out and submitted. In cases where the delay is due to a lien on the vehicle or other legal issues, you may need additional documentation or assistance from a legal professional.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Giselle Gomez is an editor with over a decade of experience editing content across personal finance, education, travel, and sports. In editing for Jerry, Giselle’s focus is on making sure content is consumer and SEO-friendly and helping readers understand all things car ownership. In prior roles, she worked as a content strategist, syndication editor, and writer. Her work is featured in AP, NerdWallet.com, BestColleges.com, and more. Giselle holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University.
