Avoid These Mistakes When Getting A Title To A Car

Buying a new vehicle is always an exciting time. However, you need to be aware of the common mistakes with the paperwork (particularly the title of a car). From a damaged title to crossed-out errors to incorrect critical information, a whole host of things can go wrong with this vital document.

But fear not! We are going to explore the seven mistakes to avoid (and how to avoid them) in the following sections.

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Getting A Title To A Car

1. Crossing Out Mistakes

While crossing out mistakes is tempting, you must leave them alone. Trying to erase the information or utilizing correction fluid automatically voids your title to a car!

Instead, head to your local Department of Motor Vehicles office to have the error corrected. When you request a new title, make sure you provide the incorrect one alongside it so the DMV can dispose of it as needed.

2. Trying To Use A Damaged Title To A Car

Simple accidents are notorious for immediately voiding car titles. You can't hand a physically damaged title over when selling your vehicle. By damaged, we mean:

  • Incorrect markers
  • Rips and tears
  • Water damage

You must have a flawless certificate for the transaction to go as smoothly as possible. As per local regulations, you need to fix the problem before attempting to sell your car. Apply for a duplicate title and dispose of the damaged document. Afterward, the buy-sell process should be seamless.

3. The Wrong Person Signed The Title

If your buyer backs out at the last moment, your vehicle's title will be null and void. Why? Because they likely already signed the document and were ready to transfer before it took a turn for the worse. Alternatively, you may buy a vehicle and receive a title with a different buyer's name.

Either way, it's one of the biggest mistakes to avoid when getting a title to a car.  Head to your local DMV office and register for a brand-new title. You'll need to complete the necessary paperwork and pay the required fees. However, you can't sell the car until it occurs, making it essential.

4. You Never Transferred The Title

Firstly, failing to transfer your title is illegal. It might seem inconsequential, but it comes with backlash you don't want to deal with.

Once you realize your name isn't on the title, correct it by going to the DMV. Side note: If you're buying a vehicle and realize the seller's name is different from the name on the title, walk away from the deal. Otherwise, you might unknowingly purchase a stolen car.

5. Critical Title Information Is Wrong

Critical information like the car's VIN and model name must be correct. If not, you should take your title to the DMV and complete the relevant paperwork to get a duplicate. They'll take your current title away, dispose of it, and issue a new version.

6. Odometer Reading Discrepancies

Truthfully, odometer reading discrepancies aren't necessarily as panic-worthy as you might believe. However, if you need a correction, go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, and ask them to correct it.

on the way to get a car title loan

Keep in mind that you can't correct it if the issue stems from the previous owner — they'd need to complete the paperwork and remove the error.

7. Not Knowing About Car Title Loans

Finally, people fail to remember that you can get cash with your car title once all the information is correct.

With our car title loans, you can borrow up to $15,000 to fund emergencies like medical bills, vet fees, and even urgent travel costs.

Here's how to get one:

  1. Complete the online application found on this website to see if you can gain approval.
  2. Wait for one of our expert loan associates from your closest Missouri Title Loans, Inc. to get in touch. They'll call you almost as soon as you submit the form to tell you about the process, ensure you understand the required items, and set up a meeting location. You can come to your local branch or meet at a more convenient destination (i.e., your home or office).
  3. After the call, head to the agreed meeting point with your driver's license, lien-free vehicle title, and vehicle for inspection.
  4. Sit down with the loan associate who will verify your items and conduct a quick five-minute evaluation on your vehicle to determine the amount of money we can lend you. 
  5. If you are happy with the amount, sign the paperwork as directed by the loan representative.
  6. Finally, you receive the money you need on the same day or the very next bank working day.

Submit Your Inquiry For Car Title Loans Today!

The process of buying a vehicle may seem daunting. And it is important to complete all of the small but necessary steps. That’s why we have listed these errors so that you can acquire a clean, working car title. Provided you've avoided all the common mistakes when getting a title to a car, access title loans from us now to fund your emergency.

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.