How Long Does it Take to Get Your Title When You Buy a Car?

Getting Your Car Title

Your vehicle’s title has important information on it, such as the vehicle’s identification number (VIN), its mileage at the time of sale, its make and model, and date of manufacture.

A title’s purpose is to show who the legal owner of the property is, and you can’t sell a car legally without a title. Most lenders simply keep the title until you complete the loan since a financed vehicle is technically their property.

The state you live in determines if the title goes to the lienholder at the start of your loan. After you purchase a vehicle, you typically get the car’s title in the mail within two to six weeks if you’re in a title-holding state. Title-holding states send the title to the owner/operator of the vehicle.

There are traditionally nine title-holding states: Arizona, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. However, due to a recent 2021 change in the way Michigan vehicle titles work, the state now holds the title to a vehicle purchased there until the loan is paid in full.

All of the other states are non-title-holding, which means the lender keeps the title until you complete your loan. When you finance a car, the institution that financed the vehicle gets its name on the title as the lienholder. In the 41 non-title-holding states they also hold onto the title until you finish the loan.

Once you pay off everything you owe, the lender can remove their name and send you a copy of the title, or issue you a release of lien letter. You can take your release of lien letter to your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Secretary of State (SOS) to get a clean title with just your name on it. Getting a new title in your name typically takes around 30 days.

Additionally, since you can’t sell a financed vehicle without releasing the lien from the title, having the lender keep the title until the time comes to release the lien can be more convenient since you won't have to worry about keeping track of the paperwork yourself.

Need to Trade In a Car Without the Title?

If you need to trade in your vehicle but your lender has the title, no worries, because the dealership can handle it. The dealer contacts the lender and they take care of the transfer of ownership themselves.

If you're selling the vehicle privately and don't have the title you have to pay off your loan in order to get a clear title to transfer to the new owner. Don't let someone buy the car without transferring the title! This could lead to trouble down the road. If the car is still titled in your name you are the one responsible for the bill even if you weren't involved in the incident.

If you’re in a title-holding state and you simply can’t find the title or it got damaged, you can request a duplicate title from your local DMV or SOS. Once you have a fresh copy of your title, you're free to proceed with the sale or trade of your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get your car title from the bank?

If you're in a non-title holding state, you typically get your title from the bank in around seven to 10 business days. If you haven't received your title, and you are expecting it, check with your lender.

Can you get a same-day title in Arizona?

You must apply for a vehicle title within 15 days of purchase when you buy a car in Arizona. Arizona is one of a handful of states that have moved to electronic titles, so there isn't a requirement to get a paper title anymore. To find out whether an eTitle is available on the same day as you purchase your car, check with the Arizona MVD. What happens after you pay off your car?

How long does the CA DMV take to mail a title?

According to the California DMV, it takes a standard 15 to 30 days to receive your car title after you apply. Rush processing can be applied for for a fee.

How much does it cost to get a car title in your name?

The cost to tile a car in your name varies by state. Some states charge as little as $15, while others have multiple fees that must be paid. To find out the coast where you live you can typically check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles online, or on your state's website.