What Is a Car Title Number? Where Can You Find It?

When you received your car title from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you probably didn’t pay much attention to a multi-digit number on certain parts of the document. But now you need your car’s title number.

So where can you find the car title number? And what is it, exactly?

Where Can You Find Your Car Title Number?

You can find the title number of your car from the following sources:

• Certificate of title, a.k.a. car title
• Vehicle registration and renewal documents
• Your local DMV

The exact location of the car title number can vary according to what sources you’re checking. However, it’s fairly easy to spot the title number since a 7-digit or 8-digit number tends to stand out.

Certificate of Title

In most certificates of title, you can find the car title number above the vehicle identification number (VIN). Some states might put the title number elsewhere on the document.

The certificate of title always contains the car’s title number. If you need to look up the title number, it’s always a good idea to start with your certificate.

Vehicle Registration and Renewal Documents

In case you don’t have your car’s certificate of title on hand, you can check your vehicle registration for your car title number. Look for your car’s make and model–you should find the title number nearby.

Since your vehicle registration must stay in your car at all times, it’s a conveniently accessible way to check your car title number when you’re on the road. However, not all states issue the title number with the registration document. We recommend checking your copy beforehand.

You might also find your car title number on the document that you file to renew your vehicle registration. Again, this can vary according to your home state.

Your Local DMV

Don’t have access to either the certificate of title or vehicle registration? Contact the DMV that issued those documents to you. Your local DMV keeps a copy of your car title for documentation purposes.

Some DMVs let you drop by their office in person to ask for your car title number. Others might ask you to call them over the phone. They’ll require you to prove your identity, so bring the necessary proof.

While you’re asking the DMV for your car title number, you should consider getting a duplicate car title from them. They’ll charge you a fee for the process of making a new copy of your missing car title. The new hard copy will have the same car title number as the previous copies.

Insurance Companies

Most insurance companies only ask for your car’s VIN. However, some might press you to provide your car title number as well.

If your insurance company is one of those, you can call them and ask what your car title number is. You’ll probably need to confirm your identity once you make a request.

What Is a Car Title Number?

The car title number is one of the ways to identify your car’s certificate of title. It’s also called the vehicle title number. Depending on the numbering scheme used by your state’s DMV, the title number can have 7 or 8 digits.

You’ll get the title number when you buy the car. The title number is required for getting a new title or locating one that’s gone missing.

If you turn over your car to someone else, the car title number will change to a new one.

How to Get Your Car Title

Whether you need a car title to finalize a vehicle sale or as a replacement for your own records, there are three ways to get a copy of your car title: by mail, online, or in person.

Mail

To get the car title by mail, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Visit your state’s DMV website and submit an application for the duplicate certificate of title.
• Step 2: Photocopy your proof of identity. Check with the DMV beforehand to see what forms of identification are acceptable proofs of identity.
• Step 3: Have your application notarized if necessary.
• Step 4: Prepare money for the fee.
• Step 5: Mail all the items to the address listed on the application form.

Online

To get the car title online, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Go to your state’s DMV’s website.
• Step 2: Find the “Replacement Certificate of Title” link or its equivalent and follow the instructions shown. If the address on your title is the same as your current address, you own the title you’re requesting, and there are no other changes to the information listed on the title, you can complete the form online.
• Step 3: You may also need to have the application notarized.
• Step 4: Pay the application fee, which should cost less than $20.
• Step 5: If notarization is required in your state, you’ll have to mail the application or present it in person at your local DMV office.

In Person

To get the car title in person, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Go to the local DMV office.
• Step 2: Complete an application for a duplicate title.
• Step 3: Give proof of identification and notarization if needed.
• Step 4: Pay the fee.