No Title, No Problem

VW Bug

No Title, No Problem

Do you have a dream car? For years, I have dreamed of owning an antique Volkswagen Beetle. They are timeless, brilliantly beautiful, and a reminder of simpler times. Have you ever seen one on the road? I’ve done a little research regarding the cost based on condition. Even the Beetles that aren’t running properly can be worth up to $5,000.

Every once in a while I search the Internet to see what’s currently on the market. Recently, I found a Beetle available for $1,600. My jaw instantly dropped, and my heart raced. This can’t be true! Why would someone sell such a classic for so little money? Upon further research, I got my answer. The truth is: the Beetle doesn’t have a title. Whoever sold the car to its current owner didn’t have the title either.

So what can be done about this? There has to be a solution. I started doing my research. If you ever come across this issue, don’t give up hope, there could be a way to get the title.

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind about purchasing a car without a title is this: There is always the possibility that the car was stolen. The less serious explanation is that the title was lost/stolen, or damaged. The title states the legal owner of the vehicle and is necessary when buying or selling a car. So, as you can imagine, the buying process gets difficult without one.

There are multiple methods to retrieve a title. I will discuss a few from autoblog.com.

A crucial step in purchasing a car without a title is getting a bill of sale. When writing out a bill of sale, include all important information regarding the sale. Include: both the buyer and the seller’s names and addresses, VIN number, date the sale took place, a complete vehicle description, the amount paid, the method of payment, and any further agreements and special terms to the sale. You can also find a bill of sale form at your local department of motor vehicles.

You can also develop further knowledge of the car by doing a vehicle history report search by a reputable website. The report will list things like the previous owners and any insurance claims or accidents. The National Insurance Crime Bureau allows you to run the vehicle’s VIN number to see if the car has been stolen.

Finally, you can ask the seller of the vehicle to fill out a Duplicate Title Request form. This form can be found at the DMV. You will also need to contact your independent agent to get the certificate of title bond. They will need to do a VIN verification. The process can become lengthy.

A quick Internet search will give you a few additional methods to purchasing a car without a title. Do everything you can to get your hands on a title for the vehicle during the purchase. If you cannot retrieve a title, you may not want to purchase the vehicle to avoid any issues in the future. It may be worth the process of getting a Duplicate Title if the car is a great price.

By: KayLynn P.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Read More Blogs

Steering Your Savings: Taking Control of Your Car Insurance Rates

You’re in the driver’s seat! Learn how your credit, driving habits, vehicle choice, and smart shopping can lower your car insurance costs.

Underfoot Upgrade: Transforming Your Garage Floor from Forgotten to Fantastic

Don’t ignore your garage floor! Discover easy and impactful ways to upgrade this often-neglected area of your home.

Unwrapping the Wiener: A Deep Dive into the History and Lore of the Hot Dog

Beyond the bun: Discover the surprising history, varieties, and enduring appeal of America’s favorite tubular treat.

The Untapped Power of Collaboration: Why Asking for Help Fuels Business Success

Stop going it alone! Discover how leveraging the expertise of others can relieve pressure and drive your business forward.

Navigating the Grandparenting Journey: Understanding Today’s Families

Grandparenting today: Learn key shifts in family dynamics to build stronger connections with your children and grandchildren.

Mapping Our Paths: The Fascinating Reasons Behind Our Road Networks

The story behind the asphalt: Explore the geographical, historical, and planning influences that shaped our modern road systems.

Neighborly Navigations: Resolving Disputes in Non-HOA Communities

No HOA, no problem? Learn how to navigate neighborly disputes effectively in communities without formal management.

Vintage Years of Vision: Four Times Hollywood Hit Cinematic Gold

Like fine wines, certain years in film history stand out for their exceptional quality and the enduring impact of the movies they produced. This article explores four such landmark years, presented chronologically, that many cinephiles consider to be among the greatest in cinematic history.

Green Means Growth: How Environmental Responsibility Can Boost Your Business

It might seem like a secondary concern when facing immediate business challenges, but embracing environmentally friendly practices can actually be a powerful strategy for improving sales, attracting top talent, strengthening your brand, and even saving money. This article explores the tangible benefits of going green for your company’s bottom line and long-term success.

The Forgotten Beauty: Unearthing the Story of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Beyond the iconic Beetle and the groovy Microbus, Volkswagen produced a surprisingly elegant and often overlooked sports car: the Karmann Ghia. This article explores the history, design, and enduring appeal of this “poor man’s sportscar” that has become a sought-after collectible.