Car icon Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title

A Certificate of Title serves as proof of ownership; only one title is allowed to be issued and in existence at any one time for the same vehicle.

Titles are issued on the county level.  A Certificate of Title must be issued within 30 days of the date of purchase. Titles may be issued in any county, for a list of offices refer to the Motor Vehicle Offices.

To obtain a Certificate of Title you must submit a completed  Application for Certificate of Title signed by all parties whose names are to appear on the title. The only exception to this are titles to be held by married couples, in which case either, acting as an agent for the other, may sign the application.

A fee of $10.00, payable to the County Treasurer, and proper evidence of ownership must accompany the application for title. Please contact your designated County Treasurer for information regarding acceptable methods of payment.

Proper evidence of ownership is one of the following:

  • Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO);
  • Certificate of Title – properly assigned.

If you purchased the vehicle and were not provided with the appropriate documents to provide evidence of ownership, you may be eligible for a Bonded Certificate of Title. The County Treasurer retains all evidence of ownership.

Sales tax for mobile homes and cabin trailers must be paid before the Certificate of Title will be issued. For all other vehicles that require a title, the sales tax may be paid within 30 days of purchase.

 


 

The exception to county issued titles is titles issued for apportioned vehicles (vehicles over 26,000 pounds that cross state lines). Applications for title for apportioned vehicles ONLY should be submitted to, and additional information obtained from Motor Carrier Services.

Refer to the section on Liens if you need information about noting a lien.

 

Questions regarding Certificates of Title for Motor Vehicles may be addressed by email or by phone at (402) 471-3918.