Question

What is a car title number?

A car's title number is a 7-8 number or character string used to identify its current owner. You can easily find it on your car's title or registration documents.

A vehicle title is a legal document that serves as proof of ownership. It is issued by the state and signed over by the previous owner—it could be a third-party seller or the dealership. The title number of a car only tells you who its current owner is.

When a car is sold, the selling and buying parties declare the vehicle’s change of ownership. The new owner then submits it to their respective DMV for registration purposes. Once you legally register the car, the DMV issues a new title and stores a copy of this document in their database. If you have fully financed the car, you can keep your car’s title document, or the finance company will keep it until the vehicle you pay off the loan.  

Apart from the title number, the title of a car lists the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), make and model, license plate number, and other vital details that help identify the vehicle and its owner.  

How to find your car title number

The title number of the car is mentioned right above the VIN on its title; you should ideally have at least a copy of this document with you. But it’s okay if you don’t – the registration papers must always be in the car. In most states, the car’s title number is usually mentioned on the vehicle registration card, next to its make and model.  

If you don’t have access to the vehicle registration card, check if you have a registration renewal notice from the DMV. You’ll find the title number in the renewal paperwork.