Can I Get a Title Loan If the Title Is Not in My Name?

Getting a title loan when the car title isn’t in your name can be tricky, but not always impossible. While lenders can only approve loans for vehicles legally owned by the borrower, there are steps you can take to transfer the title to your name and become eligible for a title loan.

Title loans work by using your vehicle as collateral, which means the lender must verify that you’re the legal owner. If the title lists someone else’s name, or hasn’t yet been transferred to yours, the loan can’t be approved until ownership is updated through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

If you’ve recently purchased, inherited, or been gifted a car, don’t worry. Once the title is transferred into your name, you can move forward with your title loan application and potentially receive funds within a few days.

How Do Title Loans Work?

A car title loan lets you use your vehicle’s title as collateral in exchange for fast funding. The amount you can borrow depends on your car’s value, income, and ability to repay the loan. Because the loan is secured by your vehicle, you can often qualify even if your credit isn’t perfect.

Here’s a quick overview of how the process works:

1. Apply Online or In Person – Submit your information and details about your vehicle, including make, model, mileage, and condition.
2. Vehicle Evaluation – The lender checks your car’s market value and verifies that you’re the legal owner.
3. Approval and Funding – Once approved, you’ll sign a short loan agreement. Most borrowers receive funds by direct deposit or check, sometimes within 24–48 hours.
4. Keep Driving Your Car – You continue to use your vehicle while making regular monthly payments.
5. Repay the Loan – When the loan is paid in full, the lien is removed and the title returns fully to your name.

Because ownership is central to this process, lenders like 5 Star Car Title Loans must confirm that your name appears on the vehicle’s title before approving the loan. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to transfer it through your local DMV first, and our team can help guide you through that step.

What if I Have a Title That’s Not in My Name?

If you own a vehicle but the title still lists someone else’s name, don’t worry, you may still be able to qualify for a title loan after updating the ownership record. At 5 Star Car Title Loans, we can often guide you through the process of transferring the title into your name through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Once the DMV records show you as the legal owner, you can use your car’s title as collateral to apply for a loan. The process is usually quick and straightforward, especially if you already have proof of ownership or purchase.

If the title lists more than one name, here’s what to know:

• When the names are joined by “or”, either person can apply for a title loan individually.
• When the names are joined by “and” (or no connector), both owners typically need to sign the loan agreement.

In short, while you can’t get a title loan if the title isn’t in your name, you can often fix that issue by completing a quick transfer at the DMV. Once your name is officially listed, you’ll be ready to move forward with your title loan application.

How to Get a Title in Your Name for a Car Title Loan:

If you own a vehicle but the title isn’t yet in your name, don’t worry, transferring ownership is a straightforward process. Once the title is updated under your name, you can use it to apply for a car title loan.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Visit Your Local DMV Office
   Go in person to your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to complete the title transfer. This process can’t be done online or by mail in most states.
2. Bring a Valid Form of Identification
   Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity. Check your state DMV’s website for accepted documents.
3. Provide the Current Title and Registration
   You’ll need the current vehicle title and registration to show proof of ownership and the vehicle’s legal status.
4. Pay Applicable Fees
   Most states charge a small title transfer or registration fee. Confirm the exact amount on your state DMV website before visiting.
5. Provide Name Change Documents (If Applicable)
   If you’ve recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons, bring official proof such as a marriage certificate or court-issued document.

Note: DMV requirements and fees vary by state. Always verify your state’s specific process by visiting the official DMV website or contacting your local office directly.

Once the DMV updates the vehicle title with your name, you’ll officially be the legal owner, and eligible to apply for a title loan using your car as collateral.

Reasons Why You Own a Car But Don’t Have a Title in Your Name

It’s more common than you might think to own a car that doesn’t yet have your name on the title. In most cases, it’s simply a paperwork issue that can be fixed with a quick visit to the DMV. Here are some of the most frequent situations:

1. You Recently Bought the Vehicle
   After purchasing a car from a private seller or dealership, the title transfer may still be processing. It can take a few days or weeks for the DMV to officially record your name as the new owner.
2. You Received the Car as a Gift or Inheritance
   If a family member gave you their car or you inherited one, ownership won’t be official until the title is transferred into your name. The process usually requires a signed title and supporting documents, such as a gift or probate form.
3. You Just Paid Off an Auto Loan
   When you finish paying off your vehicle loan, the lender must release the lien before your name appears as the sole owner on the title. This can take several business days after your final payment clears.
4. There Are Multiple Owners Listed
   In some cases, two people are listed on the same title, for example, spouses or co-signers. The connector between the names makes a difference:
   • “Or” means either person can use the title for a loan.
   • “And” means both owners must sign to approve it.
5. You Changed Your Legal Name
   A recent marriage, divorce, or legal name change can cause your title to appear outdated. Updating your ID and title at the DMV will ensure both match and prevent issues when applying for a loan.

No matter which situation applies, the good news is that title corrections are routine. Once your name appears on the official title record, you can move forward with your title loan application and unlock the equity in your car.

Here are Some Examples of Regulations in a Few States We Provide Title Loans in:

Once you have the proof of income issue settled with the lending company, you’ll need to satisfy other requirements if your title loan is to be finalized. These requirements might include:

• California: The Golden State requires a smog examination for all vehicles being transferred to different owners. Getting this done is simple and you can find many smog test locations across the state. You will need to provide proof of examination and a passable score to the DMV. In California, there is also a transfer fee you will need to pay. However, if the car is being transferred from an immediate family member, both the smog and fee are often waived.
• New Mexico: Residents of New Mexico looking to transfer ownership of a vehicle must obtain an odometer disclosure from the person selling or gifting the vehicle. The car must also undergo an emissions inspection. Following this, proof of residency, identity, and vehicle insurance must be submitted to the local DMV office to complete the process.
• Arizona: In Arizona, you and the seller of the car must visit the DMV office together. You will both be required to fill out some forms and pay the applicable registration fees associated with the transfer.

Can You Get a Title Loan if the Title Is Signed Over to You?

Yes, but only after the DMV completes the transfer and lists your name as the new owner. Once that’s done, you can apply for a title loan using the updated title.

Let’s Examine How to Receive a Title Loan if the Title Is Signed Over to You:

Someone Is Selling or Gifting You a Car

We can’t always afford the best and the newest. Sometimes, we must settle for less or for what someone gives us. Say a person in your family – maybe a parent or other relative – decides to sell you their used car. It’s not great, but you need a vehicle, and they don’t want to go through the hassle of posting it online and waiting for a response. Therefore, they’re just willing to transfer ownership to you.

This is a process that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will require within ten days of the transaction. Once this action has occurred, the title will be in your name and full ownership of the vehicle will be transferred to you. The DMV’s records now list you as the official owner to prevent any legal mishaps in the future.

Bear in mind that the rules and regulations for this process vary depending on where you’re located. If you don’t have a clear understanding of what your state allows, visit the DMV’s website to learn more.

Title Paperwork

If a person in your family sells you or gifts you the car, you’ll both be required to sign portions of the title to account for the new ownership. This ensures that a record of the transaction is available in the event there are legal problems or issues with the vehicle in the future.

If you have a vehicle title in your name but it’s gone missing, don’t fret. Almost anything on paper is replaceable to one extent or another. To garner a second copy of your title, simply fill out what’s known as a 227 form. This will need to be notarized and signed by you.

You may submit the title paperwork in person or by mail. You can make an appointment at your local DMV or mail the completed forms with payment!

While it won’t be the real thing, it will serve in the original title’s place. This way, if there are any problem down the line that require you to show proof of title ownership, like acquiring a title loan, this document should do the trick.

Getting the Vehicle Through Other Means

If you inherit a vehicle, the process can be somewhat challenging, especially if the vehicle is part of a probated estate sale. If it is, you’ll want to contact your probate court and attorney. The title cannot be transferred until the probate is finished. The attorney can provide further guidance as every situation will be unique, but once the probate is complete, the vehicle will be handed over to you.

From there, you’ll need several documents including the order from the probate court to transfer the vehicle, the certificate of the title, the transfer fee, and the odometer disclosure. You can then visit a nearby title office and hand the documents in. This should complete the title transfer.

If the vehicle in question is not part of a probated sale, call your DMV office and check what the rules and regulations are in your state. For the most part, this process should be simple, but each state will have different requirements that you’ll need to fulfill, so be sure to check with the DMV before doing anything else.

Apply for a Title Loan Today

If you need cash fast and have nowhere else to turn, you can apply for a title loan. 5 Star Car Title Loans has been helping people get the money they need to get through life’s everyday troubles.

Our minimum loans start at $100. We offer several different lending options to cover the individual needs of every customer that comes to us. Applicant approval is determined by our specific credit criteria. This involves examining several different factors, including a customer’s ability to repay the loan and the overall value of your car or vehicle.

If you have poor credit or no credit score to your name, don’t panic just yet. Let us examine your situation to determine if we can potentially provide a title loan option that will assist you. Customers that are approved often get their money within 48 hours, so they can get back to their lives quickly.

If you want to learn more about the application process, contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you.