Yes, you can sell a car without a title if you have proof of ownership. Selling a car without proof of ownership is illegal in most states. That said, it’s not uncommon to discover that you don’t have your car’s title in your possession.
The simplest solution is to request a duplicate title through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Sometimes, you may not even need a title to sell your car. We’ll dive deeper into all your options later on.
Can You Trade In A Car Without A Title?
If you live in one of the 24 states that has an Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) Program, you can trade in your car without a title. Dealerships can access the entire ELT system to confirm and transfer ownership. Compared to a private party sale, trade-ins through dealerships in ELT-eligible states are far more convenient. Even without a title, you could start your trade in today with a Rocket AutoSM dealership partner.
Private party sales do require a title in hand to transfer ownership, though. You’ll need to plan ahead and request a duplicate title, which can take weeks or longer, depending on your local DMV.
While it may take extra waiting time, it’s fairly easy to replace your title. We broke down how to order a duplicate title and sell your car in five steps.
