Can I Look Up My Car Title Online?

Yes, in many places you can check the status and history of a vehicle’s title online, but you typically cannot view an actual image of the title. In the United States, most owners can verify title status through their state’s DMV/MVD portal or via approved national databases using a VIN, and many states with electronic titles let owners request a paper title online. Access for non-owners is often restricted by privacy laws, and details vary by jurisdiction.

What “looking up a title” actually means

“Looking up a title” can refer to several things: confirming that a title exists and is in a particular person’s name, checking whether a lien is attached, reviewing brands such as salvage or rebuilt, or ordering a duplicate title. In most jurisdictions, you can verify title status and view select data online; however, viewing a scanned copy of the title certificate itself is generally not offered to the public for security and privacy reasons.

Where to check in the United States

Owners and prospective buyers have a few reliable paths to check title information online. The options below differ in depth, cost, and whether you must be the vehicle’s owner.

• State DMV/MVD portal: Many states let registered owners sign in to view title status (and in e-title states, request a paper title). Some offer a public “title status” or “motor vehicle information” lookup by VIN or plate with limited fields (e.g., title number, brands, and active liens).
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) or Title Abstract: States usually sell official title/registration history to qualified requestors. You may need the VIN, proof of identity, a permissible purpose under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), and a fee.
• NMVTIS-approved providers: The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System reports title data and brands from participating states. Use only U.S. Department of Justice–approved vendors listed at the official NMVTIS site (vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov). These reports show title branding, most recent title state/date, and sometimes odometer readings and salvage/total-loss events.
• NICB VINCheck: The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free lookup for theft and total-loss records reported by participating insurers (nicb.org/vincheck). It’s useful but not a full title history.

Together, these sources let you verify whether a vehicle has a clean title, has ever been branded, or carries a lien. For official legal documentation or ownership details, your state DMV remains the authoritative source.

State examples and what they commonly offer

States differ in how much they put online, but several patterns are consistent across the country.

• Electronic titles (e-titles): States such as Florida, Arizona, and others support electronic titles for owners and lienholders. Owners can typically view status in their account and request a printed (paper) title for a fee.
• Duplicate/replacement titles: Many states allow owners to request a replacement title online if there is no active lien or the lienholder authorizes it. Identity verification and mailing to the address of record are standard.
• Public “title status” checks: Some states provide limited public lookups showing whether a title exists, its current state/brand, and whether a lien is recorded. Detailed owner information is usually withheld due to DPPA.
• Title history by request: For deeper history, states offer paid title abstracts or MVRs. You may need to certify a permissible use, and processing can take minutes (digital) to days (mail).

If you are unsure what your state supports, search for your state name plus “DMV title status” or “duplicate title” and confirm you are on an official .gov site.

If you’re not the owner

In the U.S., the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) limits what personal vehicle records can be released and to whom. Non-owners can often obtain limited, non-personal title status (e.g., brand, lien presence) or purchase a NMVTIS report, but owner names/addresses are generally restricted to law enforcement, insurers, lenders, licensed dealers, and others with a statutorily permissible use. You can usually still verify whether a title is branded or if a lien exists without seeing personal data.

Outside the United States

Rules and terminology vary widely abroad, and many countries do not issue a U.S.-style “title” at all.

• United Kingdom: There is no title certificate; the V5C shows the registered keeper, not legal ownership. You can check MOT history and tax status online. Commercial services (e.g., HPI) report write-off categories and finance markers, subject to data availability.
• Canada: Provinces manage vehicle registries. Ontario’s Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) and other provincial reports show registration history and liens; in British Columbia, ICBC and PPSA lien searches provide status. Access to personal data remains limited.
• European Union: Vehicle registration certificates are common; public access to ownership data is limited. Buyers typically rely on national registries, inspection records, and insurer databases, often via paid services.

Wherever you are, start with the official government transport/registry website, then supplement with recognized commercial history checks as needed.

What you need ready

Having the right details on hand speeds up any online title inquiry or duplicate request.

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number
• Your driver’s license or state ID (for owner portals)
• Current address on file (some systems mail to the address of record)
• Proof of lien release, if applicable
• Payment method for fees

Exact requirements vary by jurisdiction, but VIN and identity verification are nearly universal for owner-level services.

Common limitations and fees

Be prepared for some constraints when trying to view title data online.

• Privacy: Owner names/addresses are typically redacted for non-owners.
• Fees: NMVTIS reports and state abstracts usually cost a modest fee; some basic checks are free.
• Data scope: NMVTIS does not show everything (e.g., service records) and may lag recent changes until states upload updates.
• Processing: Instant for most online lookups, but title histories or certified records may take longer.
• Liens: Active liens can block issuance of a duplicate title until the lienholder releases or electronically authorizes it.

Understanding these limits helps set expectations and avoids delays, especially when you need official documentation for a sale or transfer.

Avoid scams and protect your data

Because vehicle data is sensitive, use only trusted sources.

• Use official state .gov sites and the DOJ’s NMVTIS vendor list (vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov) to choose a report provider.
• Beware of “free title lookup” sites that ask for excessive personal data or upfront subscriptions without clear value.
• Never share full SSNs or upload ID scans unless required on a verified government portal.
• Match the VIN on the vehicle (dashboard and door jamb) to the VIN in any report or title record.

These practices reduce the risk of fraud and ensure you receive accurate, up-to-date information.

If your goal is to replace or transfer a title

If you’ve lost your title, need a paper title from an e-title, or are preparing for a sale, the general process is straightforward.

1. Confirm lien status: Verify there is no active lien, or obtain a lien release from the lender.
2. Use your state portal: Look for “Duplicate/Replacement Title” or “Paper Title Request.” Complete identity checks and pay the fee.
3. Verify address: Most states mail the title to the address on record; update your address beforehand if needed.
4. Out-of-state vehicles: If titling in a new state, be ready for a VIN inspection and to surrender the out-of-state title.
5. Timing: Standard processing can take days to a few weeks; many states offer expedited shipping for an extra fee.

Following these steps prevents rejections and helps ensure the new title arrives without unnecessary delays.

Bottom line

You generally can’t view an image of your car title online, but you can usually verify title status and history through your state DMV/MVD and NMVTIS using the VIN. Owners in many states can request a duplicate or paper title online—especially in e-title jurisdictions—while non-owners are limited to non-personal data due to privacy laws. When in doubt, use your state’s official portal and a DOJ-approved NMVTIS provider for the most reliable results.

How do I get a copy of my car title in Utah?

To get a copy of your car title in Utah, you can request a duplicate title online via the Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP) on the Utah DMV website, or by downloading and completing the Form TC-123, Application for Duplicate Utah Title, and mailing it with the $6 fee to the Utah State Tax Commission. 
Online Method

1. Go to the Utah DMV website. 
2. Find the option to request a duplicate title through the Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP). 
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your request and make the payment. 

Mail-in Method

1. Download and complete Form TC-123, Application for Duplicate Utah Title. You can find it at this Utah.gov link. 
2. Mail the completed form along with the $6.00 fee. 
3. Make your check or money order payable to the Utah State Tax Commission (USTC). 
4. Mail your application to the following address:
   • Motor Vehicle Division
   • Mail and Correspondence
   • P.O. Box 30412
   • Salt Lake City, UT 84130 

Important Information

• There is a $6 fee to replace any Utah vehicle title. 
• Do not send cash if mailing your application. 
• Allow approximately 10 to 14 business days for your duplicate title to arrive. 

Is there a way to view my car title online?

Yes, you can look up your car title using a variety of services online. If you want to use a government website, the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System can help you retrieve your car title for a small fee.

How do I get a copy of my car title in Montana?

To file for a lost title in Montana, complete Vehicle Title Replacement Application Form MV7 and submit it with the required fee to a local County Treasurer’s office or by mail to the Vehicle Services Bureau. You may need to provide proof of ownership, such as a copy of the original title or bill of sale, and if applicable, the fee includes a 3% administration fee and other taxes may be due upon registration. 
Here are the detailed steps to file for a lost title in Montana:

1. Obtain the Application Form: Download the Vehicle Title Replacement Application (Form MV7) from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division website or your local County Treasurer’s office. 
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the form with accurate information about the vehicle and yourself. 
3. Provide Proof of Ownership: You’ll need to demonstrate your ownership of the vehicle. This could be a copy of the original title, a bill of sale, or another document that proves your ownership. 
4. Submit the Application and Fee:
   • In-person: Visit your local County Treasurer’s office to submit the completed application and pay the fee. 
   • By Mail: You can mail the application and fee to the Vehicle Services Bureau at the address provided on the form or on their website. 
5. Pay the Fee: The fee for a duplicate title is $10.30 for most vehicles, which includes a 3% administration fee. Additional fees and taxes will be due when you register the vehicle. 
6. Receive Your Duplicate Title: Once your application is processed, you will be issued a replacement title. 

Important Considerations:

• Lienholders: If there is a security interest or lien on the vehicle, you will need to include a copy of that agreement and the fee to process the request. 
• Lost or Stolen: If the title was lost or stolen, report it to the local law enforcement agency first. 
• Business Entity: If the application is being signed on behalf of a business, you must have the proper authority to do so. 

How can I get a copy of my car title in Hawaii?

Customers who need a replacement title

1. Must complete the Application for Duplicate Title(PDF, 153KB)
2. All legal owners must appear in person with a picture ID or have the duplicate title application signed in front of a public notary.
3. Pay the $10.00 duplicate fee.