These questions are important to ask and thankfully, we’re here to shed light on just what the difference between your title and registration amount to.
A question many people end up asking us is what the difference between a “title” and “registration” really are. If one name is on the registration, should it also be on the title? If one person is on a car loan but wants to be on another person’s car insurance, does the insurance holders’ name need to be on the registration and/or title? These questions are important to ask and thankfully, we’re here to shed light on just what the difference between your title and registration amount to.
The Title
You may have heard your vehicle’s title referred to as a “pink slip.” It’s a legal form that establishes a person, or even a business, as the owner of a vehicle. Consider it a legal document that actually determines who the owner of a physical vehicle is. With that said, let’s move onto the registration.
What About Registration?
The registration is something that is required by the state you live in, which shows you’ve registered the vehicle in that state and pay any taxes or fees that are due. This is usually done at the same time as the titling process, so it’s common for people to mix the two up. During the registration process, you’ll receive a license plate and/or registration document, or at the very least a sticker to place on your windshield so law enforcement knows your vehicle is state and roadworthy. License plates act as evidence that all registration fees are paid up.
Registering Your Vehicle
When registering your vehicle at the appropriate state agency, you must show proof of ownership, which requires your name to be on the title for that vehicle. Depending on the state, you may also need a bill of sale if you bought the vehicle from a private seller, though this depends on where you live.
How Does This Impact Insurance?
Different insurers have different policies, but most require that you have your name as a co-owner to be on the insurance policy. There can be multiple names on a title, so you are going to want to make sure both names are on the title if you want to share insurance policies just to be safe.
Questions? The United States Vehicle Registration Services is Here to Help You!
If you still have questions regarding auto fleets or vehicle title work, get in touch with us and fill out our online form. We understand that vehicle inspections can be a tricky business, and we are helping to guide you through the process. Make sure that you leave your name, phone number, email address, and a summary of how we can best help you and your needs. Feel free to give us a call at 202-342-2558 or send us an email at greg@usvrs.com. We can help you to navigate the DMV in DC or Virginia or even the MVA in Maryland. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, make sure that you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms.