Car title tools.
Free tools and plain-English guides for checking title risk before buying, selling, transferring, or registering a vehicle.
Best first step: use the car title risk checker before paying a private seller or accepting unclear paperwork.
Title risk and paperwork
Car title risk checkerCheck clean, salvage, rebuilt, branded, bonded, lienholder, missing-title, and MSO situations before money changes hands.
Salvage title meaningUnderstand salvage-title risk for value, insurance, registration, financing, and resale.
Rebuilt title meaningCheck what rebuilt title means and what proof to request before buying.
Branded title meaningLearn common title brands and why they change risk and resale value.
Bonded title guideUnderstand bonded-title risk when normal ownership paperwork is incomplete.
Car title transfer checklistChecklist for title, VIN, seller name, lien release, bill of sale, odometer, and state requirements.
Lost car title checklistWhat to do before buying or selling when the title is missing or delayed.
Lien on car titleWhat a lienholder means and why payoff/release must be handled before clear ownership.
Manufacturer's statement of originPlain-English MSO/MCO guide for new, unregistered, trailer, powersport, and specialty vehicles.