Having all the documents organized from your side is integral to transporting your cherished vehicle through a reliable auto transport company to ensure maximum security. However, many reputable auto shipping companies may not ask you to show a title or registration before or after delivering your automobile. Still, car owners are skeptical and are still determining whether a car can be transported without a title.
This blog will discuss everything you need to know when the question: “Can I transport a car without plates or title” pops up in your mind.
Relocating Your Vehicle
Ideally, you must reconsider all the elementary documents such as registration, title, and insurance if you plan to move your car to another location. However, many companies do not mandate that you produce all these documents when handing over your vehicle. Some companies only require your vehicle and its keys to relocate your car to another country or state, which is quite a straightforward procedure. Still, you may only sometimes come across such straightforward companies every time.
Is It Possible To Ship a Vehicle Without a Title?
Yes, you can move your vehicle to another state or country without a title, but it comes with specific requirements and restrictions that you need to follow for a smooth hauling process. Generally, without a title, the car shipping company will require proof of ownership of the vehicle you intend to ship along with the bill of sale to make the process more legal from both sides.
However, when this shipping company has stringent policies, they may ask you to obtain additional documents, including a notarized letter from the previous car owner. Understanding that only some shipping companies will accept your vehicle without a title is critical.
Additionally, to make things clear from both ends, it is ideal to research the auto shipping company’s policies on this subject before shipping your vehicle. Recognize that although the auto shipping company will ship your car without a title, this may cost you more than shipping a vehicle with a title to ensure everything runs smoothly.
How Much Does Shipping a Car Without a Title Cost?
Undoubtedly, shipping a car without a title will cost you some extra bucks. Still, the exact amount depends on certain factors, such as the total distance the vehicle needs to cover, the size of your vehicle, and most importantly, the shipping method you have opted for. If you have selected an enclosed auto transport method, it is going to be a little expensive compared to an open shipping method which is usually reasonably priced. Generally, be prepared for $500 to $2000 to ship your car without a title. This cost will substantially increase if special permits are needed.
Luxury vehicle shipping becomes more challenging and costly when the owner needs to possess a title. This also poses security issues for the shipping company and the car owner. It’s crucial to ship luxurious cars with a title if you lack other compensatory documents.
Vehicle Identification Number Is Critical
Although it is not mandatory on your part to prove the ownership of the vehicle, interestingly, it is crucial to confirm that the car is the one that is intended to be shipped to another location. The best way to fulfill this obligation is by providing the vehicle identification number, which is critical in car shipping. Each vehicle has a distinct 17-character VIN, which establishes the unique identification of each vehicle. This helps the car shipping company to make the right decision since no two cars can share a similar VIN.
When Shipping Companies Do Not Ask For a Title
Sometimes, shipping companies do not mainly require a title or registration since many people, especially business people, require shipping services for diverse reasons. Each time, it is impossible for them to produce the title of a vehicle. This is especially true when transporting junk cars for other intended reasons, such as dismantling. These vehicles may not have any documentation intact because they have been abandoned. They remain where they are, and once they are repaired, they belong to the future buyer, where there is no room to provide for a title or registration certificate.
What To Evaluate When Shipping a Car Without a Title
Consider various factors when transporting a car without a title.
Liability And Responsibility
Concerns regarding responsibility and liability can arise when transporting a vehicle without a title. Proving the rightful ownership of the car might become problematic without a title. This could lead to legal troubles and disagreements with the selected auto transport company or any other third party involved in the shipping procedure.
Only purchase motorcycles with titles. Do a firm VIN check, as a lack of title is typically a red flag that the bike was snatched or stolen before ushering in motorcycle transport.
Time And Cost Involved
The period also stretches while the involved costs can get higher. When you offer inadequate documentation to the auto transport company, it may create holds, and the transport company will charge you a higher compensation fee. They can also ask you to show insurance coverage in case of any risk during the transit.
Therefore, it is ideal to reconsider all the risks and costs beforehand when shipping your car without a title while working on alternative documents that can perfectly fit in place of a title.
Why You Need a Title to Transport Your RV
RV transportation without a title is indeed a dangerous business. In 99 percent of cases, the auto shipping company would need a title to operate your RV from one location to another. RVs along with motor homes and modular call for a special registration process that differs from that used concerning regular vehicles.
Formally, an application should be submitted that contains detailed information related to the vehicle including the VIN (vehicle identification number), manufacturer, and model to the relevant governing body. Acquiring a vehicle title is mandatory right after purchasing a new or used RV to ensure it can operate legally on public roads.
Boats Without a Title?
In some parts of the world, a boat transport company will not ask you for a title. However, the last boat certification and a bill of sale are prerequisites. In California, any sailboat longer than eight feet and every motorized boat (regardless of size) that is not documented with the U.S. Coast Guard must be registered with the DMV to move across state lines.
Finding the Right Auto Shipping Company
Before settling on any auto shipping company, it is fundamental to do thorough online research and ask your relatives and friends for references. To find a trustworthy auto shipping company, remember to collect quotes from multiple companies that allow cars to be shipped without a title. When you comprehensively understand each company’s pricing and services and legal documentation requirements, you can avoid extra hassle and get the mandated documents done on time to expedite the car shipping process.
The Bottom Line
Shipping a car without a title can indubitably pose particular challenges to car owners, but you need to consider a few things. Having all the required paperwork is paramount for a smooth shipment process. Next, it is critical to ship your vehicle from a reputable shipping company with policies that allow it to be shipped without a title without causing any legal repercussions in the other state.
Since you don’t own a title, you may need to pay extra compensation for the service. Lastly, remember that although shipping a car without a title is possible, it requires a little extra preparation and planning for the car owner.
FAQs
Q1: Can I transport a car without a title?
A1: Transporting a car without a title can pose challenges, and you may need to provide additional documents. Under some circumstances, most vehicle shipping companies allow cars to be transported without a title. If you don’t own a title, you must offer proof of ownership to transport your vehicle to another state or country.
Q2: Is it legal to transport an unregistered car?
A2: Transporting an unregistered car depends on the state you are transporting to and from. Some states may allow you to obtain temporary permits unless your vehicle can be properly registered.
Q3: What documents are needed to transport a car without a title or registration?
A3: Certain documents are needed to transport a car without a title or registration, such as a duplicate title, which can be obtained from the DMV in the state where your vehicle was last titled. You must also provide a bill of sale as proof that you are the owner of the car.
Q4: Will transport companies accept a bill of sale in place of a title?
A4: Yes, in some instances, transport companies will accept a bill of sale instead of a title. However, make sure that the company’s policies and the laws of the state where you are shipping your vehicle allow them to accept a bill of sale when owners do not have a title.
Q5: What if I lost my car title? Can I still transport my car?
A5: Yes, it is possible to transport your car if you have lost your car title, but you may need specific documents for the transportation process. You can also obtain a replacement title from the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state in place of your car title.
