Your title number is printed on your vehicle's certificate of title, usually in the upper right or upper left corner
The title number (also called the certificate number or document number) is a unique identifier your state assigns to your vehicle's ownership record. It appears on the physical certificate of title — the document you received when you bought the car, or that your lender holds if you financed it. Most states print it prominently near the top of the certificate, though the exact location varies by state.
If you own the car outright, you should have the certificate in a safe place at home — a file, a drawer, a safe deposit box. If you have a loan, your lender holds the original certificate and you may have a copy, or you may have received only a temporary registration document. Either way, the title number appears on whichever document you have.
The title number is not the same as your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), license plate number, or registration number. It is a separate identifier that exists only on the title document itself.
Key Takeaways
- The title number appears on your certificate of title, usually in the top corners, and is a unique identifier separate from your VIN or license plate.
- If you own the car outright, you hold the original certificate; if you have a loan, your lender holds it but you may have a copy showing the same number.
- You can request a replacement title or a certified copy from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles if you cannot locate your original.
- Some states print the title number on your registration card or temporary registration as well, so check all documents you received when you registered the vehicle.
How to locate the title number on your certificate
Open your certificate of title and look at the top of the page. Most states place the title number in one of the upper corners — right, left, or center — and label it clearly as "Certificate Number," "Title Number," "Document Number," or "Cert No." It is typically a six- to ten-digit number, though the length varies by state.
The certificate itself is usually a single page or a folded two-page document, printed on official state paper. The title number should be straightforward to spot because it is printed in a larger font than most other information on the page. If you have a copy rather than the original, the number will be the same.
Some states also print a smaller version of the title number elsewhere on the certificate — for example, at the bottom of the page or in a corner of the registration section. If you find one instance, you have found the right document.
What to do if you cannot find your certificate of title
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state (some call it the Secretary of State, Division of Motor Vehicles, or Bureau of Motor Vehicles). You will need to provide your name, address, VIN, and license plate number. The DMV can look up your vehicle record and tell you the title number over the phone, or issue you a certified copy of the title with the number printed on it.
Requesting a replacement or certified copy usually costs between $10 and $30, depending on your state, and takes one to three weeks by mail. Some states offer expedited service for an additional fee. You can often start the request online through your state's DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office.
Bring or provide your driver's license and proof of ownership — your registration card, insurance documents, or the loan paperwork from your lender all work. If the vehicle is registered to someone else (a spouse, a business, or a co-owner), you may need written permission or a power of attorney to request the title number.
Title number versus other vehicle identification numbers
The title number is distinct from your VIN, which is a 17-character code stamped on the vehicle itself and printed on your registration, insurance card, and title. The VIN identifies the physical car; the title number identifies the ownership record. You need the VIN to look up vehicle history or register the car, but you need the title number when dealing with the title document itself — for example, when transferring ownership or correcting errors on the certificate.
Your license plate number is also separate. The plate is tied to your registration (which renews annually), while the title is a permanent record of ownership that does not change unless you transfer the car to someone else or correct an error on the document.
Why you might need your title number
You will need the title number when transferring ownership to another person, correcting errors on the certificate (such as a misspelled name or wrong address), replacing a lost or damaged title, or filing a lien release if you paid off a loan. Some lenders also ask for it when you are refinancing or paying off early.
If you are selling the car privately, the buyer may ask for the title number as part of the sale agreement or to verify the vehicle record. Insurance companies and state agencies may also request it when you are updating your records or resolving a dispute.
How to protect your title document
Store your certificate of title in a safe, dry place — a home safe, a safe deposit box at a bank, or a fireproof file cabinet. Do not leave it in your car or in a place where it could be damaged by water or heat. If you have a loan, your lender holds the original, so you do not need to store it yourself, but keep any copies you received in the same find location.
If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your DMV when ready to request a replacement. A lost title can complicate a future sale or transfer, so replacing it sooner rather than later is worth the small cost and wait time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the title number the same as the VIN?
No. The VIN is a 17-character code that identifies the physical vehicle and appears on your registration, insurance card, and title. The title number is a separate identifier that appears only on the certificate of title and identifies the ownership record. You need both when dealing with vehicle ownership or registration.
Can I find my title number on my registration card?
Some states print the title number on the registration card or temporary registration document, but not all do. Check the top and bottom of your registration card first. If it is not there, you will need to look at your certificate of title or contact your DMV.
What if my lender has my title and I need the title number?
Call your lender's customer service line and ask for the title number. They have the original certificate and can provide the number when ready. You can also request a copy of the title from your lender, which will show the same number.
How long does it take to get a replacement title with the number on it?
Standard replacement titles usually take one to three weeks by mail, depending on your state. Many states offer expedited service (three to five business days) for an additional fee. Some DMV offices also issue replacement titles in person on the same day, though availability varies.
Do I need the title number to sell my car?
You will need the physical certificate of title to complete the sale, which displays the title number. The buyer may ask for the number as part of the sale agreement or to verify the vehicle record, so having it available is helpful. If you do not have the certificate, you will need to get a replacement from your DMV before you can transfer ownership.