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Related Questions from DMV Answers

• Do I need smog certification to complete a title transfer?

  • Title > Title Transfer

  Some states require that the car’s owner provide a smog check or emissions certificate prior to the title transfer, while others make it the buyer’s responsibility to get a smog check, if a smog check is required in the state. Certain states only have smog requirements in higher-population counties. Check with your state’s motor vehicle agency for specifics...

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• How do I title a vehicle in my name after I pay off the car loan?

  • Title > Title Transfer

  If you’re like the majority of American drivers, you used an auto loan to purchase your vehicle. Until the loan is paid off, the lien holder maintains the car title. This is because the lien holder has the legal right to repossess the vehicle if you fail to make your payments on time. Once you’ve paid off the car loan, the lien holder will notify your state DMV office. There may be a bit of a delay, since the lien holder will want to make sure there are no problems with your final payment before starting the title transfer process. However, if it takes more than a month for the lien holder to contact the DMV, you will want to make sure the lien holder isn’t trying any unsavory business practices. In the past, some drivers have found that the lien holder will try to keep..

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• How do I replace a lost title or a damaged car title in AL?

  • Title > Lost Title

  How to Apply for a Duplicate Title in Alabama A title is needed to provide proof that you are the legal owner of a vehicle. Without the title, you can't sell your car, complete a title transfer, or process a vehicle registration. Even if you have a bill of sale, you still need to have a valid certificate of title. Therefore, it's important to make sure you replace a lost title as soon as possible. You can receive a duplicate title by contacting the Alabama Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division (not the DPS, which handles driver license transactions) to complete a short application or download the necessary form through the AL MVD website. Only the recorded owner or lienholder can request a replacement car title. In addition, please keep in mind that you will not be allowed to add..

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• I paid off my loan but the lien holder has not released the title, what can I do?

  • Title > Title Transfer

  Contact the lender and ask that they take action to release the title because you have paid off the loan. Be ready with proof, such as the bank’s own “Paid in Full” note, or bank statements with payment history. When you pay off your car loan, your lender, or lien holder, is supposed to release the lien. At this point, you can enact a title transfer at the motor vehicle office, so that the title will be in your name only. Now, let’s say the lender, for whatever reason, never gets around to releasing the lien, and you only find out about the oversight much later. Now you can’t contact the lender because the bank failed and there’s no proof that you own your car. What to do? There is another option. Contact the FDIC, or Federal Deposit Insurance..

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• If a family member gives me a car, do I need a gift form to transfer ownership?

  • Buying and Selling > Car Donation and Gifts

  It depends on your state. Check the grid below. Some states waive taxes for recipients of gifts, whether or not the relationship between the giver and receiver is a family one, and oftentimes these states require a gift form or affidavit to verify that the title transfer is a gift transaction. Keep in mind that if your state doesn’t list a gift form it doesn’t mean the recipient isn’t eligible for tax exemption or that there aren’t other special instructions in place for family or gift transfers. Be sure to contact your motor vehicle agency for more information about special instructions, as well as to find out about any tax deduction you can take advantage of if the gift counts as a car donation...

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