Shipping a Car Without a Title

Will the Car Transporter Pick Up the Car Without a TItle?

Yes, absolutely. Title does not have anything do with with transport. When you sign contract to ship a car, you are certifying that you are allowed to ship the vehicle which is to be moved. You certify whether the vehicle is yours or not, that you can ship it.

The carrier company, regardless if it's open or enclosed, will simply look to speak to whomever is in the pick up and delivery contacts and will not check if the shipper is the owner.

Are There Times a Title Is Needed?

Yes, it is possible to ship a car without a title, but there are specific requirements and restrictions involved in certain kinds of shipping, like Puerto Rico or Canada because the port will need it.

What if I'm Buying or Selling a Car?

If you are buying or selling a vehicle, the auto shipper does not need a copy of the title. That is part of buying a car and when the transaction is completed, having it shipped. For the title to arrive safely, it is highly recommended the seller express mail the title separately to the vehicle so it does not get damaged or misplaced.

Why Might a Car Lack a Title?

Here are common reasons a vehicle might not have a title:

  1. Junk Vehicle: Some salvage cars don’t meet the titling requirements in certain states.
  2. Older Models: In some states, vehicles over 25 years old may not require a title.
  3. Imported Vehicle: Imported cars might lack a title if the titling process hasn’t been completed.
  4. Auction Purchases: Cars bought at auctions may lack titles if the auction house didn’t obtain them.
  5. Lost or Destroyed Title: Owners may not have secured a replacement after losing the original title.
Carl Rodriguez
Auto Shipping Expert Staff at 

Carl brings over a decade of proven expertise in the auto shipping industry, with hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of the business since 2014. From dispatching and sales to customer service and operations, he has built a 360° understanding of how vehicle transport truly works.

As the driving force behind NX Automotive Transport’s website, Carl is both the author and strategist behind the educational content and guides that thousands of customers rely on to make informed shipping decisions. His mission is to raise the standard of honesty and transparency in auto transport, not only by leading NX’s content and customer education, but also by mentoring and training others in the industry.

Carl’s unmatched depth of knowledge, combined with his dedication to fair and straightforward practices, makes him one of the most trusted voices in auto transport today.

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