Motor Vehicle Division Vehicle Titling and Registration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When you purchase a vehicle from a private seller, how many days do you typically have to transfer the title into your name?
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 10 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
Correct answer: 30 days
Most states require the new owner to transfer the vehicle title within 30 days of purchase to avoid late fees.
Question 2: What document proves you are the legal owner of a vehicle?
- Vehicle registration card
- Certificate of title (Correct answer)
- Bill of sale
- Insurance card
Correct answer: Certificate of title
The certificate of title is the legal document that establishes ownership of a vehicle.
Question 3: If a vehicle has an outstanding lien, who is typically listed on the title?
- Only the vehicle owner
- The insurance company
- Both the owner and the lienholder (Correct answer)
- Only the lienholder
Correct answer: Both the owner and the lienholder
When a vehicle is financed, both the owner's name and the lender's name appear on the title as lienholder.
Question 4: What is a 'salvage title'?
- A title issued for antique vehicles
- A title for vehicles declared a total loss by an insurer (Correct answer)
- A title for vehicles imported from another country
- A title for vehicles with expired registration
Correct answer: A title for vehicles declared a total loss by an insurer
A salvage title is issued when an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss due to damage or theft recovery.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT typically required when registering a newly purchased vehicle?
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) verification
- Smog or emissions certificate (in applicable states)
- A copy of your driving record (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A copy of your driving record
Your driving record is not required for vehicle registration; insurance, VIN verification, and emissions checks are common requirements.
Question 6: What happens to your vehicle registration if you move to a different state?
- It remains valid indefinitely
- You must re-register in the new state within the required timeframe (Correct answer)
- You only need to update your address online
- You must return your plates to the original state immediately
Correct answer: You must re-register in the new state within the required timeframe
When establishing residency in a new state, you must re-register your vehicle in that state within the legally required period, typically 30–90 days.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on a title?
- To record the vehicle's mileage history
- To uniquely identify the specific vehicle (Correct answer)
- To show the vehicle's insurance status
- To list the vehicle's registered owner
Correct answer: To uniquely identify the specific vehicle
The VIN is a unique 17-character code that specifically identifies a single vehicle and is used on all title and registration documents.
Motor Vehicle Division Vehicle Titling and Registration 2
When you purchase a vehicle from a private seller, how many days do you typically have to transfer the title into your name?