Can You Sell a Car Without a Title?
Why a buyer cannot title a car without the old title, and how to get a duplicate before you sell.
Short answer
In practice, get the title first. The buyer needs a signed title to register the car, and in many states only the owner on record can get a replacement.
What the states say
Kentucky says that if you have lost your title, you must apply for a duplicate before any change of ownership. Texas requires all recorded owners to sign. Florida lets only the owner or a lienholder apply for a duplicate.
If there is a loan
Pay it off or ask the lender, because the lienholder may be the one who has to apply for the duplicate in Florida and Texas.
If you never had a title
You cannot sign over a title you never received. Get a bonded or court-ordered title in your name first. See bought a car without a title.
Sources
Sources: Letcher County (KY) Clerk, Title information; TxDMV, Bought a vehicle with no title; TxDMV, Get a copy of your title; FLHSMV, Duplicate title procedure TL-05. Retrieved Oct 30, 2026.
Rules and fees come from the official state pages and surety pages cited on each guide; anything we calculated is labeled as an estimate. Confirm with your DMV before you buy a bond. Run the calculator for your own range.
Related guides
- Bonded Title: What It Is and How to Get One
- Bonded Title Cost: Bond Premium and DMV Fees
- Bonded Title in Texas: Steps, Forms and Cost
- Bonded Title in Florida: Steps, Forms and Cost
- Bonded Title in Georgia: Steps, Forms and Cost
- Bonded Title in California: Form REG 5057
- Bonded Title Rules by State
- Lost Car Title: How to Get a Replacement
- Bought a Car Without a Title? Your Options
- No Car Title FAQ