State Title Guide Trivia

Texas

100

Who holds the Title on a Lien file in Texas? Owner or Lienholder?

Lien Holder

200

In Texas does an individual need to sign a title exactly as listed or “usual” signature?

An individual's "usual signature" with omissions or additions to the printed name is not acceptable signature on any document. Printed Name must match exactly how the face of the title reads, suffixes must be included.

Example: The usual signature for the name Joseph Donald Smith should be:

• Joseph Donald Smith

300

Do owners keep the license plates in Texas? 

Yes- License Plates belong to owner. Plates left on vehicle will be submitted to the state or destroyed for fleet vehicles. 

400

What is required to apply for a duplicate title in Texas?

„Generic Power of Attorney or TX Power of Attorney (VTR-271 - eSign accepted) for each owner on the title

„If title is in a business name: Letter of Authorization or business card is required from the signing agent.

„Copy of Photo ID from each owner on the title

„Copy of photo ID must be a valid, clear and legible copy

„If title is in a business name: photo ID is required from the signing agent

A lien release in one of the following forms:

A lien release letter on lien holder letterhead

Prescribed Form for Release of Lien VTR-266; business card is required

Lien Releases must be original (copies not accepted); notarization is not required in Texas

500

What Documents are needed in texas for a deceased owner claim?

If Joint Tenant with Right of Survivorship (JTWROS) the survivor must sign title and provide a copy of the Death Certificate.

Note: Only if the title front is branded with “Survivorship Rights” is just the Death Certificate acceptable. If not, notarized Affidavit of Heir (VTR-262) is required.

If probated, Letters of Testamentary/Administration along with the title signed by an executor are required.

Indiana

100

How would a business sign the title in Indiana?

The capacity of the individual must be stated after the signature of person signing title.   Below are examples for capacities having authority to sign on behalf of the business:  

•  Solely Owner Company or Sole Proprietorship:  sole owner or proprietor.
•  Partnership:  only one partner signature required but it is preferable if both partner sign.  
•  Corporation:  president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, any manager. 
•  Limited Liability Companies:  member

If signer signs as agent, no documentation is required; however, if agent is not signed, then one of the three listed below will be required. 

• Letter of Authorization
• Business Card

 OR

• A copy of the Business listing from the State Entity website, signer must be listed as an authorized person.

200

Does Indiana accept E-signature POA? 

No

Power of Attorney Requirements:

• Must be notarized
• Copies are acceptable
• Must include the vehicle year, make, and VIN
• The document must be stamped with a notarial seal

300

What documents are needed for a paper Repossession in indiana?

Affidavit of Repossession 39738

Original Title - Lienholder does not sign as seller. Title left unsigned

Copy of Loan Contract

Lien is NOT released

„POA from Lienholder and Federal ID number

„Odometer Statement from lienholder

400

What are the Lien Release Requirements in Indiana? 

Liens must be released on the Original Certificate of Title by proper signature or by a separate “Release Document” on lien holder’s letterhead with signature referencing year, make, model and VIN.

• Lien releases in Indiana do not require notarization and copies are acceptable.

Please Note: Indiana is not an E-Lien state.

State Liens: They will not send us a lien release would need to send a generic lien release so that they can sign it as send it back 

• Dept of Revenue - 317.234.5700
• Child Support - [e-mail]

500

What are the requirements for Owner Retain for a Lien File in Indiana? 

Docs Required for Lien files:

7 years old or newer:

• Original lien free Title from Lienholder
• Release of Lien (if applicable) 
• Power of Attorney
• Completed Salvage Certificate
• Letter of Guarantee (If applicable) 
• Hold Harmless when the owner is upside down on the loan.   

 8 years and older: 

• DMV Print Screen free of Liens 
• Owner can retain clear title on 8 years and older. (Must verify ownership)    

North Carolina

100

Does North Carolina allow E-Signature for Power of Attorneys? 

Bonus- Does NC offer E-Signature for the NC-MVR-4C Owner Retain Form? 

Yes- E-signature allowed on NC generic POA's. 

Bonus Question Answer-

Yes- The NC Title Center will send MVR-4C notice to the State when they receive both Electronic and Wet signatures 

200

Are ATVs and Snowmobiles titled in North Carolina? 

NO

300

What are the Lien Release Instructions for North Carolina? 

• Lien released on front of the title requires signature and title.
• If lien is not released on title face, original notarized letterhead, referencing VIN and releasing interest on vehicle required. 
  • NOTE: ALL owners must be listed on lien release, per DMV. 
• If LH is out of business or unresponsive you can send 2 certified letters to address on Title 15 days apart and send certified receipts and copies of letters to branch. Lien removed through state with proper documentation and notification.

400

What are the requirements for a paper repossession in North Carolina? 

Repossessed vehicles can come from either an insurance claim or directly from a lienholder.  

To release payment:

• Vehicle must be checked-in with images, must verify VIN number matches workorder/DMV print screen. 
• Need copies of the LOG/COT/Repo Affidavit or LOG/COT in the Lienholders name. 

 

Documents needed to process application.

• Copy of Signed Affidavit of Repossession - (MVR-3) from the Lienholder.
• Original Signed Affidavit of Repossession - (MVR-3) from the Lienholder.
• Original unsigned Title (in current Owner’s name) from the Lien Holder.
• Lienholder is NOT required to release the lien electronically or on the Title.  
• Owner documents are NOT required.

500

What are the requirements for a deceased owner in North Carolina? 

• When the estate does not require probate, transfer may be accomplished by furnishing:
  1. Release from Next of Kin (Form 317) (Owner must obtain the form from the NCDMV) 
  2. Properly signed title by appointed next of kin
• Estates requiring probate must furnish:
  1. Letters of Administration, or
  2. Letters of Testamentary (court documents must be original)
  3. Properly signed title by executor (title must be original with original seal)
• If the vehicle is registered, Joint Right of Survivorship requires:
  1. Copy of Death certificate 
  2. Properly signed Title by survivor.

Michigan

100

Who holds the title in Michigan-Owner or Lien Holder? 

Owner 

*Unless it is an E-Title, in that case the title is printed and sent to owner once Lien is paid off. 

200

Do all owners listed on the title have to sign title? 

Yes-

If more than one owner is listed on the title the manner in which they are listed will determine who needs to sign the title in order to transfer ownership.

• If the owner names on the title are separated by the word “AND”, each owner named must sign as seller on title or power of attorney exactly as that owner is named on title. All owner signatures are required.

300

What are the branding requirements for owner retain in Michigan?

6 model years and newer requires salvage title.

5%-90% and more title will be branded salvage.

91% or more title will be branded Scrap (not drivable)

Title applied for is in the owner's name.

Branding: if the vehicle does not meet branding criteria the Title can remain Clear. Copy of Title / DMV print screen is all that is required.

400

What Documents are needed from owner for a non-lien owner retain in Michigan?

Original signed Title free of Liens

Or a Lien Release Letter

 Signed TR-12 Application from Title Owner

500

What documents are needed to obtain a duplicate title for owner in Michigan? 

To obtain a duplicate title in Michigan regardless of vehicle age or title type, the Electronic Title must print before a duplicate title can be ordered. 

• 1 copy of the Appointment of Agent (TR-128) signed by all owners listed on the Title. 
• REQUIRED: Copy of the front and back of the driver license for all owners.
  • Address's must match on the ID provided and the Appointment of Agent. (Owner and CoOwner) 
  • Include Letter in the packet to the Owner(s): Copy of ID Notice - Front and Back
• Odometer Disclosure for 11yrs and newer. (Ex: 2011 will not be exempt until Jan 1, 2031) 
• Lien Release Letter if applicable
  • If an electronic Lien and/or Title must be released electronically. 
  • Must include owner names, year, make, model, and VIN and indicate the lien was paid in full on company letterhead.

California

100

Does California allow E-Signatures on Secured POA?

Yes, but provider must be approved by DMV to use

200

Can the CA-101 (Affidavit of Correction) be used to correct odometer errors? 

The Affidavit of Correction (REG 101) may be used to correct most errors, including but not limited to scratch-outs, use of white-out, and misspellings. However, it cannot be used to correct odometer errors.

300

Can we process a non-perfected title in California? 

Yes- 

Non-Perfected Titles: The REG262 can be used to perfect the Title to the current owner's name: The previous owner (signs as the Seller) to the current owner (signs as the buyer). "Wet" sign only. REG 262 Ground Instructions. 

REG-262 is a Multifunction form:

Section 4: Seller's Section

• The release of interest and ODO disclosure is covered with the listed owner(s) signature. 

 Section 5: Power of Attorney

• IAA does not sign by Power of Attorney.
• IAA will stamp the Title "See REG 262"

400

Does the owner keep the license plates in California? 

California law provides the owner of the salvage vehicle refund of the prorated VLF. License plates: Stay with the vehicle not the owner: Exception: personalized or disabled plates and fleet vehicles. 

• Branch does not sell vehicles with license plates attached unless sold on Clear Title.

Document Name: 

• Application for Vehicle License Fee Refund -Total Loss
• Application for Vehicle License Fee Refund - Unrecovered Theft

500

What are the steps for Alternate Disposal on a paid claim in California? 

Claim Paid – Alternate Disposal

• If title not obtained within 15 days after total loss settlement, submit REG 492 for Salvage/Non-Repairable.
• Applies to all vehicle ages and ELT or paper titles.
• One written attempt required to obtain ownership docs (mail, certified, commercial delivery, or email).
• If lienholder exists:
  • Lienholder = Business Receiving Settlement (REG 492 §2).
  • Acceptance date must be ≥15 days before application.
• REG 488C + REG 492 only (Do not submit REG 227).