Can I Drive a Car if I Do Not Have the Car Title Yet?

You don't need a title to drive a car -- only to register a car.

Several circumstances enable you to drive a car without a title. Driving a car does not require a title; you need the title to register a car, unless you are applying for a new title at the time of registration.

What is a Title?

The certificate of title is the paper proof of ownership of a vehicle in the given state of residence. You'll need a title if you want to register or insure most vehicles but not just to drive.

Possible Circumstances

A person may certainly drive a car without having seen the title, as it may not be that person's car. Some states may allow you to register a car without a title and will later mail you a new title in a couple of weeks, as long as you show proof of purchase. You may also obtain a temporary driving or moving permit for up to the usual 30 days in most states without a title.

If Not to Drive, When do I Need a Title?

You will eventually need a title for your car if you plan to sell it, as full registration of the vehicle will require a title. Any transfer of ownership will also require a title, unless you are applying for a new title to replace a lost title or a title that has become "full" and thus no longer transferable because it has no more space in which to sign it over.

References

• Florida DMV: Title Info
• Georgia DMV: Title Info
• California DMV: Title Info

Resources

• California DMV: Common Title Regulations