Car Title Errors — How to Correct a Vehicle Title
A name misspelling, VIN mistake, or missing lienholder on your title can block a sale. Here is how to get a corrected title in every state before you list your vehicle.
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Correct the Title Before You List
Title errors discovered during a sale delay closings, kill deals, and expose you to fraud accusations. A corrected title costs far less than a failed transaction.
5 Most Common Car Title Errors
Misspelled Owner Name
Cause: Clerical error at the DMV or dealer when the title was originally issued.
Fix: Submit a title correction application with a government-issued ID showing the correct name spelling.
Risk: High — a name mismatch can block a sale. Buyers and lenders will flag any discrepancy.
Incorrect VIN
Cause: Transposed digits when the title was typed. Common with hand-keyed applications.
Fix: A physical VIN inspection by a DMV inspector or law enforcement officer is required in most states before a corrected title is issued.
Risk: Critical — a VIN mismatch is a red flag for buyers and can delay registration in the new state.
Wrong Year, Make, or Model
Cause: Data entry error during original title application, often from a misread window sticker.
Fix: Submit a correction application with the original title, a photo of the VIN plate, and the vehicle registration.
Risk: Medium to high — insurers and lenders cross-reference these fields.
Lienholder Not Listed or Incorrect
Cause: Lender merger, loan transfer, or data entry error at origination.
Fix: The lienholder typically submits the correction. Contact your lender directly to initiate the process.
Risk: High — a title showing the wrong lienholder cannot be transferred cleanly until corrected.
Missing Odometer Disclosure
Cause: Federal law requires odometer disclosure on vehicles under 10 years old. Older forms did not always capture this.
Fix: Most states allow a supplemental odometer disclosure affidavit to accompany the title at transfer.
Risk: Medium — required for transfer but usually fixable with an affidavit rather than a corrected title.
Title Correction Forms and Fees by State
| State | Correction Form | Title Fee | Bonded Title Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | REG 227 | $24 | Yes |
| Texas | Form 130-U | $28-$33 | Yes |
| Florida | HSMV 82040 | $75.25 | Yes |
| New York | MV-82 | $50 | Yes |
| Illinois | VSD 190 | $95 | Yes |
| Ohio | BMV 3774 | $15-$25 | Yes |
All 50 States — Title Error Correction Guides
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingPuerto Rico
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a car with a title error?
You can attempt a sale, but most buyers, lenders, and title companies will refuse to close with a known error on the title. It is strongly recommended to correct the title before listing the vehicle.
How long does a title correction take?
Processing time varies by state. Some states issue corrected titles at a field office same-day; others take 4 to 8 weeks by mail. VIN corrections typically take longer because a physical inspection is required.
What is a bonded title?
A bonded title is issued when there is a problem with the title chain — missing, defective, or unknown owner. The applicant purchases a surety bond equal to 1.5× the vehicle value, which protects against future ownership claims. After a holding period (typically 3 years), a clear title is issued.
Do I need the original title to get a correction?
Usually yes — the original title is surrendered with the correction application. If the title is lost, apply for a duplicate first, then submit the correction. Some states allow both steps simultaneously.
What if the seller made an error when signing the title over to me?
A seller signing error (wrong name, incomplete signature, or incorrect date) can sometimes be corrected with a notarized affidavit of correction. In other cases you must obtain a new title. Contact your state DMV for the specific remedy.
Is a name error on the title a red flag for buyers?
Yes. A name mismatch between the title and the seller's ID is one of the most common fraud indicators. Most experienced buyers will walk away or insist the title be corrected before completing the purchase.
Ready to Transfer?
Once your title is corrected, generate a state-specific bill of sale to complete the sale.
Get Your Bill of Sale