What Does a Car’s Title Really Tell You? Uncover the Facts

Are you ready for a new or new-to-you vehicle? We have hundreds of vehicles in stock. Whether you want a new pickup for your job site work, a certified pre-owned SUV that has many great years left in it, or a quality used car for daily commutes, we have something for everyone at Thompson Sales.

Part of owning a vehicle is having a car title. This important document shows who owns a vehicle and other important details. Our guide to what’s on a car title explains more. 

Vehicle Information

In Missouri, a car title contains several key pieces of information for the vehicle owner from the state, according to the Department of Revenue. 

First, the title includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), a unique 17-character code that distinguishes the car from every other vehicle on the road. This number helps track the vehicle’s history and is essential in case the car, truck, or SUV is stolen or if there are disputes about who owns the vehicle. 

The title also lists the make, model, and year of the vehicle, providing basic but vital details about what kind of vehicle it is. These details would make it easier for someone to research the vehicle.  

Missouri car titles also showcase odometer readings, which help track the vehicle’s mileage. This information can protect buyers from odometer fraud, where a car’s mileage is altered to make it seem less used. 

Lien Information

Does the vehicle have an auto loan attached to it? A lien indicates a lender or financial institution has a legal claim to the vehicle until a loan is paid off. The name and possibly address of the lienholder are often included, making it clear if the car is fully owned or still under financing. 

For example, a lien might say Acme Bank, 1234 Main Ave, Anywhere, USA, 12345, with its address. The original amount owed might also be indicated. This comes in handy if a potential buyer needs to verify this information. 

Let’s say you want to sell the vehicle to a dealership like Thompson Sales. We’ll look at the car title and verify that the lienholder information is still accurate. If our team buys the vehicle, we would pay all or part of the remainder of the loan with the purchase price of the vehicle by contacting the lender. 

Once someone pays off an auto loan, they can reapply for a new title that doesn’t have the lienholder’s information on it. 

Personal Information

Additionally, the title will display the name and address of the vehicle’s current owner or owners, confirming who holds legal possession of the vehicle. If there is more than one owner, both names will be listed, and the title may specify how ownership is divided between them. 

Official State Information

The State of Missouri puts information on the title, too.

• Serial number
• Document security features to make sure the title is authentic
• Signature of the Director of Revenue
• Barcodes that the Department of Revenue can scan to verify certain information

Types of Car Titles in Missouri

Some vehicles have special car titles in Missouri that indicate certain things. 

• A salvage title indicates the vehicle has been deemed a total loss by an insurance company. 
• A rebuilt title, also noted as “prior salvage,” shows that a salvaged vehicle has been completely rebuilt. 

The point of these titles is to indicate to the buyer the condition of the vehicle they are considering. That way, you can have the information you need to make the right choice when purchasing a vehicle.

You’ll want to buy a vehicle with a clean title, meaning there are no liens, encumbrances, or salvage notes on it.

Used Vehicles for Sale in Springfield, MO

Thompson Sales is happy to help you find your dream car, truck, or SUV. All of the used vehicles for sale on our lot have clean titles. 

Contact us or call (417) 763-6811 if you have questions or want to take a test drive with our team.