Possession of car title

[TheBDB]

I purchased a car with a loan from a credit union. I moved states. I paid off the loan. When I called the credit union to ask about the title, I was told it was an electronic title and a hard copy was sent to my former address where I didn't live anymore.

My question is, there seems to be a process to apply for a replacement title, however is it necessary to have a hard copy if I plan on trading the car in when I buy a new one? In other words, if I went to a dealership and said I wanted to trade it in, can they handle getting the title and transferring or do I need to have it in hand?

Thanks if anyone can help.

 

[MrA79]

Shouldn't need the physical title - as long as you sign everything and the lien is cleared, any dealership should be able to handle the transfer. Just make sure they don't try to charge you too much for the service

 

[satyajitmenon]

Depends. You mentioned you moved states. Not sure if the dealership in the state you're in will be able to process an electronic title transfer from your old state?

 

[EagleKeeper]

Best to have a paper copy for when you need to get rid of the vehicle.

 

[JCH13]

You should have filled out a USPS mail forward and the title should have been forwarded to you. :\

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Definitely apply for a new title right now, as in, today. You can do this through the state you moved from.

For all you know the bank is still a lienholder.