The short answer is it depends – in some cases yes and others no. Assuming you own the vehicle free and clear and have a lien free title you should be able to get a title loan. The reason for not registering the vehicle will help determine whether or not you can get a title loan without registering the car.
Reasons for not Having the Vehicle Registered
There are several reasons for not registering a vehicle. The reason for not registering the vehicle you want to get a title loan with will define whether or not you will be able to proceed with the loan. Some common reasons for having a vehicle without registration include:
- Recently moved – not registered at new address yet
- Vehicle does not drive – no intention of registering
- Part of a collection
- Not capable of driving
- In storage
- Recently purchased – temporary registration
Registering the Vehicle
In examples one and three above the intent is to register the vehicle in whatever state the owner lives in. If this is the case, then yes, you can get a title loan without the registration. The lender may require this as part of the loan – many lenders can help file the required paperwork for registering the vehicle in your state.
In the second example the owner does not drive the vehicle and there is no intention to register the vehicle. This can apply to a wide range of cars, from those in a collection to other classic cars that have value but do not drive. In these cases it may be a bit mor difficult to get a title loan, but it is still possible assuming you have a lien free title.
Getting a Title Loan without Registration
There are two ways to move forward with getting a title loan without registration:
- Completely Online
- In-Person
For the in-person option, this may be difficult for vehicles that are not driven and have no temporary registration. In some states the lender will come to your location, or, if it made sense, you could have the vehicle towed to the lender for an inspection. This will not be feasible for the majority of situations.
If this is not feasible then you will require a completely online title loan with no inspection and no store visit. These loans are becoming more common and easier to find. It is important to properly prepare for the loan and have a valid the reason for not registering the vehicle.
Summary
Can you get a title loan without the car being registered? Yes, as long as the reason for not registering the vehicle is valid. The vehicle’s value secures the title loan. This value exists in vehicles regardless of whether or not they are registered or are temporarily registered.
Additional Questions
Getting a title loan without the vehicle present is common. With many online title loans there is no physical inspection or store visit, so you do not show the car to the lender. Instead you provide pictures of the vehicle to verify is condition and mileage.
Similar to title loans without registration; the reason for not having the title matters. It will define whether or not you can get a title loan without the car title.
The ability to get a title loan with the check engine light on depends on the year, make, and model of the vehicle as well as the reason for the check engine light. For later model vehicles still under warranty yes you can get a title loan with the check engine light on. For older vehicles, it depends on the value of the vehicle and the reason the light is on.